The holidays are meant to bring joy, not panic. Yet for many families, Thanksgiving and winter break can feel like crunch time for college applications, scholarship deadlines, and test prep. The good news? With a little planning, students can enjoy the season and keep the process moving forward.
Here are three simple ways to reduce college stress over the holidays:

1. Make a “Before the Break” List
Encourage your student to finish any urgent tasks, like submitting Early Action applications or finalizing essays, before the holiday rush. Having a short list of priorities helps students go into family gatherings with peace of mind instead of a looming to-do list.

2. Use Downtime Wisely
Long weekends and holiday breaks can be a chance to catch up on non-urgent but important items: researching colleges, drafting scholarship essays, or taking a practice ACT. Just a couple of hours of focused work can free up the rest of the break for fun.

3. Keep Perspective
Remind your student that the process is a marathon, not a sprint. Missing one optional visit day or needing an extra draft on an essay won’t derail the big picture. Balance matters—and colleges want healthy, happy students, not burned-out ones.

Final Word
College planning doesn’t have to steal the joy of the holidays. With a little structure and balance, families can stay on track and make time for rest and connection.

At Class 101 Brookfield, we help students create realistic plans that reduce stress and increase success. If you’d like to take some of the pressure off your family, let’s connect for a free consultation.