Things to do over Christmas Break

I hope you thoroughly enjoy whatever holiday you celebrate during this most meaningful time of year, and wish you whatever you wish yourself. I also sincerely thank each of you for reading what I write. I appreciate and often use your comments and ideas in future columns.

Over the holidays, although there is a constant stream of activities and events to participate in, you have a terrific opportunity. That opportunity is to have the time and distance away from school to think! Look at all facets of your college life and assess where you are, and where you want to be. Some areas you may just think about and not immediately take action on. Others will lend themselves to being written down and later serve as a reminder and allow for further consideration. I understand there is value in writing things down (I should do more of it), and also that written down goals have more meaning to us than unwritten ones. Questions you should ask yourself at this time include:

College Students

What did I want to accomplish this semester? Did I accomplish it? Does it bother me that I didn’t? What should I change?
How did I do this semester (academically)?
If I didn’t do as well as I should, do I know why?
What can I do to improve my academic performance? Will I do those things?
Am I in the right major? Is that a possible reason for poor performance? How would I go about finding a new one?
Should I have a job? How much should I work? Where? Does this affect my performance? How?
Are my peers/friends a positive or negative influence? Should that change? How?
If I did better this semester than in the past, what are the reasons?
Are there opportunities within my major or elsewhere I should now pursue?
Are there scholarships I could/should apply for? How do I find out?
Are there community service or leadership organizations or activities I should be involved in? How can I get involved?
What are my goals for the coming semester? Year? Beyond?

High School Students

What have I learned about the schools I’m considering? What questions do I still have?
Do I know what I’m looking for in a school? What is it?
Have I applied to all the schools I’m considering? When am I going to?
Whose opinions matter in my college decision? What do they think?
How soon will my parents submit their taxes so I can do the same with the FAFSA?
What documents do I need to complete the FAFSA? How do I find out?
What deadlines exist at my schools (scholarships, enrichment programs, honors, housing, etc.)?
Am I content with my ACT/SAT score(s) or will I re-test? When? What have I done to improve my score(s)?
What financial plans have my family and I made about paying for college?

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