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Typically, colleges require one to several essays, letters of recommendation, a high school transcript, and ACT/SAT scores. Many schools now participate in the Common App, though many others require a unique application.
The Traditional College Application Timeline
Though deadlines do vary, the majority of Regular Decisions fall between January 1 and 15 of the potential year of matriculation. In addition to this, many schools now offer Early Action or Early Decision deadlines that allow students to hear back from the admissions office earlier. They may also have a higher likelihood of admission because fewer spots in the class have been claimed.
Typically, applying to college will adhere to the following rough timeline:
Junior Year: Fall
- Start taking AP classes (if you haven't already)
- Cultivate relationships with teachers for letters of recommendation
- Participate and take leadership roles in extracurricular activities
Junior Year: Winter/Spring
- Take the ACT/SAT - If you get your target score, great! If not, book a session with a tutor and reschedule the exam.
- Take your AP exams
- Continue building your extracurriculars and developing relationships with teachers
Junior to Senior Year: The Summer
- Retake the ACT/SAT if necessary
- Make a list of the schools that you want to apply to. Use Leland's College Comparison Chart to help you identify the important characteristics to weigh.
- Read through the different schools’ applications and understand the requirements
- Begin brainstorming college essay topics and start outlining your drafts. Think about your application strategy. What is your brand? Narrative?
- Request a letter of recommendation from teachers - we highly recommend asking them early and preparing a Recommender Prep Doc
Senior Year: Fall
- Draft and revise your essays, get feedback, and polish
- Request that your test scores be sent to your target schools
- Check in with your teachers on your letters of recommendation
- Complete other sections of the application: resumes, short answer questions, school-specific requirements, etc.
- Finalize early decision applications (if applicable) and apply!
Senior Year: Winter/Spring
- Apply to any schools with late application deadlines
- Go through interviews if the schools require one
- Wait for decision notifications
The List of Colleges With Late Application Deadlines
Sometimes, plans change or life gets busy and most college deadlines come up faster than they should. Thankfully, if the traditional deadline for early and regular decision applications has passed, there are still many schools that will accept your application.
Here are the best schools and their college application deadlines:
Colleges with February Deadlines
Baylor University
- Application Deadline: February 1
- Location: Waco, TX
- Average ACT Score: 29
- Average SAT Score: 1267
- Number of Undergraduate Degree Programs: 126
- Total Enrollment: 20,709
- Acceptance Rate: 57%
Bradley University
- Application Deadline: February 1
- Location: Peoria, IL
- Middle 50% ACT: 23-28
- Middle 50% SAT: 1090-1260
- Number of Undergraduate Degree Programs: 185
- Total Enrollment: 5,900
- Acceptance Rate: 76%
Colorado State University
- Application Deadline: February 1
- Location: Fort Collins, CO
- Middle 50% ACT: 23-29
- Middle 50% SAT: 1070-1280
- Number of Undergraduate Degree Programs: 76
- Total Enrollment: 32,908
- Acceptance Rate: 90%
DePaul University
- Application Deadline: February 1
- Location: Chicago, IL
- Average ACT: 25
- Average SAT: 1185
- Number of Undergraduate Degree Programs: 130
- Total Enrollment: 21,670
- Acceptance Rate: 68%
Gonzaga University
- Application Deadline: February 1
- Location: Spokane, WA
- Avg. ACT: 30
- Avg. SAT: 1,321
- # of Undergraduate Degree Programs: 16
- Total Enrollment: 7,295
- Acceptance Rate: 73%
Howard University
- Application Deadline: February 1
- Location: Washington, DC
- Avg. ACT: 24
- Avg. SAT: 1,184
- # of Undergraduate Degree Programs: 87
- Total Enrollment: 9,689
- Acceptance Rate: 35%
Miami University
- Application Deadline: February 1
- Location: Oxford, OH
- Middle 50% ACT: 24-30
- Middle 50% SAT: 1160-1370
- # of Undergraduate Degree Programs: 60
- Total Enrollment: 18,800+
- Acceptance Rate: 89%
Quinnipiac University
- Application Deadline: February 1
- Location: Hamden, CT
- Middle 50% ACT: 23-28
- Avg. SAT: 1178
- # of Degree Programs: 140
- Total Enrollment: 9,800
- Acceptance Rate: 88% (Reports vary from 56-91%)
Temple University
- Application Deadline: February 1
- Location: Philadelphia, PA
- Average ACT: 28
- Average SAT: 1273
- Number of Undergraduate Degree Programs: 160
- Total Enrollment: 37,365
- Acceptance Rate: Approximately 72%
Texas Christian University
- Application Deadline: February 1
- Location: Fort Worth, TX
- Middle 50% ACT: 26-31
- Middle 50% SAT: 1150-1340
- # of Undergraduate Degree Programs: 116
- Total Enrollment: 12,273
- Acceptance Rate: 54-58%
University of Dayton
- Application Deadline: February 1
- Location: Dayton, OH
- Avg. ACT: 26
- Avg. SAT: 1230
- # of Undergraduate Degree Programs: 80
- Total Enrollment: ~12,000
- Acceptance Rate: 81%
University of Maryland–Baltimore County
- Application Deadline: February 1
- Location: Baltimore, MD
- Middle 50% ACT: 24-30
- Middle 50% SAT: 1150-1350
- # of Undergraduate Degree Programs: 55
- Total Enrollment: 13,991
- Acceptance Rate: 69%
University of New Hampshire
- Application Deadline: February 1
- Location: Durham, NH
- Avg. ACT: 26
- Avg. SAT: 1190
- # of Degree Programs: 200+
- Total Enrollment: 14,096
- Acceptance Rate: ~80%
University of Oklahoma
- Application Deadline: February 1
- Location: Norman, OK
- Avg. ACT: 26
- Avg. SAT: 1210
- # of Undergraduate Degree Programs: 170
- Total Enrollment: 29,705
- Acceptance Rate: ~80%
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
- Application Deadline: February 1
- Location: Worcester, MA
- Avg. ACT: 31 (Note: WPI admissions process is test-blind)
- Avg. SAT: 1380
- # of Undergraduate Degree Programs: 34
- Total Enrollment: 6,920
- Acceptance Rate: 59%
Mercer University
- Application Deadline: February 1
- Location: Macon, GA
- Middle 50% ACT: 23-29
- Middle 50% SAT: 1180-1320
- # of Undergraduate Degree Programs: 130
- Total Enrollment: 9,033
- Acceptance Rate: 72-75%
Auburn University
- Application Deadline: February 1
- Location: Auburn, AL
- Avg. ACT: 28
- Avg. SAT: 1240
- # of Undergraduate Degree Programs: 150
- Total Enrollment: 31,526
- Acceptance Rate: 70-80%
Oregon State University
- Application Deadline: February 1
- Location: Corvallis, OR
- Avg. ACT: 25
- Avg. SAT: 1195
- # of Undergraduate Degree Programs: 200
- Total Enrollment: 33,193
- Acceptance Rate: 82-89%
Appalachian State University
- Application Deadline: February 1
- App State will continue to accept applications for its Hickory campus as long as there is space available.
- Location: Boone, NC
- Middle 50% ACT: 22-28 (Composite)
- Middle 50% SAT: 1100-1270
- Middle 50% GPA: 2.82-3.58 (Cumulative)
- # of Undergraduate Degree Programs: 150+
- Total Enrollment: 20,436 (Boone campus)
- Acceptance Rate: 85%
Alfred University
- Application Deadline: February 1
- Location: Alfred, NY
- Middle 50% ACT: 21-29
- Middle 50% SAT: 1070-1300
- Average GPA (Unweighted): 3.4
- # of Undergraduate Degree Programs: 63
- Total Enrollment: ~1600 (Undergrad)
- Acceptance Rate: 67%
University of Kentucky
- Application Deadline: February 15
- Location: Lexington, KY
- Avg. ACT: 26
- Avg. SAT: 1190
- # of Undergraduate Degree Programs: 93
- Total Enrollment: 32,955
- Acceptance Rate: 95%
University of Kansas
- Application Deadline: February 23
- Location: Lawrence, KS
- Avg. ACT: 26
- Avg. SAT: 1240
- # of Undergraduate Degree Programs: 149
- Total Enrollment: 27,638
- Acceptance Rate: 92%
Colleges with March Deadlines
University of Cincinnati
- Application Deadline: March 1
- Location: Cincinnati, OH
- Avg. ACT: 27
- Avg. SAT: 1265
- # of Undergraduate Degree Programs: 116
- Total Enrollment: 48,300
- Acceptance Rate: ~73%
New Jersey Institute of Technology
- Application Deadline: March 1
- Location: Newark, NJ
- Avg. ACT: 26
- Avg. SAT: 1285
- # of Undergraduate Degree Programs: 52
- Total Enrollment: 12,000
- Acceptance Rate: 66-69%
Bowling Green State University
- Application Deadline: March 1 to assure consideration, but applications accepted after
- Location: Bowling Green, OH
- Middle 50% ACT: 20-25
- Middle 50% SAT: 1020-1190
- # of Undergraduate Degree Programs: 180+
- Total Enrollment: 15,722 (Undergrad)
- Acceptance Rate: 79%
University of South Florida
- Application Deadline: March 15
- Location: Tampa, FL
- Middle 50% ACT: 27-31
- Middle 50% SAT: 1240-1390
- # of Undergraduate Degree Programs: 180
- Total Enrollment: 44,322 (all campuses)
- Acceptance Rate: 49%
Colleges with May Deadlines
Clemson University
- Application Deadline: May 1
- Location: Clemson, SC
- Middle 50% ACT: 29-30
- Middle 50% SAT: 1240-1400
- # of Degree Programs: 100
- Total Enrollment: 26,406
- Acceptance Rate: 43%
University of Central Florida
- Application Deadline: May 1
- Location: Orlando, FL
- Avg. ACT: 28.3
- Avg. SAT: 1335
- # of Undergraduate Degree Programs: 106
- Total Enrollment: 70,406
- Acceptance Rate: 36-45%
University of Iowa
- Application Deadline: May 1
- Location: Iowa City, IA
- Avg. ACT: 26
- Avg. SAT: 1230
- # of Undergraduate Degree Programs: 200
- Total Enrollment: 31,317
- Acceptance Rate: 83%
University of Arizona
- Application Deadline: May 1
- Location: Tucson, AZ
- Avg. ACT: 26
- Avg. SAT: 1265
- # of Degree Programs: 300
- Total Enrollment: 51,134
- Acceptance Rate: 85%
Colleges with Deadlines in June and Later
Azusa Pacific University
- Application Deadline: March 1 (priority application deadline); June 1 (final deadline)
- Location: Azusa, CA
- Average SAT: 1110
- Average GPA: 3.7-3.8
- You need a minimum of a 3.0 GPA to apply for regular admission, a 2.55-2.99 for conditional admission, and a 2.2+ high school GPA for transfer admission
- # of Undergraduate Degree Programs: 59
- Total Enrollment: 2,266 (Undergrad)
- Acceptance Rate: ~94%
University of West Florida
- Application Deadline: Rolling admissions until July 3 (June 1 priority deadline)
- Location: Pensacola, FL
- Middle 50% ACT: 21-27
- Middle 50% SAT: 1040-1230
- Middle 50% GPA: 3.7-4.2
- # of Undergraduate Degree Programs: 71
- Total Enrollment: 9,280 (Undergrad)
- Acceptance Rate: 48-53%
Alaska Pacific University
- Application Deadline: May 1 (priority); August 1 (late)
- Location: Anchorage, AK
- Middle 50% ACT: 21-27
- Middle 50% SAT: 830-1115
- Average GPA: 3.22
- # of Undergraduate Degree Programs: 13
- Total Enrollment: 376 (Undergrad)
- Acceptance Rate: 96%
Central Connecticut State University
- Application Deadline: Rolling admissions (May 1 for preferred, April 1 for international applicants)
- Location: New Britain, CT
- Average ACT: 18-24
- Average SAT: 950-1050
- # of Undergraduate Degree Programs: 160+
- Total Enrollment: 7,917 (Undergrad)
- Acceptance Rate: 75%
University of Nebraska–Lincoln
- Application Deadline: May 1 (earlier deadlines for scholarships and the honors program)
- Location: Lincoln, NE
- Avg. ACT: 25
- Avg. SAT: 1240
- # of Undergraduate Degree Programs: 150
- Total Enrollment: 23,805
- Acceptance Rate: 78-81%
Aurora University
- Application Deadline: None, applications submitted after the November 15 priority deadline will be considered on a space-available basis
- Location: Aurora, IL
- Average ACT: 22
- Average SAT: 1083
- Average GPA: 3.57
- # of Undergraduate Degree Programs: 80
- Total Enrollment: ~4,000 (undergrad)
- Acceptance Rate: 82-86%
Creighton University
- Application Deadline: None, rolling admissions
- Location: Omaha, NE
- Avg. ACT: 27
- Avg. SAT: 1260
- # of Undergraduate Degree Programs: 60
- Total Enrollment: 8,770
- Acceptance Rate: 74-78%
University of St. Thomas
- Application Deadline: None, rolling admissions
- Location: St. Paul, MN
- Middle 50% ACT: 24-29
- Midde 50% SAT: 1130-1340
- # of Undergraduate Degree Programs: 100
- Total Enrollment: 9,347
- Acceptance Rate: 77%
Colleges With Late Application Deadlines By Region
Here are all of the schools above organized by region to help you identify potential target programs.
West
- Gonzaga University
- Oregon State University
- Azusa Pacific University
- Alaska Pacific University
Midwest
- Bradley University
- DePaul University
- Miami University
- University of Dayton
- University of Kansas
- University of Cincinnati
- Bowling Green State University
- University of Iowa
- University of Nebraska - Lincoln
- Aurora University
- Creighton University
- University of St. Thomas
Southwest
- Baylor University
- Colorado State University
- Texas Christian University
- University of Oklahoma
- University of Arizona
Southeast
- Howard University
- Mercer University
- Auburn University
- Appalachian State University
- University of Kentucky
- University of South Florida
- Clemson University
- University of Central Florida
- University of West Florida
Northeast
- Quinnipiac University
- Temple University
- University of Maryland - Baltimore County
- University of New Hampshire
- Worcester Polytechnic Institute
- Alfred University
- New Jersey Institute of Technology
- Central Connecticut State University
Additional Colleges With Diverse Focus Areas and Late Application Deadlines
When considering where to submit college applications, it’s important to explore schools that align with your academic goals and personal interests. For students who are still deciding or who missed earlier deadlines, several institutions offer late application opportunities. Below is a list of schools and their unique offerings.
- Colorado State University - Located in Fort Collins, CO, Colorado State University is well-known for its programs in health sciences, engineering, and agriculture. With a late application deadline of February 1, CSU provides opportunities for students interested in areas like environmental sustainability and business innovation. The school offers over 76 undergraduate degree programs, making it a versatile choice for students with diverse interests.
- Minnesota State University - Minnesota State University, with campuses across the state, offers a wide range of programs, including arts, sciences, and health sciences. Application deadlines vary by campus, but many accept late submissions, particularly for programs that emphasize hands-on learning and community engagement.
- Art Institute - The Art Institute is ideal for students pursuing creative careers in design, culinary arts, and film. With multiple locations across the U.S., its rolling admissions policy allows students flexibility in applying. The institute fosters an environment for budding artists and professionals to thrive.
- Kent State University - Located in Kent, OH, Kent State University is renowned for its innovative programs in health, business, and education. The university often accommodates late applicants, especially for those interested in its broad array of undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Kent State’s emphasis on experiential learning ensures students are prepared for the workforce.
- Agricultural and Mechanical Colleges - Institutions like Texas A&M and Florida A&M focus on agriculture, engineering, and technology. These colleges uphold traditions of research and innovation while offering flexible application timelines for prospective students.
- John Jay College - Part of the City University of New York (CUNY), John Jay College is a leader in criminal justice and public service education. Known for preparing students for careers in law enforcement, policy, and law, it stands out as a top choice for students interested in societal impact.
- North Carolina Schools - From the University of North Carolina system to specialized colleges, North Carolina schools cater to a variety of academic interests, including STEM and liberal arts. Many institutions in this state offer rolling admissions or later deadlines to accommodate students with evolving plans.
- John Vianney College Seminary - For those pursuing religious studies or the priesthood, John Vianney College Seminary offers a foundation in philosophy and theology. While its application process is often tied to ecclesiastical timelines, late submissions may be considered with the guidance of a diocesan vocations office.
- Purdue University Indianapolis - A newly merged institution combining the strengths of Purdue University and Indiana University, Purdue University Indianapolis focuses on STEM, business, and healthcare. Check their official admissions page for updates on late application deadlines.
- North Central University - Located in Minneapolis, MN, North Central University emphasizes a Christ-centered education with programs in business, education, and ministry. Its rolling admissions policy makes it accessible for late applicants.
Adventist Universities
When planning to apply to Adventist universities, it's crucial to know each college deadline Adventist University and its late application deadlines to ensure you don’t miss out on your desired program. Many Adventist universities offer rolling admissions or extended deadlines, providing flexibility for prospective students. Below is a comprehensive table outlining the late application deadlines and policies for Adventist universities:
| University | Program | Late Application Deadline | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adventist Colleges Abroad (ACA) | Study Abroad Programs | Fall-Winter-Spring: July 12, 2024 | Other deadlines: Winter-Spring: October 18, 2024; Spring: February 7, 2025. |
| Southern Adventist University | Adult Degree Completion | Rolling admissions | Multiple start dates: January, March, May, August, and October. |
| Southwestern Adventist University | Graduate Programs | Fall: August 1; Spring: November 1; Summer: April 1 | Late fee of $100 applies for applications submitted after deadlines. |
| Andrews University | Master of Divinity | Fall: July 15 | Other summer deadlines: March 15, April 15, May 15 (for different summer sessions). |
| AdventHealth University | Online Programs | Varies by program | Example: Fall deadline was previously set for July 26. Consult the website for updates. |
| La Sierra University | General Admissions | Rolling admissions | Preferred application deadline: February 1. |
| Oakwood University | General Admissions | Rolling admissions | No preferred deadline, but early submission is encouraged. |
| Walla Walla University | General Admissions | Contact admissions office | Specific deadlines vary by program. |
| Washington Adventist University | General Admissions | Rolling admissions | Preferred deadline for fall: June 30. |
Tips for Applying to College
As you start to put together your application, here are some things to keep in mind.
1. Be yourself
Your unique background is your greatest asset when applying to colleges. You may think you have an idea of what the admissions committee wants to hear, but whatever it is, don’t cater to it. It is much better to be genuine and true to yourself.
2. Take challenging courses (and do well in them)
Though more for underclassmen, this tip is still important. Top universities consider not only the general grades earned but also the difficult levels of the courses. A 4.0 in only regular-level classes is less impressive than a 3.8 in mostly AP classes. It not only shows academic talent but also that you won’t shy away from a challenge.
3. Do well on standardized tests
The key to doing well on the SAT or ACT is dedicating enough time to studying and targeting your weaknesses. Take practice tests, use prep textbooks, take a class, or work with a coach. Though there are more schools transitioning to a test-blind admissions system–including the UCs–most still require and factor in standardized test scores.
Check out the Best Free Resources to Prepare for the ACT and SAT.
4. Write a cohesive and compelling personal statement essay
By the time it actually comes to prepare and submit your application, a lot of it will be out of your hands. You have already completed the majority of your classes, taken the standardized tests, and built relationships with teachers/mentors that will translate into letters of rec.
The essays, however, are one area where you have complete control. If you have a variety of prompts to choose from, pick the one that will best showcase your strengths and achievements. Start writing early so that you’ll have plenty of time to brainstorm your potential topics, write multiple drafts, and receive feedback. Your essays should tell one cohesive and persuasive story. Make sure that you don’t go on tangents and that it all builds smoothly toward a central idea.
Read more tips at How to Write an Amazing College Essay: Three Tips for Success.
Here are several other free resources on the college application process:
5. Understand financial aid deadlines and opportunities
Many students focus solely on admission deadlines and forget the equally important financial aid process. If you’re planning for fall college enrollment, be sure to complete your FAFSA or CSS Profile by the relevant deadlines. Schools often have priority deadlines in June or July, but some accept submissions even later.Knowing these dates and submitting your forms on time can greatly impact the aid you receive, enabling you to meet your college aspirations without unnecessary financial stress. If you miss the July deadlines, contact the financial aid office at your chosen institution—they may still accept late submissions on a case-by-case basis.
Get Application Help From an Expert
To give your candidacy the greatest chance of success, we highly recommend working with a college admissions coach. They’ll provide you with personalized, one-on-one guidance for any part of the application that you’d like help with–from essays to overall application strategy to resumes, scholarship applications, and much more. Here are several of our highest-rated college admissions coaches.
Read next:
- How to End a College Essay (With Examples)
- 5 Pro Tips for Writing Successful College Application Essays
- The Freshman’s Guide to Stanford University: Curriculum, Program Structure, Top Class
FAQs
What should I do if I miss a college application deadline?
- If you miss a college application deadline, the first step is to contact the admissions office of the institution. Explain your situation honestly and inquire if they are still accepting applications. Some colleges may offer grace periods or accept late applications on a case-by-case basis.
Are there colleges that accept applications after traditional deadlines?
- Yes, several colleges have rolling admissions or extended deadlines, allowing applications well beyond traditional cutoff dates. Research institutions with rolling admissions or those that explicitly state later deadlines to find suitable options.
How does rolling admission differ from regular admission deadlines?
- Rolling admission means that a college reviews applications as they are received and offers decisions throughout the admission cycle until all spots are filled. In contrast, regular admission has a fixed deadline, and all applications are reviewed after that date.
Can applying late affect my chances of receiving financial aid?
- Applying late can impact your eligibility for financial aid, as some aid is distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. It's essential to check with the college's financial aid office to understand how late applications are handled and whether funds are still available.
Is it better to submit a late application or wait for the next admission cycle?
- If the college accepts late applications and you're prepared, it's often beneficial to apply late rather than waiting. However, if rushing compromises the quality of your application, or if the college does not accept late submissions, it may be wiser to wait for the next cycle.
Do all programs within a university have the same application deadlines?
- Not necessarily. Some programs, especially competitive or specialized ones, may have different deadlines than the general university admission dates. It's crucial to verify the specific deadlines for the program you're interested in.
Can I apply to colleges after the academic year has started?
- While uncommon, some colleges offer mid-year admissions or have flexible start dates. Additionally, community colleges often have more lenient enrollment periods. It's essential to contact the admissions offices directly to explore these options.
