Is it Too Late to Apply for College?

October 10, 2024 byCharlotte Davies

5 min to read

A teenage student sitting at a desk and looking at their laptop which is open next to pile of books

Preparing for college can be exciting for students, but there’s a lot to keep track of along the way!

If you’re not sure of the timeline or you’re worried that it might be too late for your child to apply for college in the fall, here is an overview of what to keep in mind and some options for getting them back on track if they miss a deadline.

Applying to College: What to do Junior Year

Students should ideally dedicate time during their junior year of high school to the following college prep tasks:

Researching Schools

While your student can start looking into different schools as early as they want to, the fall semester of their junior year is when their research should begin in earnest.

Along with comparing degree curriculums between schools, students should look at sports, clubs, and extracurricular organizations they want their school to have and start compiling a list of schools that attract their attention.

They can begin by looking up videos that have been posted by current and former students or through the school’s official channels. Websites like College Navigator or the College Board can provide good insight, as can informal commentary that they might find from their peers on sites like Reddit or social media.

Applying for Financial Aid

If your child is applying for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA^®), the first day they can apply is October 1, which means they should start gathering the information they’ll need at the beginning of their junior year of high school.

However, different states and schools will have their own specific deadlines, so be sure to check those dates when applying for other kinds of aid, grants, or scholarships.

Taking the SAT and ACT

Your child should plan to take both exams in the spring of their junior year. They also have the option to retake the SAT in the fall of their senior year if they want to improve their score before submitting their college applications.

Visiting Colleges

Once they have a few favorites in mind, you should start planning college visits in the spring of their junior year and continue throughout the summer and into the fall of their senior year. Visiting the campus of the school or schools they’re interested in attending should be prioritized, if possible. Check the college’s website for tour information and plan accordingly.

Applying to College: What to do Senior Year

Once all the above starts coming together, students can start working on the following.

Applying to Schools

Once your student has their top schools selected, it’s time to apply. This should ideally begin during the early fall of their senior year of high school. Each school will have their own submission deadlines, so keeping tabs on these in a calendar may be helpful.

Starting the application process earlier rather than later will give students the time to write any required personal essays or statements, get letters of recommendation written, or compile any other requirements the schools have.

Sending Transcripts

You and your student will need to check the deadline listed on the school’s website and work with your child’s school counselor to send their transcripts in at least a few weeks before the deadline. This step should take place during the fall of their senior year.

Accepting Offers and Financial Aid

Once spring rolls around, they should have their financial aid packages finalized, and they should have received offer letters. Many schools give students until May 1 to accept, though you should double-check if the school has a different date required.

What to Do if You’re Late when Applying to College

If your child finds themselves behind schedule for starting college in the fall, is there anything you can do to get back on track?

Ask About Late Applications

Some schools may allow students to submit their applications late if there have been extenuating circumstances or if materials are delayed for unforeseen reasons. Calling the school’s admissions office can help you get more information.

Explore Rolling Admissions

Your child may want to consider applying to schools with rolling admissions, which means they can apply at any time of the year for the next upcoming session.

Consider Summer Semesters

Some colleges offer classes during a summer semester, allowing students to complete their program faster. Summer semesters may have more openings for enrollment or could be an option for students who have been waitlisted for the college’s fall or spring semesters.

Take Transferrable Courses at Community College

Taking classes that will then transfer into your child’s program of choice can help them remain on track if they have not enrolled in a university before the application deadline. Many community colleges allow students to transfer into universities directly, and by taking general education courses at a community college, students can not only save money on tuition but also leave room to explore more classes should they be undecided in their major.

Take a Gap Year

Missing a college deadline might come with a silver lining. Taking a year off to decide on a major or travel and gain work experience can be a beneficial way for them to get to know more about what they want to do after graduation until they can apply again.

An online high school student researching is it is too late to apply to college.

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