Spring break isn’t just about getting ahead—it’s about making intentional choices that align with your passions, interests, and future goals. Whether that means giving back to your community, exploring a new subject, or starting a project you’ve always wanted to do, this guide will help you maximize your break while still making time for rest.
The best part? Many of these opportunities can be enjoyable and fulfilling, allowing you to develop new skills while making meaningful contributions to your community and future goals. The sense of accomplishment that comes from these productive choices can empower you and keep you motivated.
But how exactly can you use spring break to impress admissions officers? Let’s dive in to learn more!
How to find volunteer opportunities over spring break
One of the best ways to maximize your spring break is through volunteer work, locally or virtually. Many organizations need extra hands during school breaks, and universities love seeing applicants who actively contribute to their communities. Volunteering isn’t just about accumulating service hours—it’s about being part of a community with shared goals. Giving back to your community allows you to make a difference and helps you develop leadership skills, empathy, and teamwork—all qualities colleges look for in prospective students.
Potential volunteer opportunities
Check your local community for the following types of volunteer organizations to get involved over spring break.
- Local nonprofits—Websites like VolunteerMatch, Idealist, or DoSomething.org list short-term volunteer opportunities.
- Food banks—Help sort and distribute food to those in need. Many food banks experience increased demand during holidays and school breaks, making your contributions especially valuable.
- Habitat restoration—Help preserve local ecosystems through reforestation, park clean-ups, and conservation efforts. These experiences can be particularly impactful if you are interested in environmental science or sustainability.
- Community clean-ups—Participate in neighborhood beautification projects such as planting gardens, painting murals, or removing litter from public spaces.
- Senior assistance—Spend time with elderly community members, offering companionship or assistance with daily tasks. Volunteering in nursing homes or senior centers can be incredibly rewarding and provide valuable life lessons.
- Tutoring—Help younger students master subjects they excel in. Mentoring others can showcase your academic strengths and passion for education, whether you tutor online or in person.
- Animal shelters—Help provide care and adoption services for rescue animals while keeping strays out of harm’s way.
- School clubs & religious groups—Many student organizations, churches, and temples organize volunteer activities over breaks.
- Hospitals & medical centers—Many hospitals allow high school students to volunteer, offering a great way to gain healthcare-related experience.
- Libraries & museums— If you enjoy education and public outreach, consider working with local institutions that need help organizing events or tutoring programs.
Why it matters:
Volunteering isn’t just about accumulating service hours—it demonstrates your commitment to making a difference. Admissions officers look for students who take initiative, collaborate effectively, and show genuine concern for others. Additionally, volunteer experiences can provide valuable material for personal statements and scholarship applications, helping you tell a compelling story about your passions and character growth. By immersing yourself in community service, you contribute positively to society and develop essential skills such as communication, problem-solving, and leadership—all of which will serve you well in college and beyond. These experiences can inspire personal growth and introspection, shaping you into a more well-rounded individual.
Academic programs & college visits
Spring break is also an excellent time to explore short-term academic programs or visit potential colleges. Engaging in pre-college programs or campus visits can help clarify your college preferences and provide memorable experiences and anecdotes to include in your applications. Taking the time to engage in educational opportunities outside of your regular coursework demonstrates intellectual curiosity and a proactive approach to learning—qualities that admissions officers highly value.
Benefits of short-term academic programs (aka “intensives”):
- Gain hands-on experience in a subject of interest, whether STEM, the humanities, business, or the arts. Many universities offer spring break workshops or online programs that allow students to explore specific academic fields.
- Work alongside like-minded peers and professors, developing connections that could benefit mentorship or recommendation letters.
- Strengthen your resume with specialized learning experiences that show your dedication to academic excellence and personal growth.
Maximizing campus visits:
- Sit in on a class to get a feel for academic life and observe professors’ teaching style.
- Speak with current students about their experiences, including what they love about the school and any challenges they have faced.
- Take a guided tour and explore campus resources such as libraries, research centers, and student organizations.
- Meet with an admissions representative to express interest in the school and ask personalized questions about the application process.
- Eat a meal in the cafeteria (or nearby restaurants) to sample your future culinary options.
Alternative academic programs (if you can’t travel)
If visiting colleges isn’t possible, consider online alternatives:
- Harvard & MIT OpenCourseWare: Take free online courses in subjects you love.
- Yale’s Summer Online Programs: Get a taste of college-level learning from home.
- Google & Microsoft Coding Bootcamps: Perfect for tech-focused students who want to add skills to their applications.
Even without travel, students can use spring break to deepen their academic interests.
Visiting colleges shows demonstrated interest, which can give you an edge in the application process. Many schools track student engagement, and trying to visit can indicate a strong commitment to their institution. If an in-person visit isn’t possible, consider taking virtual tours and attending online information sessions to learn more about your target schools.
Job shadowing & career exploration
Do you love “get ready with me” videos or “day in the life” stories?
Spring break is a prime time to explore potential career paths through job shadowing. Observing professionals in your field of interest can provide insight into different careers and help solidify your academic and professional goals tangibly. Gaining real-world experience in a workplace setting can also help you determine whether a particular career aligns with your interests and skills.
How to get started:
- Contact professionals in your community and ask if you can shadow them for a day or conduct informational interviews.
- Explore virtual job shadowing opportunities through LinkedIn, industry-specific websites, or career development platforms.
- Watch career-related content on platforms like YouTube or TikTok for insights into different professions and job responsibilities.
Key questions to ask:
- What does a typical day at your job look like?
- How did you get started in this field, and what challenges did you face?
- What skills are essential for success in this career, and how can a student begin developing them?
- What advice would you give to someone interested in pursuing this profession?
Gaining exposure to different industries can help shape your college major decision and demonstrate a proactive approach to career exploration in your applications. Admissions officers appreciate students who have a clear vision for their future and have taken steps to gain hands-on experience!
Launching an independent passion project
Have a project idea you’ve been putting off due to lack of time? Spring break is the perfect chance to start an independent initiative!
Try not to be intimidated by the word “passion”—you can also substitute the word “hobby,” “current interest,” or “curiosity.” Whether launching a podcast, coding an app, writing a research paper, or starting a nonprofit, pursuing your individual interests via a “passion project” can make your application stand out. Universities value students who take initiative and show dedication to their interests outside of the classroom.
Why passion projects matter:
- Showcases initiative, creativity, and problem-solving skills, demonstrating that you are a self-starter capable of independent work.
- Demonstrates your ability to balance responsibilities, which can be especially impressive to admissions committees.
- Provides a compelling story for college essays and scholarship applications, allowing you to highlight your interests, motivations, and personal growth.
5 steps to starting a passion project over spring break:
- Brainstorm ideas: What topic excites you? What problem do you want to solve?
- Set a clear goal: Will this be a blog, a YouTube channel, a research paper, or a social initiative?
- Create a plan: Break your project into small, daily tasks to stay on track.
- Document your journey: Keep a journal or social media updates—it makes a great story for college essays!
- Showcase your work: Publish a website, submit an article, or enter a competition.
Even a one-week project can turn into a compelling college application story!
If you need additional guidance, Empowerly’s Passion Project Program can help you bring your idea to life with expert support from start to finish. With structured mentorship, tailored feedback, and access to valuable resources, you’ll gain the tools and confidence to develop a standout project that reflects your interests and strengths. Whether you’re starting from scratch or refining an existing idea, our step-by-step guidance ensures that your passion project is meaningful and showcases your initiative, creativity, and leadership—helping you stand out in college applications and beyond.
Building out your application materials
With school schedules packed during the academic year, spring break is a great time to organize your college application materials. While you have some extra time off of studying, check in on your progress. Use this time to reflect on your strengths, identify areas for improvement, and begin crafting your application narrative.
Key reflection questions:
- What are my academic strengths and weaknesses, and how can I improve before application season?
- How can I enhance my extracurricular profile to align with my college and career goals?
- Which classes or activities have I enjoyed the most, and how do they reflect my long-term interests?
Be sure to check out our checklists for 9th grade, 10th grade, 11th grade, and 12th grade to see a curated list of recommended activities to complete as you make it through high school!
Now is the ideal time to begin drafting your statement and supplemental essays. Starting this process early will allow you to refine your writing, seek feedback, and make your essays as compelling as possible. Admissions officers value well-crafted essays that demonstrate genuine passion and self-awareness. Therefore, it’s essential to use the brainstorming phase as a reflection time and explore any angles you can improve before submitting.
Empowerly’s college admissions experts can help you create a personalized plan if you feel overwhelmed. Our team has successfully guided students to top schools like MIT, Brown, and UC Berkeley, ensuring they submit strong, polished applications. Additionally, Empowerly’s top-rated college admissions experts boost acceptance rates by 11x, with 98% of our students receiving admissions into Ivy League and top 25 schools. Book your FREE consultation today to start your journey.
Final Thoughts
Spring break shouldn’t be all work and no play—it’s about balance. Colleges want to see well-rounded students, not just overachievers. Whether you spend one afternoon volunteering, visit one college, or start one creative project, any effort will strengthen your college applications while allowing you to enjoy your well-deserved break.
By volunteering, exploring career paths, engaging in academic programs, and preparing for applications, you’ll set yourself apart as a proactive, motivated applicant ready to thrive in college and beyond.
