Skip to main content

Applying Late for College Admission

I did not think that I wanted to go to college until after I graduated in June; however, I now want to start college this fall. Is it too late to apply? What can I do? - College Bound
Answer: You definitely are late in making the decision to attend college next year. Most students start weighing the merits of different schools much sooner. This gives them a great opportunity to think about what they want to get out of college. After all, it will be their home for the next four years or more, and it should closely match their interests and abilities. What has happened to change your mind about attending college? Are you now genuinely enthused about going to college, or is it simply more appealing than a job?
Rather than searching for a four-year college, you might consider attending a two-year community college in the fall. Many community colleges do not have early application deadlines, nor do they require the SAT or ACT. You could probably be admitted to one without any hassle if you have a high-school diploma. Then once you have had a taste of what college is like, you can transfer to a four-year school. Before you enroll in a community college, however, talk to a counselor about what is involved in transferring to a four-year school, as you will need to meet certain requirements in order to transfer.
If you don't believe that a community college is a good option for you, there are colleges that will accept freshmen until school begins if there is any space. The easiest way to do a preliminary search to find such a college is to go online. Start by researching schools in your immediate area. You should be able to refine your online search to schools where you meet admission requirements.
If you find an appealing college nearby and haven't met the final application deadline, it might be worth a visit to talk to an admissions officer. Make an appointment first, and be sure to take your high-school transcripts and any SAT or ACT scores that you might have.