As the college application season comes to a close and spring is on the horizon, the majority of high school seniors have likely completed their college applications. Many regular decision deadlines for colleges closed in January, with decisions expected to be announced in early April.
Despite this, there is a prevalent misconception that once the regular decision deadlines have passed, students have no further opportunities to apply to colleges. Numerous colleges across the country have late deadlines, some accepting applications on a rolling basis as space permits, with deadlines extending as late as August 1. These extended deadlines provide students with a final chance to discover the ideal place for their continued higher education journey.
Who Should Explore Late Application Deadlines
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Students Exploring Options: Senior year can be a time of uncertainty with numerous decisions to make, and many students are still navigating their paths. Late admission deadlines offer students who are still undecided or exploring their future additional time. Students who have been waitlisted or deferred from their top choices may also benefit from considering additional schools. The extended application window allows them to carefully evaluate their options and explore a wider range of majors or institutions.
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Students Facing Unexpected Circumstances: Unexpected events such as illness, family emergencies, or other challenges may have hindered some students from applying earlier in the application cycle. Later deadlines provide them with the flexibility to apply to colleges that better suit their evolving circumstances or are closer to home.
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Students Needing More Time for Application Materials: The fast-paced nature of the early and regular decision application period can be overwhelming for high school seniors. From crafting personal statements and supplemental essays to finalizing standardized test scores, securing letters of recommendation, and sending transcripts, the application process involves multiple components. A later deadline can be advantageous for students who require more time to gather all the necessary application materials.
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Non-Traditional Students: Not all students follow the traditional path of applying to college immediately after high school. Some may have taken a gap year, an extended break, or pursued alternative career or academic paths. Their timelines may not align with the conventional application deadlines. Extended or rolling deadlines offer them the flexibility to make well-informed decisions.
Factors to Consider Before Applying to Late Admission Deadlines
While colleges continue to accept applications, it is essential for students to deliberate before expanding their college list. Here are some key considerations:
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Available Programs and Majors: Merely accepting applications does not guarantee admission to all majors at an undergraduate institution. For instance, the University of Massachusetts-Lowell accepts applications on a rolling basis but only for specific majors. Prospective students aiming for programs like nursing had to apply by January 5 to be considered. Prior to applying, ensure that the desired program or major is still open for applications.
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Financial Aid and Scholarships: Applying later to colleges can impact eligibility for scholarships. Barry University, for instance, accepts applications on a rolling basis, but candidates interested in the Stamps Scholars Program, offering full tuition and additional benefits, had to apply by January 15. Before submitting an application, research the available financial aid options.
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Housing and Campus Life: Policies concerning on-campus housing can vary among universities, with some institutions having limited space for freshman housing. Consequently, certain schools prioritize students who committed and paid deposits earlier over those who committed later in the application cycle.
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School Fit: Before investing time and effort in applying to a college, it is crucial to assess the compatibility of the institution with one’s preferences and goals. Consider factors such as available majors, program costs, career prospects, and overall campus experience.
Colleges Still Open for Applications
The following colleges offer late admission deadlines:
February 15
- Abilene Christian University (TX)
- Allegheny College (PA)
- Azusa Pacific University (CA)
- California Institute of Integral Studies (CA)
- California State University East Bay (CA)
- Centenary College of Louisiana (LA)
- College of Idaho (ID)
- College of the Atlantic (ME)
- College of Wooster (OH)
- Cornish College of the Arts (WA)
- Creighton University (NE)
- Drew University (NJ)
- Emmanuel College (MA)
- Endicott College (MA)
- Haskell Indian Nations University (KS)
- Hillsdale College (MI)
- Howard University (Washington D.C.)
- Iona College (NY)
- Meredith College (NC)
- Morehouse College (GA)
- Pace University (NY)
- Point Loma Nazarene University (CA)
- Siena College (NY)
- Suffolk University (MA)
- University of Massachusetts Lowell (MA)
- University of New England (ME)
- University of Kentucky (KY)
- Worcester Polytechnic Institute (MA)
April 15
- Loyola University New Orleans (LA)
- Santa Clara University (CA) **transfer only
April 22
- Regis University (CO)
Rolling Admissions
- Adelphi (NY)
- Antioch College (OH)
- Barry University (FL)
- Fairleigh Dickinson University (NJ)
- Franklin Pierce University (NH)
- Manhattanville College (NY)
- Penn State University (PA)
- St. John’s College (both campuses, MD and NM)
- Stetson University (FL)
- Texas Christian University (TX)
- University of Alabama (AL)
- University of Massachusetts – Lowell (MA) (Rolling until Aug 1 for select majors)
- University of North Carolina—Asheville (NC)
- Ursinus College (PA)
*Application deadlines are subject to change; it is advisable to verify the deadlines on the college’s official website.