Finalizing Your College Applications Over Winter Break: Tips for Staying Organized

Written by Amanda, University of Pennsylvania

Winter break is a perfect opportunity to finish your college applications without the stress of school or extracurriculars adding to your plate! Whether you're working on your last applications, polishing your essays, or double-checking details, here’s a step-by-step guide to making your break productive and manageable! 

1. Create a Checklist 

Start by making a list of all the tasks you need to finish. Include items such as: ● Completing application forms for each school. 

● Making final edits to personal and supplemental essays. 

● Checking that recommendation letters have been submitted. 

● Confirming test scores and transcripts have been sent. 

Breaking these into smaller steps helps you stay organized and avoid feeling overwhelmed. For example, you might dedicate one day to essay revisions and another to double-checking application details! 

2. Set a Schedule 

Time management is key! Plan out your days to make steady progress while also enjoying your break. Here's an example: 

● Morning: Edit your essays or review a completed application. 

● Afternoon: Work on smaller tasks, such as formatting your activities list.

● Evening: Relax or ask a trusted friend or family member to review your work. 

By dividing your tasks into manageable ones, you can avoid last-minute stress and feel more in control! 

3. Review Application Details 

Take advantage of the break to thoroughly check each section of your applications! Look out for:

● Spelling and grammar mistakes. 

● Accurate personal details, like your contact info. 

● Whether you selected the correct major or program for each school. 

A simple mistake could make a big difference, so double-checking everything is worth your time! 

4. Polish Your Essays 

Your essays are a crucial part of your application, so use the extra time to refine them! Ask yourself: 

● Does this essay fully answer the prompt? 

● Does it reflect my personality and story? 

● Is my writing clear and free of errors?

You can also ask a trusted teacher, mentor, or friend to read over your essays. However, make sure they give feedback on clarity and content while keeping your unique voice intact! 

5. Follow Up on Recommendations 

If your teacher or counselor hasn’t submitted your recommendation letters yet, send them a polite reminder. For example, you could write: 

● "Hi [Teacher's Name], I hope you're having a great holiday season! I just wanted to check in to see if my recommendation letter has been submitted. Thank you again for your help!" 

Be courteous; teachers are busy too! 

6. Track Deadlines 

Make sure you know the exact deadlines for each school’s application and financial aid forms. Write them down in a planner or set reminders on your phone. Some schools have January 1st or 15th deadlines, so don't leave submissions until the last minute! 

7. Focus on Financial Aid 

Applying for financial aid is just as important as the application itself. Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and any school-specific forms. Don’t forget to check for scholarship deadlines, which might also be due soon. 

8. Prepare for Interviews 

If any of your schools require interviews, use this time to prepare. Practice common questions like: 

● “Tell me about yourself.” 

● "Why do you want to attend this school?" 

● “Describe a situation where you took a significant leadership role. What did you learn?” 

Research the college and its offerings, culture, and more so you can tailor your answers and show your enthusiasm! 

9. Get a Second Opinion 

A fresh set of eyes can help catch mistakes you may have overlooked. Ask a trusted teacher, friend, or anyone else you feel can give you helpful feedback to review your entire application, including your essays, for errors or inconsistencies. Their feedback can help you feel more confident before hitting “submit!” 

10. Take Breaks and Recharge 

Don’t forget to rest! Overworking yourself can lead to burnout and mistakes. Schedule time to relax, enjoy the holidays and spend time with family and friends. A little downtime can help you return to your applications feeling refreshed and focused!

Final Thoughts 

Winter break is the golden time to finish your college applications with less pressure and more focus. By staying organized, managing your time, and taking care of every detail, you’ll be ready to hit “submit” with confidence. Remember, the hard work you put in now can set the stage for your future success!

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