If you are a current college student, you are probably spending the next couple of days wrapping things up at school and packing for the holiday at home.  For some, it may be the first time that you have come home since August or September when you arrived on campus and you’re probably pretty excited.  If you are a current senior in high school, you are probably looking forward to some time with family and friends, and hopefully some quality time with your college applications.

Either way, enjoy the time with family and friends, but try to leave a little room for some productivity as well.  During my college years, I found it very helpful to devote a day, or at least a good chunk of a day, to papers and projects that were due in the upcoming weeks.  While it is tempting to only spend time catching up with friends and family, you can help ease some of your end of semester stress by getting a jumpstart on a few of your larger projects.  High school juniors and seniors, it’s wise to use some time to devote to your college search and/or applications.  You have a few days that will not be spent in class or doing extra-curricular activities.  Focus your efforts for a half day or a day on your college application process and you will set yourself up nicely to complete those applications before the December holidays.  Leave some time in your holiday festivities to plan ahead and accomplish some of your upcoming tasks.  You’ll be thankful you did!

Wishing you and your family a happy and healthy Thanksgiving,
Val