Should You Study Over Winter Break for the ACT? The Real Answer

It's December. Winter break is around the corner. And students everywhere are asking: Should I study over break for the ACT?

The short answer? It depends on where you are in your testing journey.

In Episode 53, I break down exactly what you should do based on whether you just tested in December or you're prepping for February—plus what parents need to know to support without pressuring.

If You Just Took the December ACT: Take a Real Break

Here's the truth: You need recovery time.

Your brain just went through weeks (or months) of intense prep, plus a three-hour test. Jumping straight back into studying doesn't help—it leads to burnout.

What to do:

• Take at least one full week completely off. Zero ACT prep.

• After that week, if you want to do 15-20 minutes of light maintenance practice, that's fine—but not required.

• Wait for your scores before making any big prep decisions.

Why this matters: I've seen students push through winter break after testing, only to come back in January completely fried. When they retake in February, they actually score lower because they're burned out.

Recovery is not optional. It's strategic.

If You're Testing in February: Use the Sweet Spot Plan

If your test is in February, winter break is a golden window—but only if you use it right.

The two mistakes students make:

1. Taking two full weeks off → You lose momentum and spend January just getting back to baseline

2. Studying 4 hours a day → You burn out and resent test prep by the time your test rolls around

What actually works: 45-60 minutes per day, 3-5 days per week

That's it. Not four hours. Not "whenever you feel like it." A consistent, manageable amount that maintains momentum without ruining your vacation.

Why this works:

• It's sustainable (you still have your whole day free)

• Consistency beats intensity for skill-building

• You maintain momentum going into January

• It's psychologically manageable

Your Daily Study Rotation

Here's the simple framework:

Monday-Saturday: Pick one section per day

• Monday: English

• Tuesday: Math

• Wednesday: Reading

• Thursday: Math (different topics)

• Friday: OFF

• Saturday: Your weakest section

• Sunday: OFF

Each session (45-60 minutes):

• 10-15 minutes: Review concepts

• 30-40 minutes: Timed practice

• 10-15 minutes: Review mistakes

Plus: Take ONE full practice test mid-break (around December 27) to assess where you are.

What Parents Should Know

If you're a parent, here's your winter break game plan:

DON'T:

• Ask "Did you study today?" every single day (this creates pressure and resentment)

• Create elaborate study schedules without your teen's input

• Compare them to siblings or friends who studied more

DO:

• Ask once at the start of break: "What's your plan for studying?"

• Create conditions for success (quiet space, flexibility in schedule)

• Trust them to follow through

• Acknowledge their effort when you see it

Bottom line: Your teen is more likely to study consistently if it feels like their choice, not your mandate.

The January Reset

When school starts back up, you'll shift into targeted practice mode:

• Focus on your weakest areas (80% of your time on problem sections)

• Use January to refine skills, not learn brand new content

• Take one final practice test the week before your February test date

• Then taper and rest so you go in fresh

Need structure and accountability? Join my ACT Bootcamp Live—three intensive virtual sessions covering English (Jan 18), Math (Jan 25), and Reading (Feb. 1) from 5-7 PM CST. You'll get expert instruction, a custom workbook, free diagnostic test, and personal planning session for $249.

Perfect timing for February test-takers. Register here →

The Bottom Line

Winter break is not make-or-break for your ACT score. But how you use it matters.

December test-takers: Rest. Actually rest.

February test-takers: Study strategically—45-60 minutes a day, not 4 hours.

Parents: Support without micromanaging.

Winter break can be both restful AND productive. You just have to be smart about it.

Listen to Episode 53 for the Full Breakdown

In the full episode, you'll get:

• The exact daily study schedule by section

• Why post-test recovery is essential (and what happens if you skip it)

• What to do when motivation is low

• The complete January reset strategy

• Parent scripts for what to say (and not say) during break

Listen now →

Related Episodes:

• Episode 51: Are You Supporting or Pressuring Your Teen?

• Episode 50: What Your ACT/SAT Scores Actually Mean for College Admissions

• Episode 52: The Final Month Strategy (Coming Next Week!)Connect with us:

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Here are the resources mentioned in this episode:

• ACT Bootcamp Live—click here to learn all about this bootcamp that gives you amazing resources and strategies to ace the ACT

  -The Official ACT Prep Guide 25-26: (click here for paperback version) (Click here for Kindle version)

  -Kaplan's ACT Total Prep 2026: (Click here for paperback version) (Click here for Kindle version)

• Official ACT Practice Materials: Check out enhanced ACT prep resources at https://upreptestprep.net/my-favorite-links

• Want free test prep resources each week? Subscribe to our newsletter here: https://u-prep-test-prep.myflodesk.com/freebie-signup

Good luck on your test this Saturday! You've got this, Test Preppers! 💪

Trust Your Prep. Trust Yourself.

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