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Weighing Your Post-High School Plans? It’s Not Too Late to Apply to College!

Last updated February 27, 2024

If you decide to apply to college after the standard application cycle has closed, it's not too late to get accepted! Here are some factors to consider when applying to college later in the school year.

What colleges accept late applications?

Wondering how you can apply to college later in the school year? Here are a few options to explore to determine your best path forward.

Colleges with rolling admissions

Some colleges have rolling admissions, meaning that they accept and review applications as they are received until all spots in a given year are filled. This means that you can apply to college later in the school year and still have a chance of getting accepted! Different colleges will have different timeframes of when you can submit your application and how long it will take to hear back from them. Check in with each school you're interested in applying to for specific dates and deadlines.

Community colleges

Generally, community colleges have much more fluid application cycles and timelines for new students compared to four-year colleges. This means that you can potentially apply and be admitted to a community college later in the school year. Community college is a great option to consider if you want to save money on tuition fees, are unsure about what you want to study, or weren’t originally planning on applying to college. After attending one-two years of community college, you can then decide if you want to graduate with your associate degree and enter the workforce or transfer to a four-year university to receive your bachelor's degree! 

Trade schools

If you’re looking for practical, hands-on training that can prepare you for the workforce in one-two years, consider attending a trade school. Trade schools offer programs that prepare students for careers in fields such as healthcare, cosmetology, technology, and more. Also, with careful planning and preparation, students can continue their education toward a college degree after completing a trade school program. For example, you can attend trade school to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), then move on to earn your Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) at a four-year college. No matter what your career interests are, it's important to research trade schools thoroughly and consider whether the programs they offer align with your career goals.

Colleges with late application options

Some colleges offer late application deadlines! Check out this list of colleges with late application deadlines and be sure to check in with the admissions office of each school you're interested in to learn more about specific deadlines, application requirements, and more. 

How do I apply for college later in the school year?

Once you've identified college(s) you're interested in applying to, make sure you complete the following steps:

Gather and submit your application materials

This includes filling out the application form or Common App, writing your application essay(s), requesting transcripts and letters of recommendation, and submitting SAT/ACT scores. Be sure to check each college's specific requirements and deadlines to ensure you don't miss anything.

Complete your FAFSA!

If you haven’t completed the FAFSA yet, it's not too late! Completing the FAFSA can open up many opportunities for receiving financial aid, even if college application deadlines have passed. If you need help getting started, find free FAFSA resources in your state.

Have any questions about applying to college? Text #College to 33-55-77 to chat with one of our advisors. If you're using a mobile device, click here to have the text message set up for you!

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