Still Applying? Great Colleges with February and March Deadlines

If it’s winter and you’re realizing you want to add more schools to your list, take a breath. You are not too late, and you are definitely not out of options. Every year, many strong colleges keep application deadlines in February or even March. Some use rolling admissions, while others have later Regular Decision timelines. These schools can be excellent academic fits and, in many cases, offer strong outcomes, campus communities, and merit aid opportunities. 

Whether you are refining your list after early results or simply starting later than expected, here’s what you should know. 

Why Some Colleges Have Later Deadlines 

Colleges set deadlines based on enrollment strategy, institutional size, and applicant volume. Schools with later deadlines often: 

• Have rolling admissions 

• Are still shaping their incoming class 

• Offer flexibility for students who apply later 

• Want to attract students who are finalizing decisions 

Later deadlines do not mean lower quality. Many highly respected institutions intentionally keep their timelines open to accommodate thoughtful applicants. 

Types of Schools with Later Deadlines 

Not all February and March deadlines look the same. Understanding the structure helps you apply strategically. 

• Rolling Admissions Schools: These schools review applications as they are received and continue admitting students until spots are filled. Applying earlier is still better, but deadlines extend later. 

• Later Regular Decision Schools: Some colleges simply set later firm deadlines and release decisions in waves. 

• Priority vs Final Deadlines: You may see a priority deadline for scholarships or housing followed by a later final deadline for admission. 

Strong Colleges with February or March Deadlines 

Deadlines change each year, so always confirm on the school’s website. These examples reflect schools that often keep later timelines. 

Schools with February Deadlines 

University of Wisconsin Madison 
University of Illinois Urbana Champaign 
University of Maryland College Park 
University of Miami 
Loyola Marymount University 
Clark University 
American University 
University of San Diego 

Schools with March Deadlines 

University of Pittsburgh 
Penn State University 
Indiana University Bloomington 
Michigan State University 
Arizona State University 
University of Oregon 
University of Colorado Boulder 
Fordham University 

Many of these schools also offer strong honors programs, merit scholarships, and academic support that make them attractive options. 

Who Should Consider Applying Later 

Later deadlines can work especially well for: 

• Students who were deferred or denied early 

• Students refining their list after new information 

• Students seeking merit aid opportunities 

• Students applying rolling and wanting flexibility 

• Students who want to strengthen essays or update grades 

If you are applying later, quality matters more than speed. A thoughtful application submitted in February is far better than a rushed one in January. 

How to Approach Late Applications Strategically 

A few tips can help you make the most of later deadlines. 

• Focus on fit, not just availability 

• Choose schools where your academic profile is competitive 

• Use updated grades and new accomplishments 

• Be clear and specific in essays 

• Confirm scholarship and housing timelines 

Later deadlines often give you the advantage of clarity. You know more about yourself, your priorities, and what you want from college. 

Common Misconceptions About Late Applications 

• Applying later does not automatically hurt your chances. 

• Colleges with later deadlines are not “backup schools.” 

• Strong students apply at all points in the cycle. 

• Admissions offices expect and plan for later applicants. 

What matters most is whether your application clearly communicates who you are and why that school fits you. 

Final Thoughts 

If your college list still feels unfinished, February and March deadlines can open real opportunities. Many students find excellent fits during this phase of the process, sometimes at schools they had not originally considered. At PathIvy, we help students assess late application options, refine strategy after early decisions, and submit strong, focused applications even late in the cycle. Timing matters but fit and clarity matter more.