How Late Can You Apply to College?
May 1 has traditionally been the decision deadline for college admissions.
But there are instances where applying late is acceptable. US News recently shed light on what late admissions looks like—and offered insight into what applicants should consider.
HOW LATE?
Each school differs on when and how soon they decide on an applicant. Recently, however, many schools have accelerated decisions as they accept applications into the summer looking to fill classes before the fall.
“The most selective schools may simply shut off their online application while other schools will keep it active and anticipate late interest from students,” Jenn Winge, vice president for enrollment at the College of Wooster in Ohio, says. “Once students submit the application, they should contact their school counselor to ensure supporting documents arrive promptly. Then, students should call the admissions office to share their interest and learn about next steps.”
If you’re applying after the deadline, be sure to provide a reason for late submission.
“The context is really helpful in any part of the application process, no matter how early or how late they send their application,” Winge says. “We’re also looking for that insight into the student’s decision-making or their goals orientation.”
If space does open up, admissions will typically admit students off the waitlist prior to admitting late applicants.
“If later in the summer we have released that waitlist and space becomes available, sometimes those students who were on the waitlist will come back and ask around and we’ll consider them,” Sacha Thieme, assistant vice provost and executive director of admissions at Indiana University—Bloomington, says. “But if there was a late applicant who would fit a specific profile and we have the space, we will give them consideration. But it’s pretty rare.”
TRY TO APPLY EARLY, IF POSSIBLE
Applying earlier will always work in your favor when it comes to college admissions. College admissions includes many moving parts—from class signups to financial aid—and students who apply late may not always get their first choice.
“From a logistical standpoint, it can be a bit of a scramble that they have to really make sure that they’re in communication with their guidance counselor or college counselor at school to make sure things are sent in a super timely way,” Liz Doe Stone, senior private counselor at Top Tier Admissions consulting company, says.
If you’re applying late, you’ll want to be sure that you have everything ready to submit.
“It’s a good idea at the end of the year, before you graduate, if you think you might be applying to college over the summer to make sure you have a copy of your official transcript and that you have contact information for teachers and counselors in case you need them,” Stone says. “The earlier that you can be on the ball if you know you might be in this situation, the better so that you can get everything organized.”
