At College MatchPoint, we believe the most valuable breaks are balanced. Students should rest and recharge while also using part of the time to take small, meaningful steps forward. Here are six ways students can make this winter break both restorative and productive.

1. Rest and Reflect

The most important starting point is rest. After months of early mornings and packed schedules, students need time to recover. Sleep in, spend time with family, and unplug from constant activity. Rest restores creativity, motivation, and focus.

Once rested, use quiet moments to reflect. What went well this semester? What was stressful? What would you like to change?

Writing these thoughts down or talking them through with a mentor helps students set healthy goals for the new year.

2. Volunteer in Your Community

Giving back during winter break builds empathy and confidence. It also strengthens a student’s sense of purpose. Community service does not need to be elaborate. The goal is to help others while learning more about personal interests.

Ideas to consider:

• Volunteer at a food pantry, animal shelter, or senior center.
• Help a local nonprofit organize donations or social media posts.
• Participate in a park cleanup or community garden project.
• Tutor younger students or teach a skill to someone else.

After volunteering, take a few minutes to reflect on what you learned. What did you enjoy? What challenged you? These insights can guide future choices and even shape a college essay down the road.

3. Do an Informational Interview

An informational interview is one of the most valuable activities a student can do over winter break. It is simply a conversation with an adult who works in a career that interests you. It gives students real-world insight that classes or online research cannot provide.

Steps to get started:

1. Choose a field or job that sparks curiosity.
2. Ask a parent, teacher, or counselor to help connect you with someone in that area.
3. Reach out by email or text to request a short conversation.
4. Prepare five to seven questions, such as “What do you enjoy most about your work?” or “What skills are most important in your field?”
5. Take notes and thank the person afterward.

These conversations help students explore possible majors and careers while practicing professional communication skills.

4. Job Shadow for a Day

Job shadowing allows students to see a typical day in a profession. It can confirm an existing interest or open the door to something new. Spending even a few hours observing someone at work can spark meaningful ideas about future paths.

How to plan it:

• Identify a career that sounds interesting.
• Ask family friends or teachers if they know someone who could host you.
• Observe quietly, take notes, and notice what kind of work environment you enjoy.
• Follow up with a short thank-you message afterward.

This type of experience often leads to summer internships, mentorships, or new activities to explore in school.

5. Prepare for Spring and Summer Opportunities

Winter break is the ideal time to organize what comes next. Planning ahead makes the spring semester feel lighter and keeps students from missing deadlines for summer programs or internships.

Action steps:

• Update your résumé with recent activities and accomplishments.
• Create a simple folder for college and scholarship materials.
• Research summer programs or local internships that align with your interests.
• Add important dates for testing and applications to your calendar.

Students who plan ahead start the new year calm, confident, and ready to take advantage of opportunities.

6. Strengthen Academic and Personal Skills

With fewer school obligations, students can dedicate focused time to learning or creative growth. This might mean reviewing class material, reading for pleasure, or experimenting with a new skill.

Ideas for growth:

• Read one challenging book in a topic that interests you.
• Spend a few hours preparing for the SAT, ACT, or AP exams.
• Watch documentaries, listen to podcasts, or complete a free online course.
• Try a new creative pursuit such as photography, coding, or writing.

The goal is not perfection but curiosity. These short bursts of learning help students discover what excites them and remind them that learning can be joyful.

What to Focus on by Grade

• Freshmen (9th Grade): Try new things. Volunteer in different settings, interview someone with an interesting job, and start to notice what captures your attention. Keep a short list of what you might want to pursue further next year.
• Sophomores (10th Grade): Begin narrowing your interests. Choose one area to deepen, such as a volunteer project or a subject you enjoy. Arrange an informational interview or short job shadow to explore possible majors or careers.
• Juniors (11th Grade): Use the break to focus on next steps. Prepare for spring testing, refresh your résumé, and line up summer opportunities. This is also the time to connect your activities to potential college majors.
• Seniors (12th Grade): Complete any remaining college applications and scholarship materials, then take a break. Spend time with family and celebrate how far you have come.

A balanced winter break combines rest, reflection, and small steps forward. Choose two or three of these activities that fit naturally into your schedule. For example, spend one morning volunteering, one afternoon shadowing a professional, and one evening updating your résumé.

By the time school starts again, you will have recharged your energy, built new connections, and taken meaningful action toward your goals.