Sometimes, deadlines sneak up. It happens to the best of us, especially if you maybe tried to apply to more schools than you could handle. While it might be January, that doesn’t mean you can’t sneak one or two more applications in. Several schools have late deadlines. Many schools have Jan 15 deadlines (USC, Case Western, UNC…) but there are some with even later deadlines. We are talking February out here. We wanted to shout out some of our favorites and why you should consider them.
When are these schools helpful?
There are a couple of situations where applying to a late-deadline school might help you. The first is if you are nervous about the ED/EA process.
While ED decisions have already come out, many EA decisions won’t come out until Jan 31st. If you didn’t get into your ED school, you might be worrying about your EA and RD choices. If you are nervously waiting on EA decisions, having these schools in the back of your mind may help. These schools have late enough dates that you can wait to hear from some EA schools. If those EA decisions don’t go your way, you can add some last-minute backups.
Many of these schools can also be useful as safety schools or low targets. Many schools with later deadlines have less competitive acceptance rates (not all of them, but some, more on that later.) You still need to be a good candidate, but if your list is mostly reach schools, many of these schools can serve as solid backups.
Finally, sometimes things just happen. Maybe you missed a bunch of deadlines. We are not here to judge. We are here to help. If you didn’t get all your applications in, there is still time to apply to more schools.
Our Favorite Schools with Late Deadlines
University of Michigan: Deadline 2/1
This is probably the most competitive school on this list. U Mich is a large, elite public research university in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Michigan is a big school with over 280 degree programs for their around 32k undergrads. U Mich has around an 18% acceptance rate, though it changes depending on which school you are applying to and if you are an in or out-of-state applicant.
Baylor: Deadline 2/1
Baylor is a private Baptist research university in Waco, TX. They offer 126 undergraduate degree programs for their about 15k undergrads. Baylor students love volunteering and sports. They are proud of housing the first campus chapter of Habitat for Humanity and their spot in the Big 12 conference. Baylor also established the Tuition Equalization Grant (TEG) Program, which helps Texan lower-income and first-generation students access private education. Baylor has about a 38% acceptance rate.
TCU: Deadline 2/1
Yes, it’s another Christian school in Texas with a Feb. application date. Texas Christian University is a rising star. They have only become more popular in the last 4ish years. Located in Fort Worth, TCU is a favorite for those looking for sports, greek life, school spirit, and especially business and nursing degrees. Last year, they had around a 48% acceptance rate.
Howard University: Deadline 2/1
Howard is a historically black research university in the Shaw neighborhood of Washington, D.C. With great STEM and Poli Sci programs, Howard is a top choice for many students considering an HBCU. Many of the HBCUs have late deadlines. Morehouse and Spellman also have Feb. 1 deadlines. Howard, however, tops our list, given their wonderful research opportunities. Howard has around a 35% acceptance rate.
DePaul University: Deadline 2/1
This private Catholic research university in Chicago, Illinois is especially known for its design and drama programs. However, their business school is also a draw for many applicants. If you like midsized, urban schools, DePaul is a great last-minute addition, especially given their easy application. Their acceptance rate is usually in the high 60s.
Miami University: Deadline 2/1
Don’t get it messed up; this school is in Ohio… This research university, in Oxford, Ohio, is actually the 10th oldest public university in the US. They have popular business programs and a strong liberal arts foundation. Plus, the poet Robert Frost once said it boasted "The most beautiful campus that ever there was.” They currently have an 80ish% acceptance rate.
Auburn University: Deadline 2/1
Ok, so not everyone wants to move to Alabama. We get that. But if you are looking into southern schools with late deadlines, you might want to look into Auburn. This public land-grant research university hosts 15 schools and offers 150 undergraduate majors. With around 25k undergrads, Auburn is one of the largest schools in the deep south with a sprawling campus to match. Currently, they have around a 44% acceptance rate.
February isn’t late enough?
Ok, we hear you. It is already January, and maybe you need even more time… For truly late schools, we have two more schools to check out. Both of them have rolling admissions, so we wouldn’t advise waiting until the deadline. C’Mon, the faster you apply, the faster you have an admissions decision. But you have some serious time on these applications.
Clemson: Deadline 5/1
Clemson University is a public land-grant research university in South Carolina. If you are looking at Clemson, you will probably find a lot about research, service, and sports. They are also proud of their engineering and computer science programs. Add an involved faculty and beautiful campus, and Clemson can be a great last-minute addition to your college list. They have around a 38% acceptance rate.
Penn State: Deadline 7/29
When many people hear “Penn State,” they just think of sports. However, Penn State has a lot more going on. This land-grant institution in State College, PA, is serious about research. Their research expenditures just exceed $1.239B. Penn State is BIG, with around 90,000 students. With so many students, Penn State can be a little of everything…. A great school for STEM, Business, Research, Sports, Parties, etc. They have a lot going on. Their acceptance rate is usually in the mid-50s.
You still have time to apply to some great colleges. And if you need help, we are here for you. Reach out!