Spring break is a well-earned pause from the school year, but it doesn’t have to be unproductive! Whether you’re in Grade 9 and just starting to think about post-secondary options or in Grade 12 preparing for the final stretch, here are some ways to use your break effectively while still finding time to relax.
Grade 9: Exploring Interests and Building Foundations
- Identify Executive Functioning Strengths and Challenges: Make a plan to address any potential weaknesses to improve study habits and organization.
- Establish Academic Goals: Set objectives for the remainder of the school year and start thinking about goals for next year.
- Confirm Course Selections: Ensure your selected courses align with your interests and future goals.
- Audit Extracurriculars: Reflect on current activities and consider new opportunities that might interest you.
- Read for Fun and Growth: Choose books that expand your knowledge, whether related to school subjects or just topics you find intriguing.
Grade 10: Gaining Experience and Preparing for the Future
- Identify Executive Functioning Strengths and Challenges: Develop strategies to strengthen weaker areas.
- Establish Academic Goals: Set learning targets for the remainder of this school year and begin planning for next year.
- Explore Post-Secondary Faculties and Fields of Study: Begin identifying areas of interest that align with your strengths and passions.
- Audit and Expand Extracurriculars: Consider adding a new activity over the summer to diversify your experiences.
- Plan for Summer Opportunities: Research summer programs, internships, or courses that could enhance your academic and extracurricular profile.
Grade 11: Building a Strong Application Profile
- Address Executive Functioning Challenges: Understanding your strengths and areas for improvement can help when selecting appropriate courses for the 2024-2025 school year.
- Establish Academic Goals: Set objectives for the rest of this school year and begin thinking about next year’s goals.
- Work on a Summer Plan: Research opportunities like internships, enrichment programs, or volunteer work.
- Research Post-Secondary Institutions: Move from identifying faculties/fields of study to matching them with potential post-secondary schools.
- Take Virtual or In-Person Campus Tours: Attend webinars, watch YouTube videos, or participate in faculty events at your schools of interest.
- Review Second Semester Progress: Assess academic performance and make adjustments if needed.
- Audit Extracurriculars: Check how your involvement aligns with post-secondary applications (e.g., UBC’s application requirements).
- Attend Spring Break Programming: Consider joining us for our workshops. Now is the perfect time to get ahead with our Canadian Admissions Boot Camp or Mastering the Essay Boot Camp. Check out our full workshop calendar here.
- Attend Options Solutions’ Free Webinar: “What to Expect in Grade 12” on May 15th, 2025. Register here!
Grade 12: Finalizing Plans and Preparing for the Transition
- Update Grades: Record second-term linear grades and mid-semester second-term grades.
- Research First-Year Courses and Majors: Look into major requirements, course selections, and unique program perks.
- Identify Key Values for Decision-Making: Reflect on what factors are most important when choosing a school (e.g., academic fit, campus culture, location).
- Attend Spring Campus Tours: If you haven’t visited your prospective schools yet, now is a great time.
- Finalize Summer Plans: Consider work, travel, or academic opportunities before post-secondary begins.
- Take Time to Recharge: This is an exciting but stressful time—ensure you balance preparation with relaxation.
Spring break doesn’t have to be all work and no play, but using even a portion of your time productively can set you up for success. Balance is key—plan wisely and enjoy your break!
