Perry agrees.

"When a school is trying to make decisions between students, they'll look to the student who is more well-rounded," she says. "They're looking for a student involved in leadership opportunities, someone who has spent time volunteering."

EXPLORE CAREERS

High-schoolers may not have determined their career paths or college majors, but it's good to start exploring interests. Dabney suggests that students look into career shadowing or internships over spring break.

"Do work in what you're interested in majoring in," she says. "It can help you make your decision, or it could change your mind."

Dabney says the experience can also help round out applications. She referenced a former Mansfield student who, in looking for ways to demonstrate his interest in anthropology, volunteered for a research project at a local college. The professor overseeing the project wrote the student a recommendation letter for his college applications, making him more competitive at the universities he was interested in attending.

Einstein says that from an admissions standpoint, it's great to see students looking into potential careers and exploring their interests.

"We want to see students who pursue passions with vigor," he says.

STUDY FOR STANDARDIZED TESTS

The SAT and ACT can cause great anxiety, but students can ease fears by being prepared. Sign up for a prep class over the break, or dedicate time to studying.

PREPARE APPLICATIONS

For juniors, applying for college may seem like a faraway task, but it's just around the corner. Dabney says students can get a head start on applications by exploring what's required. Perusing college websites to learn what they ask of applicants, as well as admission requirements, will give students a better idea of what they need to be doing in the coming year. Perry says students can start looking at coursework for their senior year and making decisions about AP classes and other opportunities to earn college credit.

Einstein says students can look at college websites to see if next year's essay prompts are available. It's great for students to start getting ideas for topics and researching themes they may want to explore in the essays, as application season in the fall is packed with senior activities - football games, homecoming, midterms and regular coursework.

"It's really wise for a student prior to senior year to start working on essays," he says. "It can alleviate anxiety."

ORIENTATION AND HOUSING

For seniors who have already made their decisions, spring break can be used to fill out housing applications and sign up for orientations, Yarborough says. She suggests signing up for any freshman camps available, as well as an early orientation.

"At a lot of schools, you sign up for classes at orientation," she says. "Sign up for the earliest one you can go to so you have first pick." The same goes for housing - often, students who enroll earlier are given priority.