The initial days of January witness a flurry of Regular Decision application cutoffs. Within the Ivy League circle, Columbia and Harvard required RD applications by January 1. Following closely, Cornell, Dartmouth, and Yale had deadlines set for January 2. Brown’s submission deadline fell on January 3, while the RD window for Penn shut on January 5.
Not limited to the Ivies, numerous colleges nationwide adhere to early January deadlines.
Yet, if you failed to meet the application deadlines during this period, all hope is not lost.
In cases where a teacher’s recommendation or similar documentation, beyond your control, remains outstanding, it is advisable to promptly reach out to the college. Clearly state that your portion of the application was submitted on time and inquire whether the institution would still consider accepting the pending documents to finalize your application. The final decision rests with the college.
Should more substantial obstacles hindered the completion of your applications before the initial January rush, there is still room for optimism.
Even some highly selective colleges extend their application acceptance beyond the first week of January. For instance, the university ranked No. 1 among national universities by U.S. News and World Report allows RD applications until January 9. Similarly, another esteemed institution, tied for No. 22, sets its deadline for January 10.
The subsequent surge of deadlines peaks around January 15. Colleges with RD deadlines on this date include renowned institutions, though the list provided is by no means exhaustive.
Before proceeding, reassess your motivations for applying. Merely having a later deadline is insufficient grounds for application. Reflect on whether you genuinely envision yourself thriving at each prospective college.
Demonstrate Genuine Interest in Every College
Invest the same level of dedication and passion into these applications as you did with the ones already submitted.
Each college on your list warrants your undivided attention. Some colleges, like the No. 38-ranked institution, have streamlined their admissions process by basing decisions on the common section of the Common Application, negating the need for additional essays.
Nonetheless, exercise caution by thoroughly reviewing each institution’s guidelines. Avoid rushing through the instructions and assuming that meeting the minimum requirements suffices. Read between the lines.
For instance, the No. 30-ranked college requests a brief explanation of your first-choice major, and optionally, your second choice, along with reasons for selecting Bucknell University for your academic pursuits. To craft a compelling response, delve into the opportunities available at Bucknell for students with similar interests. You might discover that condensing your excitement and the myriad possibilities into 250 words is more challenging than anticipated.
An unexpected avenue to bolster your application could be through supplementary documentation. While Bucknell mandates only one teacher recommendation, the option exists to submit up to two additional recommendations from teachers and up to five from other individuals familiar with your character. These supplementary recommendations offer seven more chances for Bucknell to gain insights into your profile. Seize this opportunity without delay.
If you haven’t yet solicited recommendations—perhaps due to restrictions imposed by earlier applications—act swiftly.
Notable Colleges with January 15 Deadlines
Motivated to explore further opportunities? Apart from Skidmore and Bucknell, several other colleges and universities have RD deadlines set for January 15:
Even if you’ve already submitted a well-rounded set of applications by the early January deadlines, you might contemplate the allure of additional institutions. The realization of single-digit acceptance rates at select colleges on your list may prompt you to broaden your horizons. With renewed vigor, consider expanding your options now.
By initiating the process promptly, you position yourself for potentially favorable admissions outcomes this spring.