What happens if I mail a late college application?

If I mail my application after the deadline, will colleges still consider it? I'm worried about some apps being late due to delays. Do I need to reach out to each school individually to explain the situation?

When it comes to college applications, deadlines are generally quite strict. Most colleges don't typically accept late applications because the admissions process is often highly structured to ensure fairness and efficiency. However, it might vary based on individual colleges' policies – some may accept late applications under exceptional circumstances.

As soon as you know your application may be late, your first step should be to reach out directly to the admissions offices at the schools you're applying to. Explain your situation candidly and ask if they may still consider your application.

Also, it's important to check the policy with each individual college. Some universities have a grace period or extended deadlines, especially for their rolling admission policy where applications are reviewed on a continual basis, so check the websites or contact the admissions office to inquire about specifics.

Even after you've done this, you should still aim to submit your application as soon as possible. Extra time allowed or not, many admissions offices will still appreciate that effort.

Please remember, the above advice assumes the delays are sporadic, unforeseen, and beyond your control. If you have enough time before the deadline, it's always a good idea to aim for submission well before the final cut-off to avoid potential last-minute issues altogether.