November is also Thanksgiving and a much needed break for students! I hope you all have the time to use the holiday week to decompress, destress, and spend quality time with one another. Although this year the holiday will look different for many of us, I am thankful to have a few days at home to rest and refocus. We can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel for this fall semester and I hope that you are feeling at least a smidge more comfortable and confident in your routines.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving break!

Freshmen

Save for college.

It’s not too late to put money aside for college. Every little bit helps! Learning about financial aid early on can also help you down the road.

Sophomore

Tour college campuses.

If possible, take advantage of vacation or other family travel time to visit colleges and see what they’re like. Even if you have no interest in attending the college you are visiting, it will help you learn what to look for in a college.

Juniors

Sign up to take the SAT® in the spring.

You can register online or through your school. SAT fee waivers are available to eligible students. To prepare for the SAT, you can access free, personalized SAT practice tools at satpractice.org, including thousands of interactive questions, video lessons, practice tests, and more.

School day SAT® for juniors is scheduled for the week of March 8. Start preparing now!

Seniors

Ask a counselor or teacher for recommendations if you need them.

Give each teacher or counselor an outline of your academic record and your extracurricular activities.

For each recommendation, provide a stamped, addressed envelope and any college forms required.

Write first drafts and ask teachers and others to read them if you’re submitting essays. If you’re applying for early decision, finish the essays for that application now.

Complete at least one college application by Thanksgiving.

Ask counselors to send your transcripts to colleges. Give counselors the proper forms at least two weeks before the colleges require them.

Give yourself enough time - don't leave it to the last minute. Despite what you may feel, studies show 'last-minute cramming' is the least effective way to study

Organize your space - minimize distractions, get comfy, make sure sure you have the space to stay tidy and organized in order to stay focused.

Take regular breaks - for long term retention of knowledge (so you don't have to cram for exams!), figure out how long you can stay focused at one time and build in brain breaks for a refresh and renewed productivity.

Snack on brain foods - stay away from junk food. Try instead nuts, yogurt, or fresh fruit as these have proven to aid concentration and memory. The day before a big exam, eat a good meal and get plenty of rest. Stay hydrated!