What to Do Over Winter Break: A Smart College Planning Checklist for Juniors

Dec 1

Winter break is not only the perfect time to rest and reset, but also, a valuable window to take a few small, strategic steps that will make the rest of junior year smoother.

At Wagner Prep, we work with families every day to reduce stress and build smart timelines. Whether your student is already working with a tutor or just starting to think about college, winter break offers the breathing room to reflect, plan ahead, and feel more in control.

Here’s how juniors can use this time wisely without sacrificing relaxation.

1. Reflect on their GPA

Junior year grades play a major role in college admissions. For most students, this is the last full year colleges will see before applications are submitted. Even small improvements now can significantly change how an application is viewed.

If your student’s fall grades weren’t what they hoped for, winter break is the perfect time to reset. A strong second semester shows colleges resilience, focus, and academic maturity — all traits that admissions officers value.

Questions to ask:

Are there any subjects where extra support could boost understanding and grades?
What feedback have teachers offered, and how can your student act on it?
Are they challenging themselves appropriately with AP or honors courses?

At Wagner Prep, our one-on-one tutoring helps students strengthen study habits, close skill gaps, and build consistency. It’s not too late to turn things around and create an upward trend that makes a real impact on college applications.

2. Make an SAT or ACT Plan

Winter break is the perfect time to stop wondering when to take the SAT or ACT and start mapping out a real timeline.

Encourage your student to:

Decide which test they’ll take (if they haven’t already)
Choose a first test date (we recommend March or April for most juniors)
Add 2–3 potential test dates to the calendar
Begin weekly prep or register for a prep course

Having a plan in place reduces stress and builds momentum.
At Wagner Prep, we offer 1:1 tutoring and a focused course to help students prepare for the March test and stay on track this spring.

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3. Start Researching Colleges

Your student doesn’t need to know exactly where they want to apply, but winter break is a great time to begin exploring options.

Over winter break, sit down together and talk about:

College size preferences (small, medium, or large)
Location (city, suburban, or rural)
Academic interests or potential majors
Dream schools and realistic options
Financial considerations and scholarship potential

Even a short list of 5–10 schools to research helps guide future campus visits, testing timelines, and course selections for senior year.

A great resource for early exploration is BigFuture by the College Board, which allows students to compare colleges by cost, size, programs, and selectivity.

4. Plan a College Visit for February or April Break

Winter break is a great time to start thinking ahead to campus visits, but February and April school breaks are often the ideal moments to go. Students are on campus during those months, which gives juniors a much more accurate feel for campus energy, student life, and academic culture.

If you are planning ahead, consider visiting a mix of different school types so your student can begin to understand what environment feels right for them:

A large public university
A medium-sized college
A smaller liberal arts school

Experiencing different settings and student communities helps juniors clarify what matters most to them. And if travel is not possible, virtual tours and online info sessions are still a helpful way to begin exploring schools.

5. Start Researching Summer Plans

Summer might feel far away, but competitive programs and internships often open applications early and fill up quickly.

This is one of the most formative summers of high school. It’s worth making sure your student’s plans help them move closer to college, both academically and personally.

A meaningful summer experience can deepen learning, build confidence, and provide great material for future college essays. Encourage your student to explore:

Pre-college academic programs
Local internships or job shadowing
Volunteer work tied to a student’s passion
Research or enrichment opportunities in STEM, business, arts, or the humanities

Even informal experiences that reflect curiosity and initiative can strengthen a student’s application later on.

Our college advising team can help your student brainstorm options and navigate any applications or program requirements.

Ready for a Strong Spring?

At Wagner Prep, we help juniors move from overwhelmed to on track with custom timelines, one-on-one tutoring, and experienced college advising.

We’re here whether your student needs help with test prep, improving their grades, or getting started shaping their college application.

Michael Wagner https://wagnerprep.com