What are you doing this winter?

The holidays are a time to rest, spend time with friends and family, and prepare for the year ahead.

If you are a Canadian high school student interested in studying in the United States, the holidays are also an opportunity to begin preparing your application to a U.S. college or university. 

Not sure where to start? Check out these helpful tips about the making the most of your time this winter:

1. Holiday family gatherings can be a chance to learn from relatives about their educational and career paths. Perhaps a cousin has attended a school that interests you, or your aunt is working in a professional field you haven't considered. Family and friend networks can be great sources of information about schools, majors, and the application process.
2. If you're stuck inside due to bad weather, why not start your online search for information about colleges and univeresities? You can turn to a wealth of college and university reference materials online to begin researching options. Online college databases like CollegeBoard.com let you search among the thousands of U.S. institutions by type of school, location, academic programs, and more.
3. Once you find schools that interest you, college and university websites are a great introduction to schools' academic strengths, extracurricular activities, campus life, and admissions process. When you have an idea of your estiamted college costs, review financial aid websites to see if you are eligible for scholarships, loans, or other types of aid. Look at websites with information specifically for international students or Canadians.
4. Don't forget that many print college and university guides are not available online. Great reads include the Fiske Guide to Colleges, The Insider's Guide to Colleges, and The Hidden Ivies, which may be available at your local library or school counseling office. Though these books are written with the American student in mind, much of the information they provide is equally useful for Canadian students. You can find a list of print resources on our website.
5. If you are in your third year of high school, now is the time to begin your application process. Review our application timeline for Canadian students. Research local test sites and upcoming test dates for the SAT and ACT, and begin studying: many American high school students will take the SAT or ACT in the spring of their third year and again in the fall of their final year.
6. Remember that U.S. colleges and universities will be most interested in your third year academic marks as they review your high school transcript. Be sure to find time to recharge during the winter break so you can put forth your best effort at school in the spring.

Above all, use the holidays as a time to relax after your semester at school and spend time with those who are close to you. If you have questions about U.S. colleges or universities during the holidays, do not hesitate to contact the EducationUSA Canada Advising Center. We will respond to your message after January 6, 2014. 

Happy Holidays from EducationUSA Canada!

December snowfall creates a wintry scene at Georgetown University, Washington D.C. 
Credit: Nick Dellasanta & Georgetown University.