As the holiday season approaches, high school students and their families are likely starting to feel the excitement of upcoming time off. While this season often comes with celebrations, family gatherings, and much-needed relaxation, it’s also the perfect opportunity to ramp up your college search process. The time off from school can provide a much-needed break from the usual academic pressures, but it can also serve as an ideal time to make significant progress on your journey to finding the right college.

If you’re in the midst of applications, or just starting to think about your options, the holidays can be a key moment to focus on narrowing down choices, preparing applications, and getting organized for the next steps. Here’s how you can make the most of your holiday in your search for higher education options.

Start by Reflecting on Your College Criteria

Before diving into the overwhelming sea of brochures, websites, and campus visits, take a step back and consider what you want out of your education experience. The holidays are a great time to reflect on the following:

Academic Interests: What subjects or majors excite you the most? Are you interested in exploring a particular field of study, or do you want to keep your options open? Reflecting on your academic passions can help you target colleges that offer strong programs in your areas of interest.

Campus Culture: What kind of environment do you want to be a part of? Do you want a large university or a small liberal arts college? Are you interested in a specific geographic location, or do you prefer to keep your options broad? Consider things like the school’s social scene, student organizations, and overall vibe.

Extracurriculars: Does the college offer sports, clubs, volunteer opportunities, or other extracurricular activities you want to get involved in? College is not just about academics—it’s about finding a place where you can grow as a person.

Financial Considerations: Education can be expensive, so make sure to think about your budget. Do you need financial aid? Is the cost of tuition and living in certain areas a concern? Establishing your financial parameters early on will help narrow down your list.

Taking the time to evaluate your personal preferences and needs will make the next steps of your college selection process much more focused and efficient.

Research Colleges and Create a List

Once you’ve defined your criteria, use your holiday break to dive deep into researching colleges that meet your needs. With all the free time over the break, you can give your full attention to exploring potential schools.

Visit College Websites: Start by looking at official college websites to get a feel for what they offer. Pay attention to academic programs, campus life, and admissions requirements. Don’t just skim the site—take the time to explore and dig deeper into the specific majors and minors you’re interested in.

Look at Reviews: Look for honest feedback about campus culture, professors, and general student life.

Attend Virtual College Fairs: Many universities host virtual events, tours, and open houses, especially during the holiday season when prospective students have more time to engage. These virtual events are an easy way to get an overview of a college without leaving your home.

By dedicating some of your free time to research, you can compile a list of schools that align with your needs and values.

Prepare for College Visits (In-Person or Virtual)

College visits are one of the most valuable steps in the research process. Whether you’re visiting a school in person or participating in a virtual tour, now is the time to plan your visits.

In-Person Visits: If you’re able to visit schools over the break, make it a point to check out campuses. When visiting in person, take a tour, talk to students, and explore the area around the campus. You’ll get a real sense of what the campus feels like and whether it’s a place where you could imagine yourself spending the next four years.

Virtual Visits: If in-person visits aren’t feasible, many colleges offer detailed virtual tours. These online experiences allow you to explore the campus, listen to presentations from staff, and ask questions, all from the comfort of your home.

Plan Ahead: If you’re visiting multiple colleges, be sure to plan your itinerary ahead of time to make the most of your trip. Reach out to admissions offices to schedule tours and meetings with faculty or students if possible.

Visiting campuses will give you the information you need to determine if a school is a good fit, and the holidays are the perfect time to start making those arrangements.

Start Drafting Your Application Essays

For many students, the application essay is the most daunting part of the process. However, the break before the New Year is a great time to start drafting your essays. You’ll have more time to reflect on your experiences, research the schools you’re applying to, and write thoughtful responses.

Brainstorm Ideas: Take the time to brainstorm potential essay topics. Reflect on moments that have shaped you, lessons learned, and what you want to contribute to the college community. Your essay should offer insight into who you are beyond your grades and extracurriculars.

Write Multiple Drafts: Don’t aim for perfection on your first draft. Instead, focus on getting your ideas down, and then revisit them with a fresh perspective. Having extra time during the holidays allows you to take a break between drafts and return to your work with fresh eyes.

Get Feedback: Once you have a solid draft, share it with a trusted teacher, mentor, or family member to get feedback. Colleges want to see authenticity, so make sure your essay truly represents who you are.

Starting your essays early can take a lot of pressure off you as deadlines approach, and you’ll feel much more prepared when the time comes to submit your applications.

Organize Your Application Process

The holidays are also a great time to get organized and make sure you’re keeping track of deadlines, required documents, and other application requirements.

Create a Calendar: Make a calendar with all your application deadlines and other important dates. Keep track of when each school’s application is due, and what materials you need to submit.

Set Up a College Binder or Digital Folder: Create a system for organizing your application materials. Whether physical or digital, keeping track of your resumes, transcripts, recommendation letters, and essays will keep you on track.

Stay Ahead of Financial Aid: Many schools have specific financial aid deadlines, so don’t forget to start working on your FAFSA or scholarship applications. The holidays provide the perfect time to gather all the information you need to complete these forms.

Conclusion

The holiday season is an ideal time to make significant progress in your college decision making process. By using your time off to research schools, plan visits, draft your essays, and get organized, you’ll set yourself up for success in the New Year. The discovery process can be overwhelming, but by breaking it down into manageable steps and dedicating time during the holidays, you’ll feel confident and prepared as you approach application deadlines. Use the holiday season as an opportunity to focus on your future and take a step closer to finding the college that’s the perfect fit for you!