Options When Getting a Late Start with College Applications

By Karen Treon, Senior Editor & College Parent

Has your senior been slow to get moving on the college applications? Or are they realizing now that maybe their starting strategy wasn’t the best? Or circumstances have changed and they need to pivot? IT’S NOT TOO LATE!  Really, there are lots of options out there. Here are some ideas if you are looking for a place to start:

Community Colleges

Community Colleges are set up differently everywhere, but the nature of them is the same. College classes, at a lower (or free!) price point, taught by professors who are focused entirely on undergraduate learners. In most states and counties the community colleges are well-aligned with state universities and students can count on good support and preparation for transferring to a state university. Some community colleges even have residence halls. Take a tour of one near you and see what your student thinks.

In-State Universities

The application deadlines at many state universities have passed (this is particularly true at state “flagship” schools). However, many state universities have later deadlines; some extending into the summer.  Every state system is different, but in some systems schools offer merit awards / tuition discounts to in-state freshmen applicants that are conditioned on starting college right after high school graduation. Might as well explore those options now!

Other Universities

Plenty of schools offer later admission deadlines. Your student can easily do a search in Common App to find schools that are still accepting applications.  You can also refer to the always-reliable Admissions Mom as she keeps a list every year, as does College Transitions.

FAFSA

If your student is starting the process now, we suggest getting the FAFSA finished as soon as possible. Your student can update their FAFSA with the schools they apply to. If your student has already submitted FAFSA and is submitting additional applications now, remind them to update FAFSA accordingly.

It’s not too late to start or change direction. In fact, some students find that with a bit more maturity and excitement about the future they are more open-minded and better able to confidently identify great opportunities.