What To Do If You Miss A College Application Deadline: A Guide for Students and Parents
As If Keeping Track Of College Applications Wasn’t Enough, Students Must Also Keep An Eye Out For Important Deadlines...
Managing College Applications: The Importance of Deadlines
Without deadlines, the college application process would be chaotic and disorganized. Deadlines provide structure, giving students a clear timeline to work within to create their best applications. But what if a student misses an important deadline? Surprisingly, this happens quite often, and college admissions offices are prepared to handle it. Keep reading to learn how to support your child in submitting a standout application, even if they've missed a deadline or two.
Navigating a Maze of Deadlines
When students start working on their college applications, they receive numerous resources to stay on track. College counseling services like WeAdmit often recommend creating a college application timeline and keeping a detailed schedule.
Colleges set various deadlines for different components, such as letters of recommendation and SAT scores, but they also provide deadlines for completed applications. Students can choose between early and regular deadlines, which can be helpful if they started late or need more time to work on their applications.
- Regular decision applications are typically due on January 1st.
- Common early action and early decision deadlines fall on November 1st and November 15th.
While early action and early decision share deadlines, early decision is binding, meaning the student must attend if accepted, whereas early action simply demonstrates initiative.
Students should carefully consider their options between early action and early decision. Rushing to meet an early deadline might lead to a hastily assembled application, increasing the risk of missing deadlines.
Steps to Take If You Miss A College Application Deadline
High school seniors often juggle multiple responsibilities, and even the most organized students can miss deadlines. Whether they miss submitting the entire application or just a component, such as a letter of recommendation or SAT scores, this is a common scenario and there are still options. Here's how to get back on track:
Contact the College Admissions Office
- The first step is to reach out to the college’s admissions office and explain the situation. Inquire about their policies regarding missed deadlines and whether they might accept a late application. Your student should be ready to explain their reasons for missing the deadline, as a simple “I forgot” won’t suffice.
- They might need to write a letter explaining their situation and why they believe they would still be a good fit for the college. This letter should serve as a cover letter, adding a personal touch to their late application.
- If the college accepts the late application, understand that your student might not have priority for first-come, first-served components like financial aid, course registration, or housing.
Explore Rolling Admissions
Some schools accept applications on a rolling basis, meaning they continue to review applications until all spots are filled. This option increases the chances of submitting a late application successfully.
Look for Extended Deadlines
Each college operates independently, and some may extend deadlines for various reasons. For example, due to the coronavirus pandemic, many U.S. colleges extended deadlines significantly. Applying to these schools could be a good opportunity to find the right fit.
Consider Starting Next Semester
If a student is committed to a particular college, they can take the fall semester off and start in the spring. This is a common practice and can provide a smoother transition from high school to college.
Consider Transferring
Students can also use a semester off productively by taking classes at a local community college. This can help them earn general credits and save time and money in the long run.
Preventing Missed Deadlines
While missing deadlines is common, there are effective strategies to avoid this. Students should create a detailed college application timeline and use a planner or calendar to track tasks and deadlines. This organizational tool will make it easier to submit all application components on time.
Remember, high school seniors face significant stress, and managing multiple deadlines can add to their anxiety. If your child misses a deadline, reassure them that they still have options and encourage them to pursue all available avenues.
Keeping On Track
In order to stay on track for your college applications, check out a college counseling service like WeAdmit, which has professional counselors who work diligently to keep students organized and focused. For instant feedback on your college essays, Admit AI provides no wait advice to improve your essays. College applicants now have more support and resources than ever to ensure they submit impressive applications on time. A missed deadline doesn't have to derail your college journey.