With the week of Thanksgiving around the corner, the holiday season will be here before we know it. Don’t let your student get swept away: here is what high school students need to remember as the calendar year draws to a close.

Keep on studying!

What comes right after winter vacation? MIDTERMS! (And for some school districts, first semester finals.)

It is hard to keep up the pace all the way through December, and it will be even more tempting to totally disconnect from school during the winter break. During this time, students should take time to review class notes. There is no reason to get rusty before some of the most important tests of the year.

Remember, grades are the most important facet of the college application. Keep up the great work!

Evaluate (or Reevaluate) SATs and ACTs

For sophomores and juniors who have not yet taken the SAT or ACT, winter break is an ideal time to take diagnostics to determine the best test for your student.

If you are interested in FREE diagnostics that we will grade and evaluate at no extra cost, click here to submit your request.

If your junior took the test earlier in the fall and earned the score they wanted, then no need to think about these tests any longer!

If they want to score a little bit higher, consider retaking the test. Many schools will superscore – not only the SAT, but also the ACT. Click here to view ACT superscore schools.

Think about college visits

There are some great long weekends and vacations coming up in the late winter and spring for college tours. Your students may not be in school, but college kids will be on campus!

Plan ahead. Book campus tours and information sessions sooner than later by going onto admissions office websites (They tend to fill early during high school breaks).

If you’re not sure where to visit, we offer a college list service.  Click here to contact us.