Is It Too Late to Apply to Colleges?

A recent survey from YouScience found that 37% of high school seniors are unsure of the path they want to take after high school graduation. While there are multiple options – college, trade school, certificate programs, military, career – you may still find yourself struggling to determine what’s best. Naturally, many students find that their second semester of high school offers a bit more clarity, but is it too late to throw your hat into the ring of your desired choice?

Applying to Colleges Late

Colleges will advertise strict college application deadlines throughout the admissions process, especially where Early Admission and Early Decision deadlines are concerned. These particular admissions deadlines can be binding, meaning students that apply by these dates must attend the college if they are accepted. Regular deadlines typically fall later in the senior year, around January or February. Still, you may find that you’re not ready to apply for college until March, April, or even well into the summer. Fortunately, at some colleges, it’s not too late to apply. Though exclusive, top-tier institutions may not permit you to apply, there are plenty of other great colleges that would be happy to review your application for admission after the regular deadline. In fact, the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) releases a list each year, after National Decision Day on May 1, that highlights which colleges are still accepting applications as well as those that still have financial aid and housing available. These are reputable schools across the country, so you’re not sacrificing a great educational experience by deciding to attend college at the last minute. Like most important decisions in your life, there are pros and cons to applying to colleges late. In recognizing this, you’ll be better equipped to make a decision that is right for you.

Pros of Applying to Colleges Late

The phrase, “Better late than never,” applies to college admissions. Plenty of colleges will still be accepting applications after their deadlines, and there may even be advantages for you in waiting until the last minute to apply.

You know yourself better.

At this point in the school year, you know yourself better, and you’re likely more confident in what you want to do after graduation. This extra time has allowed you to consider your options and do a little more research. Yes, there is the possibility that you’re seeing your friends being accepted to colleges, and that has motivated you to apply. But everything happens for a reason, and perhaps the wait to apply has given you more clarity. Trust your gut!

You may be a stronger applicant.

Waiting to apply has also given you more time to work through any academic weaknesses this year. Most students will only have their freshmen through junior year to show on transcripts, but if you’ve waited, you’ll have the added benefit of showcasing your work during the first semester of senior year. You’ll also have more experiences to add to your student brag sheet, like extracurricular activities, volunteer work, and part-time jobs. Finally, you may have an SAT or ACT score that helps to improve your overall performance.

You’re more committed.

Perhaps the college search timeline snuck up on you at the start of senior year and you weren’t quite ready to decide what you wanted to do with your life after high school graduation. Now, however, you’ve had time to see your friends go through the process, and you’ve been able to learn from their successes and mistakes. At this point, you may be more committed to attending college than you were earlier in the school year because you know what the process entails. If that’s the case, then play it up in your admissions essays and interviews.

Cons of Applying to Colleges Late

Just like there are benefits to applying to colleges late, there are also disadvantages. Knowing which matters require more attention and work will help you navigate applying to colleges successfully.

There may be limited financial aid and housing options.

Many colleges distribute aid on a first-come, first-serve basis, so if you’re just now applying, it could impact the merit and financial aid amounts that you receive. This could also impact housing requests. As you work on your college application, spend time on your financial aid applications too. Start with the FAFSA, and then complete any supplemental forms the school may require. Ask an admissions officer how your housing choices will be impacted as well. The more you know up front, the less surprised you’ll be this summer when it’s time to submit your choices and match with a roommate.

Your first-choice colleges may be full.

Many colleges only hold a certain number of spots for students. With that, your first choice – or first few – may have filled up already. While that can be disappointing, the great news is that there are many exceptional institutions to choose from that are still open. Each year, NACAC’s list of colleges still accepting applications contains a variety of schools – from large, state schools to small, liberal arts colleges.

The admissions process may feel rushed.

Finally, attempting to apply to college at this point in the year can feel like a mad dash – and it is. Between completing the applications, you may also need to ask for letters of recommendation, transcripts, and your parents’ financial information. Be prepared for a hectic few weeks. If you have that baseline of thinking, it can make the stress, emotions, and anxiety more manageable. You knew what you were signing up for when you started the process later than your peers, but just because you got a late start, doesn’t mean you won’t finish. Take a deep breath when you get overwhelmed, schedule some downtime for yourself, and just continue to put one foot in front of the other. You’ll cross the finish line in no time.