Spoiler Alert: At the end of this post, you’ll find a special list of scholarships you can apply for during your holiday break. Make the most of this season to secure funding for your education!

The holiday season isn’t just for sipping hot cocoa and watching festive movies; it’s also the perfect time to tackle those scholarship applications. With school on pause and a bit of extra downtime, now is the best time to focus on securing free money for your education. This post will guide you through strategies to lock in and apply to as many scholarships as possible over the break.

1. Why Christmas Break is the BEST time for Scholarships

Between now and early January, a ton of scholarships are open, many with upcoming deadlines. Plus, with no assignments, tests, or extracurriculars, you have a golden opportunity to focus entirely on applications. Start now, and you’ll thank yourself when the new semester rolls around.

2. Make applying easier

Use this downtime to set yourself up for success:

• Dedicated Email Address: Make a professional email just for scholarships. (ex: mariahthescholar@gmail.com or ryanleecollege@gmail.com).

• Resume or Brag Sheet: Organize your achievements, volunteer work, leadership roles, and extracurriculars into one easy-to-update document. Feel free to use the resume template I used to win over $5 million in scholarships: Template

• Scholarship Essay Library: Draft common essay themes now so you can quickly adapt and re-use them for multiple applications.

3. Set Goals for the Break

Give yourself a target to hit by the end of the holiday break. For example:

• Submit 5-10 scholarship applications.

• Write 3 solid essays you can reuse.

• Research and organize at least 10-20 scholarships to apply for in January.

4. Start Using a Scholarship Tracker

Stay on top of deadlines with a tracker—it's the key to winning scholarships without feeling overwhelmed. A tracker helps you stay organized, manage multiple applications, and avoid burnout. Every student applying for scholarships should have one! Create your own simple organizer or save time by using my Scholarship Tracker Template.

5. Search Smart and Start Small

During the break, use your downtime wisely to find scholarships. Don’t forget:

• Check local opportunities—community organizations often have less competitive scholarships.

• Follow social media accounts like @xollegepass for updates.

• Browse national databases like Scholarship360.org or ScholarshipAmerica.com.

Pro Tip: Even if a scholarship’s deadline isn’t for a few weeks, get ahead and submit it now!

6. Work Smarter, Not Harder

• Reuse Essays: Adapt one essay for similar prompts. For example, many scholarships ask about leadership or overcoming challenges.

• Batch Applications: Dedicate blocks of time to applying for multiple scholarships at once.

7. Ask for Help While Family is Around

Make the most of the holiday season by seeking support from family and friends while they’re around. If they’re unavailable, don’t worry—you can email xollegepass@gmail.com for scholarship assistance or essay proofreading. Take this opportunity to get the help you need and secure scholarship money before May!

8. Submit Early and Stay Relaxed

Beat the last-minute rush and avoid technical glitches by submitting your applications early. Use this break to get ahead, so you can start the new year stress-free.

🎁 Bonus: Holiday Scholarship List

Ready to apply? Here’s a special list of scholarships with deadlines you can meet over the break:

1. Taco Bell Scholarship

2. Mensa Foundation Scholarship

3. Jackie Robinson Scholarship

For more opportunities, check out My Scholarship List , follow @xollegepass for daily updates or join my Million Dollar Scholar 24/7 Debt-Free Membership and start your journey to a scholarship-filled future! Good luck!