Finishing Applications Over Winter Break

Finishing Applications over Winter Break

Make a List of Everything You Need to Get Done

• The first step to completing your college applications is to first evaluate what you haven’t done yet. Start with creating a list of everything you need to do for each application. 

Create a Schedule

• Once you have created a list of everything you need to and prioritized the most important tasks, create a schedule to ensure you’re able to get everything done on time. A schedule will help you keep yourself accountable for what you need to get done and when.

Limit the Number of Drafts For Each Essay

• One of the ways that students waste the most time when trying to complete their applications over winter break is trying to “perfect” their college application essays. Before you get started, set a limit on the number of drafts for each essay. 

Take a Break

• It is winter “break,” after all. Don’t let applications consume all your time. If you’re celebrating the holidays with family, take some time to put your college applications aside and join in the festivities. Spend time with your family and relax. Taking a break will actually help you to recharge and come back to your applications with a fresh mind and maybe a new perspective.

Set Aside 20 Minutes to Thoroughly Review Each Application

• Set aside a good 20-30 minutes to preview the application in its entirety to make sure all information is completed and correct, all your essays are completed and that you’ve included the correct version, and that there are no errors in your activity list, self-reported scores, etc.

Ask For Help If You Need It

• For some students, the process of completing all their college applications before the regular deadlines can be overwhelming. Maybe they started late or fell behind on their essays. Or maybe a life event prompted a reevaluation of their college list. Whatever the reason, it’s not uncommon for students to feel like there’s too much to do and not enough time.