Looking for colleges with late admissions deadlines? You’ve come to the right place. This list features colleges with application deadlines after January 1. The deadlines range from mid-January through February 1. Bonus: all of these schools can be found on the Common App, and some don’t even require supplemental essays.
SCHOOLS WITH NO REQUIRED ESSAYS
Fordham University: January 11, 2019
Dickinson College: January 15, 2019
Kenyon College: January 15, 2019
Muhlenberg College: February 1, 2019
University of Rhode Island: February 1, 2019
DePaul University: February 1, 2019
DePauw University: February 1, 2019
The Ohio State University: February 1, 2019 (note: essays are required for honors programs)
Sewanee, The University of the South: February 1, 2019
SCHOOLS WITH REQUIRED ESSAYS
University of Southern California: January 15, 2019
With only two required essays, USC is an excellent addition to your late application list.
Essay #1: Choose one of the prompts below. (250 word limit)
“USC believes that one learns best when interacting with people of different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Tell us about a time you were exposed to a new idea or when your beliefs were challenged by another point of view.”
“Describe something outside of your intended academic focus about which you are interested in learning.”
“What is something about yourself that is essential to understanding you?”
Essay #2: “Describe how you plan to pursue your academic interests at USC. Please feel free to address your first- and second-choice major selections.” (250 word limit)
To conquer the academic interests essay, research specific USC programs and connect them to your interests and goals. In the other essay, you’ll want to focus on giving the admissions officers insight into who you are as an individual. If you’re pressed for time, think about whether any admissions essays you’ve already written fit any of the 3 options (or could be modified in order to fit).
UNC Chapel Hill: January 15, 2019
With just 2 short essays between you and a completed application, you still have time to apply to UNC Chapel Hill. There are 4 prompt options, and you’ll have to choose two of them.
Essays #1 and #2: Choose 2 of the following and write 200-250 words:
“Tell us about a peer who has made a difference in your life.”
“What do you hope will change about the place where you live?”
“What is one thing that we don’t know about you that you want for us to know?”
“What about your background, or what perspective, belief, or experience, will help you contribute to the education of your classmates at UNC?”
Whether you decide to focus on yourself, a peer, your hometown, or how you’ll contribute to the UNC community, make sure that your UNC essays provide insight that the admissions readers won’t find anywhere else in your application.
Emerson College: January 15, 2019
If you’re considering Emerson, you’re probably naturally creative, and the Emerson prompts allow your talents to shine. Emerson requires 2 brief essays (100-200 words each).
Essay #1: “As you know, the academic programs at Emerson College are focused on communication and the arts. Please tell us what influenced you to select your major. If you're undecided about your major, what attracted you to Emerson's programs? Please be brief.” (100-200 words).
Essay #2: “Much of the work that students do at Emerson College is a form of storytelling. If you were to write the story of your life until now, what would you title it and why? Please be brief.” (100-200 words).
These are particularly brief prompts, so choose your words carefully to maximize your impact, and don’t be afraid to ask a trusted teacher or friend to help you cut words.
Wofford College: January 15, 2019
Wofford’s required essays are straightforward: one prompt is about an extracurricular and the other is a standard “Why Wofford” question. So, why not apply to Wofford?
Essay #1: “Please briefly elaborate on one of your extracurricular activities or work experiences.” (250 word limit)
Essay #2: “Why are you interested in Wofford College?” (250 word limit)
You’ve probably already written an extracurricular/work essay, so feel free to reuse it (with revisions, if needed) for Wofford. Plus, by now, we bet you can research and write the Why X school essay in a snap.
The Ohio State University: February 1, 2019
Ohio State does not require supplemental essays—unless you’d like to apply to the University Honors or Ohio State Scholars programs. If you’d like to be considered for one of these programs, you’ll need to submit one essay between 350-500 words answering the following prompt.
Essay:“To what fictional character do you most relate, and why? You may select a character from animation, art, film, literature, television, theater or any other medium.” (350-500 words)
Don’t be afraid to let your brainy, creative self shine in this essay.
University of Michigan: February 1, 2019
There’s plenty of time to apply to UMich, which has three required essays:
Essay #1: “If you could only do one of the activities you have listed in the Activities section of your Common Application, which one would you keep doing? Why?” (150-word limit)
Essay #2: “Everyone belongs to many different communities and/or groups defined by (among other things) shared geography, religion, ethnicity, income, cuisine, interest, race, ideology, or intellectual heritage. Choose one of the communities to which you belong, and describe that community and your place within it.” (300-word limit)
Essay #3: “Describe the unique qualities that attract you to the specific undergraduate College or School (including preferred admission and dual degree programs) to which you are applying at the University of Michigan. How would that curriculum support your interests?” (550-word limit)
A tip for essay #3—take your time exploring the undergraduate programs so that you can compose a thoughtful response. Specify the College or School you’re applying to at the start of your essay, be clear about your interests/goals, and provide concrete details about the academic opportunities and resources that would support those interests/goals.
University of Wisconsin–Madison: February 1, 2019
The beauty of the UW-Madison application—besides the late deadline—is the fact that the required essay combines two standard prompts: “Why School” and “Why Major.”
Essay: “Tell us why you decided to apply to the University of Wisconsin-Madison. In addition, please include why you are interested in studying the major(s) you have selected. If you selected undecided please describe your areas of possible academic interest. (you may enter up to 650 words).”
Be sure to answer both questions in your answer to this prompt. Be specific about the opportunities, resources, and qualities that make UW-Madison a good fit for you, and give a clear explanation of of how you came to develop an interest in your prospective major(s).
Gonzaga University: February 1, 2019
With only one required essay, Gonzaga’s application is an easy one to tackle before the February deadline.
Essay: Choose one of the following topics and write a brief response—around 3-6 sentences (300 words maximum).
Option #1: “Please share an experience that made you feel uncomfortable or challenged, and then explain how you grew from the situation.”
Option #2: “Please share an experience you have had outside of the classroom that has contributed to your personal growth.”
The essay topics are both about personal growth and development. and Gonzaga is hoping to gain real insight into who you are through your essay. To that end, don’t lose track of your conclusion! Explain the situation/experience thoroughly, but make sure you also give yourself enough room to demonstrate genuine self-reflection.
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