It’s not too late: colleges still accepting applications for fall 2014

Purdue University is still accepting applications.

I won’t lie.  It’s getting a little late in the game. 

But if you’re a little disappointed with the decisions you’ve received so far, take heart. 

There are literally hundreds of colleges across the country ready, willing and more than happy to consider an application for fall 2014.

In fact, a substantial number of wonderful schools situated on beautiful campuses will entertain applications from prospective students all the way into August.

And in this area colleges still accepting applications include St. John’s of Maryland, Stevenson University, Bridgewater College, Morgan State University, Notre Dame of Maryland, Virginia Union University, Coppin State University,  Randolph College, Hood College, Bowie State University, Washington College, Gallaudet University, Corcoran College of Art and Design, Trinity Washington University, Christendom College, Eastern Mennonite University, Hollins University, Shenandoah University, Marymount University, Mary Baldwin College, Lynchburg College, Longwood University, and Virginia Commonwealth University.

 

But don’t delay.  Even those colleges with “rolling” admissions eventually fill their seats.  And if you’re looking for financial support, be aware that scholarships are often given on a first come, first serve basis or until the money runs out.

In any event, if you’re still looking or thinking about submitting additional applications, here are a few insider tips to jumpstart your research:

1. Common Application member institutions still open to new applicants may be found by going to the Common App website.  Under Member Colleges, click on Search for Colleges.  Indicate that you’re looking for Fall 2014 and First Year, and complete the deadline box according to your interest. If you happen to be looking for colleges with deadlines on or after March 25, 2014, you will be rewarded with a list of 224 institutions.
   
   
2. The Universal College Application makes the search even easier.  Simply go to go to this link and find 21 UCA member colleges still waiting to hear from you!  And as a public service, the UCA includes an additional list of colleges that don’t even accept their application.
3. Using the College Board’s Big Future search engine, start by using the Type of School filter and select “4-year,” “private” and “public” (this eliminates for-profit institutions). Scan through the other filters and select your preferences for size, location, majors, etc. Click on “Close and see results.” Once results appear, go to the dropdown box labeled “Sort by:” (upper right) and click on “Application Deadline.” 
   Caution: The list starts with “01-Jan,” goes through the calendar year.  At this point, you’d want to start reviewing the colleges with late-March deadlines.  Schools with “no deadline” are listed at the end. It's a little confusing, and the information is only as good as what colleges tell the College Board.

Once you have a "starter" list of schools that may still be accepting applications, verify deadlines by visiting individual websites.

If websites are unclear as to the current status of the process, contact admissions offices directly and simply ask the question. 

You might be surprised to find many are very happy to hear from you!