Choosing the appropriate college

[Hioj]

(Sorry for the two threads in 1 day, this is something that I feel requires attention though so I have created 2 threads, since it's 2 different topics)

I believe I have the qualifications to apply to well-regarded universities such as Harvard, MIT, CalTech, Oxford etc. I know their application deadlines have been exceeded a long time ago, so I'm trying to think of the best possible way of contacting the university and applying, either for Fall 2011, Winter 2012 or Fall 2012.

Is it possible to start after the 1st semester, i.e. Winter 2012? I have been looking at their homepages but haven't been able to find much.

What do you think is the best way to proceed?

 

[eri]

Most of those schools do not have much in the way of requirements to apply, but meeting the basic requirements does NOT mean you have a decent chance of getting in. Harvard accepted fewer than 6% of applicants this year, and everyone who applied was qualified to get in (as were millions who did not apply). No, it's not possible to start this fall. They are full. Most won't consider letting you start in the spring; they will also be full. Try next fall instead. Applications will be due this winter.

 

[jtbell]

At many less-competitive schools you can still find places for fall semester. At top-level schools, no. They have waiting lists of students that they can offer places to if other incoming students change their minds.