Winter Break: Relax and Regroup, but Stay on Track

Parents of High School Seniors...give yourself a pat on the back! By now, you and your student have likely navigated the college application process, endured testing, and overcome “Senior-itis”. Some students may already have their college plans finalized. For those who haven't, winter break offers a valuable opportunity to both unwind and make progress on important college preparation tasks.

For students submitting applications in January and thereafter:

• Students should review their tracker and identify those early January deadlines. Map out essay prompts and other requirements. 

• Remember that everything slows down over break - in high schools and at colleges. If a student still needs a Letter of Recommendation or a counselor report, they need to make that request before school gets out (and probably include an apology for the late request!).  

• If your student is submitting test scores for consideration, make sure they know how the school wants to receive those scores. Some allow for self-reporting but others want official reports. Make sure and order official reports now if they are needed.

• Students should plan time to work on early January deadline applications over break. Those early deadlines hit fast.

• Remember that a lot of admissions offices have reduced hours over break, so plan ahead in case your student has questions. The Common App help platforms are a great resource too.

For all students with pending applications and/or acceptances:

• Check email. Check portals. Do this at least every 2 or 3 days over break.

• If you have some down time, update your Decision Tracker with spring deadlines and next steps.

And for all students and families . . . enjoy the well-deserved down time!  Happy holidays and happy new year!