Great schools with late admissions: the staff at careers & colleges gives its picks of schools with rolling admissions programs

Careers and Colleges, March-April, 2004 by Traci Mosser

Think it's too late to apply to college? No way! Many great schools accept late applications of have rolling admissions programs. In general, rolling admissions means that these schools accept applications and applicants throughout the year. A word of warning: Before spending time filling out the application, contact the school's admission office first to make sure they are still accepting applications. Also, keep in mind that late applicants may qualify for less financial aid. Note: "R&B" stands for "Room & Board" and "Size" refers to number of undergraduates.

MICHIGAN TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY, HOUGHTON, MI

WWW.MTU.EDU IN-STATE TUITION: $6,810 OUT-OF-STATE: $17,700 R&B: $5,795 SIZE: 5,737

Michigan Tech is known for its strong engineering programs, and you can be certain that MTU's computer labs and technological services are also top-notch. In addition, the school boasts an acclaimed forestry program, enhanced by its proximity to thousands of woodland acres. More than 80 percent of students receive financial aid, with an average aid award of $7,500. Rolling Admission Policy: No application deadline.

UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI-COLUMBIA, COLUMBIA, MO

WWW.MISSOURI.EDU IN-STATE TUITION: $5,553 OUT-OF-STATE: $14,705 R&B: $5,374 SIZE:

Named one of America's best college buys, according to Money magazine, Barron's Best Buys in College Education, and The College Finder, "Mizzou," as the school is nicknamed, also offers a lot of academic bang for the buck. With a top-rated journalism school, more than 100 living-learning communities (where students with similar interests live in the same dorms and attend classes together), and a strong study abroad program, Mizzou may be just the place for you. Rolling Admission Policy: Apply by May 1.

CULINARY INSTITUTE OF AMERICA, HYDE PARK, NY

WWW.CULINARY.EDU TUITION: $8,820 R&B: $2,675 SIZE: 2,300

Have dreams of becoming a top chef? At the CIA, you'll learn how to cook and bake through hands-on instruction in the school's 41 kitchens and bakeshops. The four-year college offers degrees in two major areas of study: culinary arts and baking and pastry arts. Applicants must have six months experience in a professional kitchen, banquet facility, hospital kitchen, soup kitchen, or other non-fast-food facility. Rolling Admission Policy: Applications accepted year-round.

HIGH POINT UNIVERSITY, HIGH POINT, NC WWW.HIGHPOINT.EDU TUITION: $14,290 R&B: $6.780 SIZE: 3,000

High Point, NC, is known as the "furniture capital of the world," and accordingly High Point University offers the nation's only majors in home furnishings marketing and home furnishings management. Set on a beautiful wooded campus, the school is affiliated with the United Methodist Church. The diverse student body enjoys a variety of cultural activities and the knowledge that their school is consistently rated one of the top-tier regional liberal arts schools. Rolling Admission Policy: Apply any time during the academic year. There is no closing date for applications, but space is limited.

BRIDGEWATER COLLEGE, BRIDGEWATER, VA

WWW.BRIDGEWATER.EDU TUITION: $17,990 R&B: $8,480 SIZE: 1,240

With its unique Personal Development Portfolio Program, Bridgewater students are required to explore and demonstrate growth in four areas: Citizenship and Community Responsibility, Intellectual Growth and Discovery, Emotional Maturation and Physical Health, Ethical and Spiritual Growth. Though the listed price tag may be high, more than 95 percent of students receive financial aid. Rolling Admission Policy: Apply no later than August 1.

BRADLEY UNIVERSITY, PEORIA, IL

WWW.BRADLEY.EDU TUITION: $16,800 R&B: $5,980 SIZE: $5,200

Peoria is often referred to as the heartland of America, and besides boasting warm, hard-working folks, the town also offers a laid-back medium size college. Bradley stands out for several reasons: a solid liberal arts core, professors who give out their home phone numbers, and noticeable interaction between students and faculty. Rolling Admission Policy: Bradley admits students on a rolling admission basis beginning October 1. Applications reviewed until the class is filled.

MANHATTANVILLE COLLEGE, PURCHASE, NY

WWW.MVILLE.EDU TUITION: $23,620 R&B: $10,130 SIZE: 1,500

Located on 100 acres in Westchester County, just 30 minutes from New York City, Manhattanville promotes itself as "nurturing yet academically rigorous." The school offers a "Semester in New York City" program that gives students a chance to live and study n Brooklyn Heights and work at internships in business, nonprofit organizations and governmental agencies. Rolling Admission Policy: The school processes applications throughout the year, but the admissions office generally recommends applying by March 1. Before applying for Fall 2005, check to see if space is still available.

WILLIAM WOODS UNIVERSITY, FULTON, MO

WWW.WILLIAMWOODS.EDU TUITION: $14,000 R&B: $5,700 SIZE: 854

Are you a horse lover? If horses aren't your thing, how about sign language? The unique William Woods may just be the only college where you call get a degree in equestrian science or American Sign Language. The school also offers a popular Mentor-Mentee Program that connects students and faculty for research partnerships. Rolling Admission Policy: Although applications may be submitted any time, students wishing to enroll for the fall semester are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.