Colleges Still Accepting Applications in March: What High School Seniors Need to Know

 
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By early March, most high school seniors have already submitted their college applications. Major deadlines have passed—November 30 for the University of California system and around January 1 for many private universities across the United States. However, the admissions cycle is far from over. Each year, many four-year colleges and universities continue to accept applications well into the spring through extended deadlines or rolling admissions.

For students who are still considering their options—or who may have missed earlier deadlines—March can still be a viable time to apply to college.

Why Some Students Apply in March

There are several reasons why students may still be applying to colleges at this point in the year.

One common situation occurs when students receive admission decisions that are not what they expected. For example, a student might be admitted to a college but placed in a different major than the one originally requested. In other cases, students who are denied or waitlisted by several institutions may want to add additional options before the May 1 enrollment deadline.

Some students may have applied to only a small number of highly selective universities and decide to add additional “safety” schools while waiting for decisions.

Students may also discover colleges later in the process that better match their academic interests, preferred location, or campus environment. In some cases, changes in academic performance, family circumstances, or college preferences may lead students to reconsider their plans.

Colleges That Are Still Accepting Applications

Many colleges maintain rolling admissions, meaning they review applications as they are received and continue accepting students until available spaces in the incoming class are filled.

Examples of universities that historically accept applications into the spring include large public universities, regional state universities, and a number of private colleges. Some well-known institutions also maintain later deadlines. Depending on program availability, schools such as the following often accept applications into the spring:

  • Arizona State University

  • Creighton University

  • Georgia State University

  • Gonzaga University

  • Hofstra University

  • Michigan State University

  • Oregon State University

  • Pennsylvania State University (some campuses)

  • Texas Tech University

  • University of Arizona

  • University of Iowa

  • University of Kansas

  • University of Pittsburgh

A helpful resource for identifying colleges still accepting applications is the Common Application platform. The Common App website maintains a regularly updated list of member institutions that remain open for applications after traditional deadlines. According to the Common App, more than 700 U.S. colleges and universities currently have application deadlines on or after March 15. However, not all colleges use the Common App, so students should also check individual university admissions websites.

Important Caveats When Applying Late

Students considering March applications should be aware of several important limitations.

1. School Support Is Still Needed

Even if a college is accepting applications, students typically still need support from their high school. Official transcripts must be sent, and some colleges may require counselor recommendations or teacher letters. It is therefore important to apply while school is still in session so counselors and teachers are available to assist with these materials.

2. Some Majors May Be Closed

At many universities, competitive majors—such as engineering, computer science, business, or nursing—may already be full. Students applying later in the cycle may need to choose alternate majors or apply to less impacted programs.

3. Financial Aid Deadlines May Have Passed

Although the FAFSA may still be available, many institutional scholarships and priority financial aid deadlines occur in February or early March. Students applying later may still be admitted but could have fewer opportunities for merit scholarships or institutional aid.

4. Selectivity May Differ

Many of the colleges that continue accepting applications into the spring are institutions that are still building their incoming class and may be less selective. However, there are also well-known and reputable universities with rolling admissions policies that remain open later in the cycle.

A Strategic Option for Students

Applying to colleges in March is not ideal for every student, but it can be a practical and strategic option. With careful research and timely coordination with their high school counselors, students can still find strong colleges that match their academic goals and personal preferences—even late in the admissions season.

Quick Tip: Students who plan to apply to colleges in March should act quickly. Many rolling-admission universities will close applications once their incoming class is filled.

Elite Prep provides comprehensive college consulting and test preparation. Contact us to discuss your student's goals and timeline.

 
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