Spring Break: Make the Most of It!

March is the time of many changes, but one thing remains the same: Spring Break. Over the next few weeks students and teachers will get a breather from school to relax and recuperate. But Spring Break doesn’t have to be a time of total rest, and in fact, spending this time off in productive ways can make you feel even better than doing nothing at all. So then, what exactly should you do over the break?

Spring Break is a time of new beginnings, and also a way to catch up on things that may have gone to the wayside. You should try to not only work on projects or assignments that didn’t get enough attention during regular school hours, but also you should spend time enriching yourself in ways that a busy life often makes difficult to do.

So, without further ado, here are some ways to make the most of your Spring Break:

1. Visit a place that is meaningful to you.

You shouldn’t necessarily do something just to add it to your college admissions application, but you should definitely think about expanding your experiences so you are a more well-rounded person. That’s why going somewhere that you find interesting can be worthwhile. Maybe you are curious about a city based on a book you read or a discussion you had in history class. Maybe there is no major connection, but you always wanted to visit. Whatever the reason, you should use this week off to broaden your horizons, to grow as an individual, not just a student.

2. Read a book that you can start and finish.

For some, one of the most relaxing things you can do is read a book. You find a nice comfy sofa or chair, stretch out your legs, and dive right in. You may not have a lot of time to do this during the school year, so why not give yourself the treat this week. There are plenty of books that are 100-200 pages that can be read if not in one sitting, then easily over a week. Need a few recommendations? Just run a quick Google search of “best novellas” and you’re bound to find something you like. Remember: one of the best ways to improve your critical thinking and analytic mind is through reading. Everyone benefits!

3. Go to museums, galleries, and other contemporary art spaces.

Another great activity you can do over Spring Break is enjoy art. Even people who don’t fancy themselves as Leonardo da Vinci's protege can appreciate the calming environment of an art museum. You get to spend some time revisiting the history you’ve learned and also make yourself a bit more cultured. Again, it’s always nice, especially during college admissions time, when students can talk about experiences that seem outside their normal routines. Spring Break is a perfect excuse to take a road trip or even a short journey to major and even smaller art museums. And that’s not all, maybe there are theatrical productions in your town. Give yourself a break from books!

4. Work on homemade experiments and projects.

Of course, not everyone wants to spend their break on art and traveling. Maybe you are more interested in science projects and creating new programs. Spring Break is a great chance to put those finishing touches on your latest app or to start tinkering on the robot in your garage. If you live in Austin, the SXSW festival is happening, so maybe you can catch one of the Interactive showcases and get inspired by the startups and business entrepreneurs presenting.

The bottom line is this: Spring Break is a great time to catch up on school work, but it is also a wonderful chance to “do you”--you know, get better acquainted with yourself and give yourself a chance to experience life in a way that’s not formulas and historical dates. There will be plenty of time for you to cram for the SAT or winnow a long research paper into the allotted word count. But why not learn one of life's lessons by simply living?

Let’s not forget, too, that if you are seeking some help on the SAT, ACT, or other tests this Spring Break, we at B2A have classes available. Sometimes people aren’t quite sure how to spend their break, so let us help you.