Is it too late to apply for college or university if I want to start my undergraduate studies next September?
You might be asking this question if you’re about to start your last year of high school (or lower sixth or AS or Year 12) and hoping to gain admission at an American college or University next year – but you haven’t begun the college applications process yet.
Well. It ain’t over till it’s over.
Of all the Yogi-isms out there, this is perhaps one of the best known. Yogi Berra, the legendary American baseball player, said it in 1973. His team was so far behind there was no question they would lose the National League. In the end, they won the division title.
What has that to do with leaving your college application till the very last moment?
Well, you would have to have left them pretty late for us to say it’s too late, don’t bother. If you still have time to request transcripts and recommendations, you have time to apply. With the caveat though that the success of your application depends on other people’s mercies. Will your teachers have time to do your recommendation in time? Is the registrar on holiday? Do you have at least three weeks to craft a decent essay?
It may well be over if any of your ‘dream’ schools require tests such as the SATS or TOEFL as you’d need to take them (at the latest) between October and January of the year before you hope to start.
Assuming it’s not too late to apply when you’re reading this – preferably still August – it ain’t over and you have just about enough time to apply.
Here’s what you need to do next:
- Create your Common App account if you haven’t already done so.
We recommend creating a space to keep track of all your tasks and deadlines. A spreadsheet or an app, whatever you prefer. If you choose to work with us, we’ll send you a google doc template.
- Shortlist the colleges and universities you want to apply to. We recommend six or fewer.
Remember that there are over 4000 colleges and universities in the US. The top 200 accept less than 20% of applicants. The remainder accept over 50%, some over 75%. Here’s another secret: over 60% of international students attend America’s top 200 schools. Improve your chances of getting accepted and bagging a decent financial aid package if you need it, by applying outside that pool. There are many amazing schools beyond the top 200. If you’re wondering why they’re in the top 200, that’s a different article and a much better conversation. In the meantime, here’s an off the beaten track list of fantastic private colleges in the US that you might miss if you’re only looking at the US News Rankings.
- Make a list of your deadlines. You’ll find them on the websites of schools (Americans use the term for all educational institutions) you’ve selected. You’ll have to set some deadlines for yourself too such as when to send requests for recommendation letters and transcripts and when to follow-up.
- List all your extracurricular activities. You’ll need to add what you did, when and for how long. Choose the top ten and place them in order of importance.
- Make a list of the supplemental essays and short answer questions for each school. Again, you’ll find these on the school websites.
- Check for gaps in your profile. Are you showing leadership experience? Curiosity? Community spirit? Initiative and motivation? Do you need a research or passion project to fill these gaps?
If you’re hoping to start your college education in the US in September 2025 and haven’t begun the application process yet, you must start now (this applies only if you’re reading this in August through possibly October). Any later then that, you should really consider taking a gap year, getting organized to craft your best college application, and working or volunteering in the meantime.
If you’re planning to apply for September 2026 or 2027, this is a great time to start thinking about your application and getting a head start.
Got questions? We’re here to help.
