Last-Minute College Admissions Tips for Seniors
So, you’re a high school senior, and it’s February (or later), and you still haven’t started your college applications. Maybe life got in the way, maybe time just slipped by, or maybe you thought you had more of it. Whatever the reason—don’t panic! You still have options. While many deadlines have passed, plenty of schools are still accepting applications, and financial aid isn’t entirely off the table. This is your last-minute game plan—fast tips on what you can do right now to stay in the college admissions race.
Don’t worry, there’s a comprehensive list at the bottom of this post so you know exactly which schools are still accepting applications without having to search too hard!
1. Don’t Panic—There’s Still Time!
Many colleges have rolling admissions or late application deadlines. Research schools still accepting applications through Common App, Coalition, or directly on their websites.
2. Prioritize Schools with Rolling or Extended Deadlines
Many state universities, private colleges, and regional schools accept applications well into the spring.
Some colleges even have “last-minute” admissions fairs where students can apply on the spot.
3. Consider Colleges with Open Enrollment
Some schools guarantee admission if students meet minimum requirements—community colleges, some state universities, and online programs are great options.
4. Strengthen Your Application (Even If It's Last Minute!)
Write a strong personal statement—focus on your unique experiences and how you’ll contribute to the college.
Ask for recommendation letters ASAP. Teachers, counselors, or employers may still be willing to help if you ask politely and urgently.
5. Submit FAFSA & Financial Aid Forms Immediately
Some aid is first-come, first-served, so apply ASAP!
If you missed priority deadlines, you may still qualify for federal loans, grants, or work-study.
6. Stay Organized & Follow Up
Email admissions offices to confirm documents are received.
Keep track of deadlines and decisions in a spreadsheet.
7. Stay Open-Minded
Your dream school may not be an option right now, but there are plenty of amazing colleges where you can thrive.
8. Ask for Help
College counselors, admissions consultants, or mentors can help you navigate last-minute decisions.
Below will be a comprehensive list of schools that are still accepting applications!
The clock is ticking, but you’re not out of time—yet. Every day counts, so take action now. Apply to schools still accepting students, secure financial aid, and keep your options open. College isn’t a one-size-fits-all journey, and where you start doesn’t have to be where you finish. The key is to move forward, stay flexible, and use the resources available to you. Need help figuring it out? Reach out to a counselor, admissions advisor, or a trusted mentor to get clarity. You’ve got this!
If you're looking for more info, head over to my website, Higher & Hire. And if you need help, just drop me a message here.
Many Thanks!
Valerie Palmer
List of Schools that are still accepting applications by deadline:
SchoolApplication Due
Point Loma Nazarene University
San Diego, CA
February 15, 2025
Washington, DC
February 15, 2025
Caldwell, ID
February 15, 2025
Brigham Young University Idaho
Rexburg, ID
February 15, 2025
Lake Forest, IL
February 15, 2025
Lexington, KY
February 15, 2025
Louisville, KY
February 15, 2025
Biddeford, ME
February 15, 2025
Frostburg, MD
February 15, 2025
Chestertown, MD
February 15, 2025
Worcester, MA
February 15, 2025
Bridgewater, MA
February 15, 2025
Boston, MA
February 15, 2025
Beverly, MA
February 15, 2025
Framingham, MA
February 15, 2025
University of Massachusetts Lowell
Lowell, MA
February 15, 2025
University of Massachusetts Boston
Boston, MA
February 15, 2025
Boston, MA
February 15, 2025
Wentworth Institute of Technology
Boston, MA
February 15, 2025
Norton, MA
February 15, 2025
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Worcester, MA
February 15, 2025
New Rochelle, NY
February 15, 2025
Poughkeepsie, NY
February 15, 2025
New York, NY
February 15, 2025
Loudonville, NY
February 15, 2025
Staten Island, NY
February 15, 2025
Raleigh, NC
February 15, 2025
Winston Salem State University
Winston-Salem, NC
February 15, 2025
Wooster, OH
February 15, 2025
Meadville, PA
February 15, 2025
Columbia, SC
February 15, 2025
South Dakota School of Mines and Technology
Rapid City, SD
February 15, 2025
Abilene, TX
February 15, 2025
Moscow, Idaho
February 15, 2025
Dahlonega, GA
February 15, 2025
Boston, MA
February 20, 2025
Helena, MT
February 28, 2025
Washington, DC
Saint Augustine, FL
March 1, 2025
Tallahassee, FL
March 1, 2025
Gainesville, FL
March 1, 2025
Lookout Mountain, GA
March 1, 2025
Illinois Institute of Technology
Chicago, IL
March 1, 2025
Lincoln, IL
March 1, 2025
Chicago, IL
March 1, 2025
Richmond, IN
March 1, 2025
Grace College and Theological Seminary
Winona Lake, IN
March 1, 2025
Rose Hulman Institute of Technology
Terre Haute, IN
March 1, 2025
Cedar Rapids, IA
March 1, 2025
Manhattan, KS
March 1, 2025
Castine, ME
March 1, 2025
Emmitsburg, MD
March 1, 2025
Westfield, MA
March 1, 2025
Detroit, MI
March 1, 2025
West Long Branch, NJ
March 1, 2025
New Jersey Institute of Technology
Newark, NJ
March 1, 2025
United States Merchant Marine Academy
Kings Point, NY
March 1, 2025
Aurora, NY
High Point, NC
March 1, 2025
University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Greensboro, NC
March 1, 2025
Cullowhee, NC
March 1, 2025
University of Cincinnati Main Campus
Cincinnati, OH
March 1, 2025
Delaware, OH
March 1, 2025
Pepper Pike, OH
March 1, 2025
Scranton, PA
March 1, 2025
Prairie View, TX
March 1, 2025
Hampton, VA
March 1, 2025
Ashland, VA
March 1, 2025
Ellensburg, WA
March 1, 2025
Spokane, WA
March 1, 2025
Florida Polytechnic University
Lakeland, Florida
March 1, 2025
Hillsdale, Michigan
March 15, 2025
University of North Carolina School of the Arts
Winston-Salem, NC
March 15, 2025
Huntingdon, PA
March 15, 2025
Providence, RI
March 15, 2025
Grove City, Pennsylvania
March 20, 2025
Berea, KY
March 31, 2025
Cheyney University of Pennsylvania
Cheyney, PA
March 31, 2025
Atherton, CA
April 1, 2025
Florida International University
Miami, FL
April 1, 2025
Atlanta, GA
April 1, 2025
Georgia College & State University
Milledgeville, GA
April 1, 2025
Atlanta, GA
April 1, 2025
University Park, IL
April 1, 2025
Normal, IL
April 1, 2025
Chicago, IL
April 1, 2025
Towson, MD
April 1, 2025
Milton, MA
April 1, 2025
University of Michigan Dearborn
Dearborn, MI
April 1, 2025
Saint Peter, MN
April 1, 2025
Minneapolis College of Art and Design
Minneapolis, MN
April 1, 2025
University of New Hampshire at Manchester
Manchester, NH
April 1, 2025
Plymouth, NH
April 1, 2025
State University of New York at New Paltz
New Paltz, NY
April 1, 2025
East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania
East Stroudsburg, PA
April 1, 2025
Memphis, TN
April 1, 2025
Salt Lake City, UT
April 1, 2025
Reno, NV
April 7, 2025
Tuskegee, AL
April 15, 2025
Naperville, IL
April 15, 2025
New Orleans, LA
April 15, 2025
Baltimore, MD
April 15, 2025
Massachusetts Maritime Academy
Buzzards Bay, MA
April 15, 2025
Kenmore, WA
April 15, 2025
