Don’t Waste Spring Break. Here’s What to Do Instead.

Real advice for high-achieving students—broken down by grade.

April 01, 2025

Dear Scholars,

Spring break isn't just a time to relax—it's a golden opportunity to get ahead, explore passions, and invest in your future. Whether you're a freshman just starting out or a senior on the brink of graduation, there’s something meaningful you can do this break. We’ve curated tailored suggestions for each grade level below. Let’s dive in!

🌱 FRESHMEN – Start Exploring

Focus Areas: Exploration, Skill-Building, and Early Involvement

What You Can Do:

  • Passion Projects: Start a blog, mini research project, or personal website.

  • Skill Building: Learn Python, Canva design, video editing, or public speaking through platforms like Khan Academy, Coursera, or Skillshare.

  • Competitions to Try: National History Day, Scholastic Art & Writing Awards (start prepping early!).

  • Volunteering: Explore virtual volunteering on VolunteerMatch or DoSomething.org.

🔍 Tip: Keep a “Passion Tracker” doc—log everything you explore to start building your extracurricular story.

🌿 SOPHOMORES – Build Your Foundation

Focus Areas: Gaining Depth, Leadership Exposure, and Resume-Building

What You Can Do:

  • Apply for Spring/Summer Programs: Look into Yale Young Global Scholars, Girls Who Code, or The Knowledge Society (TKS).

  • Job Shadow or Interview Professionals: Reach out to family, friends, or alumni and ask to shadow or chat over Zoom.

  • Competitions: Try DECA, Science Olympiad, or a creative writing contest—great for skill sharpening and confidence.

🗣️ Tip: Practice emailing professionals. Try 3-5 cold emails to people in fields you admire.

🌺 JUNIORS – Game Time for College & Research

Focus Areas: College Prep, Research, Leadership, Internships

What You Can Do:

  • Research: Cold email professors for summer opportunities (check out our Cold Connect tool coming soon!).

  • Start College Essays: It’s never too early. Brainstorm or outline your Common App.

  • ACT/SAT Final Push: Use Khan Academy or UWorld for targeted prep.

  • Competitions/Conferences: Apply to the National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y), Bank of America Student Leaders, or research contests like Regeneron STS or JSHS.

💡 Tip: Start curating a College Brag Sheet. Keep track of achievements, awards, and projects—it’ll save time later!

🌸 SENIORS – Finish Strong & Prepare for the Next Chapter

Focus Areas: Transitioning to College, Giving Back, Career Exploration

What You Can Do:

  • Mini Internships/Remote Projects: Platforms like Forage or Internship.supply offer short virtual experiences.

  • Scholarships: Use Bold.org, Going Merry, or [Path Bound’s scholarship database] to apply for niche opportunities.

  • Financial Literacy: Learn budgeting and investing basics—check out Khan Academy's finance course.

  • Create a Legacy Project: Host a free tutoring workshop, start a community drive, or mentor younger students.

🎓 Tip: Write a letter to your future college self. Seal it and open it the summer before college begins.

✨ NO MATTER YOUR GRADE:
Use this break to try something unusual, ambitious, or deeply personal—even if no one else is doing it. You’re building not just a resume, but a story.

Need help finding specific opportunities?
Visit Path Bound’s Opportunity Directory or reach out for a 1:1 brainstorm session!

Stay curious,
The Path Bound Team
www.pathbound.org 

🧠 About Path Bound

We help high school students create smarter, personalized strategies for college applications — with tools, feedback, and opportunities they actually need.
Website: www.pathbound.org
Instagram: @path_bound