FORWARDUNIVERSITY.COM: Late College Applicants, the Fourth of July, Barbecue . . . Oh My

Today is the Fourth of July--do you know where your college application is in the admissions funnel? Hopefully, you do; hopefully, you meticulously gathered your college data and information last fall, amassed and assembled all of those college applications, and filed them electronically or did the old school thing and sent them off to the respective colleges and universities of your choice via snail mail. If you did this, then more than likely you know where you will be spending the next four years of your life (knock on wood).

However, if you are one those perennial procrastinators or one of those who just couldn't keep it tight during your senior year because of . . . well, let me see here . . . anything! Anything that a high school student deems a distractor (LOL), well, don't fret because all is not lost, but you have to act fast. Believe me, I do understand the effect that the evil anti-hero Senioritis has had on countless apprehensive, bewildered, befuddled, and betwixted high school seniors since time memorial. That's right--ole Senioritis has been around a long time, and messed with the best of us. And, if you were not so lucky your senior year, and somehow managed to succumb to the seductive forces of Senioritis that sucks and drains the motivation out of your fingertips--there is still hope and time for you to turn it around if you act right now. You see there is about a one-month window of opportunity to gain admission to those schools that offer rolling admissions.

Colleges and universities that offer rolling admissions admit students on an almost year round basis. Unlike those institutions that identify clear cut admissions deadlines on their websites, and in their viewbooks and brochures, colleges that admit on a rolling basis will not frown on your "late" application due to their rolling admissions philosophy. So, if you thought that you missed the college train altogether--think again! You are still in the game if you want to be.

So, don't fret or become too anxious, but move purposefully toward your objective of gaining admission before the start of college next month.

Here is a list of 10 Guerrilla Admissions Tactics for those of you who find yourselves labeled a late applicant to help you out:

Identify those schools that interest you, and that offer rolling admissions.

Contact your high school guidance counselor for assistance if possible, if she/he is around the this summer.
If your former counselor or anyone else isn't available then contact an admissions officer at the respective college or university of your choice and ask for assistance in applying to their school.
If you can't make contact with your high school counselor or an admissions officer at your intended school of attendance, then ask good old mom and/or dad for assistance.

Mom and/or Dad too busy for whatever reason--don't sweat it--show them your enthusiasm by doing all the leg work yourself, and complete the applications on your own.

To operate more stealthily, try to target those schools with a stream-lined application process, i.e., those who don't require a ton of reference letters, those who waive application fees as they move toward the final shape of their freshman class, and/or those that are highly responsive, accessible and available when you need assistance.

If you have narrowed your choice to one school--visit that school if possible, and set up an appointment to meet with an admissions counselor before you arrive on campus so that they are expecting you. You may be surprised at how your effort in going the extra mile may be rewarded.

If you are able to schedule an admissions appointment, ask whether or not you may also be able to meet with a financial aid counselor if you will need financial assistance like student loans, grants and scholarships to help pay for your studies during your first year of college.

Make sure that you file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) ASAP if you haven't already done so. Don't forget to list the new school(s) on the FAFSA form and submit the changes to the federal financial aid form processor otherwise this could cause delays in you receiving a financial aid package or award letter from the school(s) that you would like to attend.