Maximizing Winter Break for High School Students
While it’s important to enjoy a break from the usual demands of school, incorporating some structure into the downtime can prove beneficial for high school students in a number of ways.
In this blog, we’ll cover three key areas students can focus on to make the most of their time away from school:
Test Prep (SAT) – Become familiar with Bluebook, identify the best tools to study independently, and benefit from in-person classes.
Subject Mastery and Review – Use intelligent flashcards, review for AP classes, and practice for IB exams.
Effective Study Habits – Improve note-taking skills, manage time efficiently, and leverage productivity tools.
Part 1: Test Prep (SAT)
Winter break is often a great opportunity for students to focus on SAT preparation. However, successful prep requires a variety of effective study tools and resources. Learn more about some of the most useful ones below.
Bluebook
No matter what study tools they end up using most, all students planning to take the SAT must download and create an account with Bluebook, a testing application from College Board.
The SAT is now computer-based, and the Bluebook app is essential for taking the exam. However, students should explore the app’s other key benefits as well.
First, Bluebook offers both untimed “test previews” and several full-length practice tests that mirror the format of the actual exam. This allows students to build comfort with important tools such as the built-in calculator, reference sheet, and question menu. (Students should be sure to use Bluebook with the device they plan on bringing to the testing center in order to make the testing experience that much more familiar.)
The app also provides detailed score reports for each full-length practice test that can be used to gauge specific strengths and weaknesses, adjust study strategies, and track long-term progress.
One caveat worth mentioning is that many students feel these practice tests are significantly easier than the test itself. In fact, when comparing their practice test scores to their official scores, some students have reported differences of up to 50 points.
Textbooks and Online Platforms
Before completing the practice tests on Bluebook, students can start by taking advantage of the wealth of third-party resources available.
Those who like using traditional textbooks as their primary study tool should take a look at ones published by The Princeton Review, Kaplan, and Barron’s.
These can serve as convenient all-in-one resources with proven strategies for each question type, detailed answer explanations to hundreds of practice questions, and multiple (unofficial) practice tests not featured on Bluebook. Many textbooks even include sample schedules students can use to help build their own SAT study timeline.
That said, textbooks are not the best fit for every student. Students who prefer more interactive online platforms can create a free account with Khan Academy. Developed in partnership with College Board, the SAT curriculum features engaging video lessons that illustrate core strategies and worked examples alongside relevant practice for each question type.
Finally, students can head to the dedicated SAT subreddit for discussion and other useful resources.
Live Instruction
In-person SAT classes and lessons allow students to learn from expert instructors who can give direct feedback, clarify nuanced strategies, and provide personalized guidance.
Tokyo Academics offers a variety of classes students can join to prepare for the SAT in a way that fits their winter break schedule best. One-day cram sessions offer a focused review of key concepts for students who are tight on time. Alternatively, intensive courses provide a more comprehensive approach over several days.
Students seeking instruction in a more customizable time frame can also sign up for 1-on-1 lessons.
Part 2: Subject Mastery and Review
Winter break also provides an excellent chance for students to revisit and strengthen their understanding of class material. Successful review, however, often depends on using the right resources. Here are just a few that students can get started with right now.
Anki
Students who need to solidify their knowledge of core terms and concepts in a subject should use an intelligent flashcard system like Anki.
Traditional, passive review methods like re-reading or highlighting are often unreliable ways to assess knowledge. That’s why Anki leverages active recall, a technique that forces learners to engage with material and retrieve information from memory.
Anki also increases the rate of learning by utilizing a spaced repetition system, which involves reviewing information at increasing intervals: newer, harder concepts are reviewed first and more frequently, while older, less challenging concepts are tested less often.
Some students may be hesitant to create their own decks on Anki because of the time investment required. Fortunately, they can get up to speed quickly by searching for pre-made flashcard decks across a huge range of subjects.
Albert and Khan Academy (AP)
Those enrolled in Advanced Placement (AP) courses can also take advantage of online platforms in order to successfully self-study for a subject over break. Albert and Khan Academy are two of the most powerful ones, with both featuring substantial resources for everything from World History to Chemistry.
One of the biggest benefits of an Albert subscription is that it includes detailed unit assessments and full-length exams aligned with AP standards. Perhaps even more useful, however, is the ability students have to search for questions using standards and tags, allowing them to create convenient targeted practice on their own. While an Albert subscription is not free, the wealth of resources they provide are more than worth what you pay.
Students who want to review using a free resource should turn to Khan Academy, which has resources for many of the most popular AP courses currently available to students. As they complete lessons, quizzes, and tests in each unit, students earn mastery points that allow them to easily track their progress in a lightly gamified way.
SaveMyExams and RevisionVillage (IB)
RevisionVillage and SaveMyExams are both online platforms that support IB students with a variety of study resources, but they each have unique features and serve different student needs.
Students wanting help with revision can turn to SaveMyExams, which features topic-specific questions, step-by-step model answers, and past paper solutions designed to target common exam challenges. Though the IB-specific resources are aligned closely with IB assessment objectives, the site as a whole accommodates a broad range of subjects in British curricula.
RevisionVillage is an equally feature-rich platform — it includes video explanations, mock exams, and topic-based revision options — but its scope is more specialized. The site caters exclusively to students in the IB program, and (while other subjects are included) focuses particularly on IB Mathematics.
Regardless of whether students are enrolled in AP classes or the IB program, they should take time to view dedicated subreddits (AP and IB). There, they can participate in student-centered discussions, collect valuable study tips, and discover additional resources.
Part 3: Effective Study Habits
Beyond preparing for upcoming standardized tests or reviewing subject material, high school students can use their winter break wisely by building effective study habits. Here are three things students can start focusing on today to set the tone for success after the break.
Note-Taking
Students in all grades should confirm what kinds of notes have worked best for them in months prior. They can do this by reviewing grades, analyzing test performance, and reflecting on what techniques have resulted in long-term comprehension.
Those who are just starting to consistently take notes should keep in mind that no matter what form notes take, all successful approaches have several things in common: they prioritize clarity by being well-structured and formatted; highlight main ideas for easy review; and are constantly updated with new questions, information, and insights. Students who haven’t taken notes before but want to get started can check out this easy-to-follow ten step guide.
Students who already have some practice with one kind of note-taking but want to begin incorporating different strategies can take a look at this blog to discover some of the most popular note-taking systems.
Time Management
Time management tools can pay dividends, too. Students can use a simple timer based on the Pomodoro Technique to allocate their study time effectively. Using this technique, students usually work for 25 minutes before taking a five minute break.
Taking short, intentional breaks between study sessions prevents fatigue and actually improves productivity: brief pauses allow students to recharge and accomplish significantly more than if they tried to work non-stop for extended periods. This is especially important during a long school break, when students should prioritize avoiding academic burnout.
Productivity Tools
Students who are well-versed in note-taking methods and managing their time effectively should consider using productivity resources as well.
Popular apps such as Todoist include basic productivity tools like kanban boards that can get students started. These customizable boards let students easily keep track of work to be done, work in progress, and work completed, which is perfect for larger projects.
Older students should also consider how to boost their productivity using more advanced tools. On Notion, for example, students can use school-centered templates to manage schedules, assignments, and notes all in one place. They can also share documents and task lists to collaborate more easily on group projects. Although tools like Notion may have a steeper learning curve, students can use winter break to start familiarizing themselves and make these tools work to their advantage.
Conclusion
Winter break isn’t just time off—it’s a chance to level up. Whether it’s structured learning, brushing up on test strategies, or setting new goals, this break is your opportunity to get ahead.
So, take on winter break with curiosity and excitement. With a little planning and focus, you can turn this downtime into a launchpad for your success next term.
What’s Next?
As winter sets in, it’s the perfect time to focus on achieving your academic goals! Our winter classes and private tutoring sessions provide the tailored support high school students need to excel in their studies. Whether you’re aiming for higher SAT scores, preparing for AP exams, or navigating the challenges of the IB curriculum, we’re here to help you stay ahead. From mastering key concepts in English and Math to acing test prep, our programs are designed to set you up for success. Explore our Group Class Portal or book a free consultation to find the perfect fit for your academic journey. Let’s make this winter break a season of progress and achievement!
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