Navigating the Holidays: College Decisions and Family Talks
The holidays can be a magical time filled with family, friends, and festive traditions. But if you’re a high school senior in the middle of the college application or decision process, it can also bring unique stress. Between managing conversations about your future, awaiting decisions, and tackling lingering tasks, it’s a lot to juggle. Here’s how you can stay on top of it all while making the most of the holiday season.
Take Time to Rest and Recharge 🌟
You’re probably excited to get a break from school, assignments, projects, and assessments. You’ve worked hard this past semester, and you’ve earned every minute of rest and relaxation.
That said, it’s important to find a balance. The college application process doesn’t pause during the holidays, so while you can (and should!) take time to unwind, don’t completely disconnect.
Evaluate Your Progress in the Process 🔍
The holidays are a great time to pause and evaluate where you stand in the college application process. Whether you’re awaiting decisions, finalizing applications, or managing early results, it’s important to stay organized and proactive.
If You’ve Submitted Applications:
Log into your application portals to confirm all required materials have been received.
Watch for updates from schools, including application status changes or requests for additional materials like mid-year transcripts.
Be patient! Many schools don’t release decisions until later in the winter or spring.
If You’re Finishing Applications:
Use your holiday break to perfect your essays and have someone you trust to review them.
Double-check all deadlines for Regular Decision, supplemental materials, and scholarships.
If You’ve Received Decisions:
Accepted ✅: Congratulations! Take time to celebrate this exciting milestone. As you start weighing your options, focus on:
Reviewing financial aid packages.
Researching admitted student events and housing deadlines.
Comparing the fit of each school based on academics, culture, and your goals.
Deferred ⏳: If you’ve been deferred, don’t lose hope! A deferral isn’t a denial—it simply means the admissions office wants to reassess your application during the Regular Decision cycle. Here’s what you can do next:
Follow Up: Many schools welcome a letter of continued interest (LOCI) where you reaffirm your enthusiasm for the school and provide updates on any significant accomplishments or changes since you applied. Be sure to follow each school’s specific guidelines for this process.
Send Updates: If allowed, submit new grades, test scores, awards, or other materials that strengthen your application.
Stay Focused: Continue to perform well in your classes—mid-year grades can make a difference.
Denied 🚫: Receiving a denial can be tough, especially during the holidays, but remember that it doesn’t define your worth or your future. Most students don’t get into every school they apply to, and what matters most is how you move forward.
Focus on Other Opportunities: Take a moment to process your feelings, but then shift your energy toward schools that have accepted you or are still considering your application.
Remember the Big Picture: College is what you make of it, and success comes from how you apply yourself—not the name of the school on your diploma.
No matter where you are in the process, know that you’ve worked hard to get here. Every outcome—whether it’s an acceptance, deferral, or denial—is a step toward finding the right fit for you. The journey to college is unique for everyone, and the best opportunities often come from paths you least expect. Trust yourself and keep moving forward!
Handle “The College Talk” Gracefully 🗣️
When you attend family gatherings this holiday season, you’ll likely face questions about your college plans. Relatives mean well and are genuinely interested in your journey, but they might not fully understand the stress of applying to college or the timeline for decisions.
How to Navigate These Conversations:
Keep It Simple: If you’ve submitted your applications, let them know you’re waiting for decisions and haven’t made any final choices yet. For example, you can say, “I’ve submitted my applications and will decide once I get my results.”
Avoid Oversharing: You don’t need to dive into every detail about where you’ve applied or your top choice if you don’t want to. It’s perfectly fine to say, “It’s too early to tell.”
Stay Focused on Your Plan 🎯: Don’t let family members influence you to submit additional applications. Remember, your college list is based on schools that fit your goals and priorities. Adding schools at this late stage can create unnecessary stress, especially with most regular decision deadlines in early January.
Set Yourself Up for Success in the New Year 🎉
While the holiday break is a time to recharge, it’s also a great opportunity to plan ahead.
Here’s What to Do:
Finalize Campus Visits: Plan trips to schools you’re seriously considering.
Complete Financial Aid Forms: If you haven’t already, fill out the FAFSA and any other required forms like the CSS Profile.
Focus on Scholarships: Use the break to research and apply for scholarships with upcoming deadlines.
Prioritize Your Well-Being 💖
It’s easy to let the stress of college decisions overshadow the joy of the holidays. Remember, no single college defines your worth or future success.
Tips for Staying Grounded:
Take Breaks from College Talk: Spend time doing what makes you happy, whether it’s baking cookies, watching holiday movies, or hanging out with friends.
Focus on the Positive: Acknowledge your hard work and celebrate how far you’ve come.
Ask for Support: If the stress feels overwhelming, reach out to a trusted adult, counselor, or friend.
A Holiday Message for You 🎁
You’ve worked incredibly hard, and you deserve a break. Use this holiday season to rest, recharge, and enjoy time with your loved ones. While it’s important to stay on top of your college applications, remember that this is your journey. Trust the process, stay organized, and know that the right opportunities will come your way.
We wish you and your family a peaceful holiday break and a happy and healthy New Year!
