How to Make the Most of Spring Break

Planning In Advance Is Key To Using Vacation Time to Your Advantage For many students, spring break is right around the corner. Instead of hitting snooze and Netflixing all week, make strategic decisions to ensure your vacation is simultaneously productive and relaxing. If planned properly, spring break can be an excellent opportunity for high school students to catch up on their studies, prepare for summer activities, and get a jumpstart on the college application process. Keep reading for some of our top tips to ensure you make the most of spring break and end the school year on a high note. Reflect and Set GoalsBefore vacation starts, step back to evaluate your work this semester. Review each class and make note of any upcoming project deadlines and exam dates to add to your agenda. Assess how much coursework you need to do during vacation in order to come back to school feeling confident and prepared for your classes. If there are any assignments or topics you are struggling with, it may be beneficial to set aside time to study or work with a tutor. Ask yourself how you want to utilize your time off and what you wish to accomplish during vacation. Stay Academically SharpEvery student should set aside time for recreation and relaxation, but that doesn’t mean it’s a good idea to go on full vacation mode for weeks at a time. It’s important to stay sharp academically in order ease the transition back to classes. In addition to scheduling periods to study, consider penciling in time for independent learning activities such as reading or practicing your foreign language skills with a friend or parent. Even if it’s only for a couple of hours, staying on top of your studies can actually make it easier to relax over vacation and help you stay sharp and refreshed for when classes start back up. Consider College ToursSpring break can be an excellent opportunity to visit some of the schools on your best-fit college list. Even students who are just starting high school can benefit from touring a handful of institutions, as it is an opportunity to begin to get an idea of your preferences. If you choose to go on tours during spring break, prepare in advance and attend the university’s official tour and related information session. By registering well ahead of time, the college will have a record of the student’s visit, which will help the applicant demonstrate their interest in the institution when it comes time to apply. Level Up Your StudyingIf you are preparing to take the SAT or ACT, spring break can be the perfect time to take your studying to the next level. Consider setting aside several hours each day to focus on the components of the test that are most challenging for you, and maybe taking a practice exam as well. If you are struggling to improve your scores, it may be beneficial to consider working with a tutor one-on-one to brainstorm new strategies and work on tricky concepts. Pencil In Time to UnwindDon’t forget to also schedule in some much-needed relaxation time. In order to make the most of this, prioritize leisure activities that engaging and personally rewarding, such as reading, journaling, going for a run, or catching up with friends. Spring break can also be a great chance to catch up on hobbies you might not always have time for such as arts and crafts, baking, or photography. Whether you choose to tour colleges or prioritize studying for an exam, there are a variety of spring break options that can be productive and fulfilling. If you are looking for guidance on touring, test preparation, or any other component of the college application process, our team of counselors and tutors can point you in the right direction to reach your goals.