Is it possible to submit a late application to college?

I'm worried about missing application deadlines for colleges. Can anyone share if certain schools accept late applications or if there's a process for applying past deadline dates?

While not widely encouraged, certain colleges and universities do have a process for late applications, although it often depends on several factors, such as how much time has passed since the deadline and how full the incoming class is.

Generally speaking, public universities and those with rolling admissions are more likely to consider applications received after the official deadline, but it's still not guaranteed and the conscious choice to apply late should be avoided if possible, as you might be placed at a significant disadvantage or miss out on certain scholarships and financial aid opportunities.

Moreover, many schools extend their application deadlines if they haven't received as many applications as they'd hoped by the official deadline, and these extensions can occur anytime between the initial deadline and the start of the school year. However, it’s important to note that not all colleges offer extensions, and even if they do, it may not be made public. You can usually find this information on a school's admissions website or social media channels.

The Common Application has a list of colleges and universities with later deadlines or ones that accept applications year-round.

For students who discover they want to apply to a college after the deadlines have passed, or if other unforeseen circumstances have taken place, it's always a good idea to reach out directly to the admissions office of the specific college of interest. Some colleges might be willing to consider you if you explain your situation.

Lastly, if you've just recently decided to go to college and all the traditional deadlines have passed, consider enrolling in community college and then transfer to a four-year institution. There's often plenty of time to apply, and it's a great way to start making progress towards your degree right away.

While these options are not ideal, they can help students who, for one reason or another, could not or did not apply within the established deadlines. Remember, however, that applying by the deadlines is always the best way to ensure that your application receives full consideration.