Not all college freshmen begin school in the fall. Some students may elect to pursue spring admissions, while others may be asked to defer entry by their college or university. If you find yourself in this position, there are several unique considerations that you and your family should take into account.

1. Policies and deadlines are school-specific. There is no universal policy for spring admissions in the U.S. Harvard University, for instance, does not allow spring admissions. Cornell University offers spring admissions to transfer students and to a portion of its prospective freshman class. The college asks roughly 125 students to delay their arrival until spring, when additional space is available on campus.

Other schools have entirely separate admissions pools and application dates for the spring semester. Begin to research the policies at those schools that interest you most well in advance. Review the admissions website, but do not be shy about calling the admissions department if you require more information. Spring application deadlines can range, so be certain that you know exactly when they are.

Here are [10 things prospective college transfer students need to know.]

2. There may be less competition: Some colleges and universities receive more applications in the fall than in the spring. By opting for spring admissions, you may find that there are fewer students competing for a limited number of seats.

While the precise size of the advantage is difficult to quantify, if your heart is set on attending a reach school, this may be a means of boosting your chances of entry or of getting a second chance if your fall application does not succeed.

3. The fall months are still critical: If you plan to start college in the spring, do not allow the fall after high school graduation go to waste. Living at home and working to save tuition money is one option. You may also be able to take classes at a different school, such as a community college, during the fall semester.

If you choose to do so, be sure to speak with your intended four-year college or university first, as not all credits transfer equally. Before you enroll in a course, double-check that it will be accepted come spring.

Follow three [tips for selecting the right reach schools.]

4. The social impact may be slight. One of the most feared aspects of spring admissions is how many of the freshman bonding experiences that you will miss. The effect you feel will vary significantly with school size and freshman programming.

Schools with established spring entry programs may house their spring entry students in the same residence halls, as well as enroll them in the same freshman orientation. Your circle of peers will be smaller initially, but the strength of your shared experiences will still make for strong bonds.

Remember, too, that each new class is a chance to meet new people. After even a single semester, you may no longer be at a social disadvantage.

5. Academic timelines may or may not vary. Your academic plan likely will not suffer much from matriculating in the spring. You should still plan on graduating after eight semesters, but it may be possible to attend a winter or summer session if you wish to participate in May graduation.

The more significant impact may be on the availability of classes. Again, this will vary from school to school. Some colleges may offer freshman-level introductory classes in all semesters. At others, certain prerequisite courses may only be offered in the fall. Introductory biology, for example, is often taught as a two-semester series.

The worst case if that you may need to take several of your general education requirements during the spring semester and then begin your major track the following fall. Speak with your college adviser to determine if any special scenarios will apply to you.

Explore [three emerging holistic college admissions trends.]

6. Financial aid access may also differ. Some schools that offer spring admissions guarantee the same access to financial aid as students applying under fall admissions. However, this may not always be the case, and certain independent scholarships may also assume a fall start date.

Again, research the rules for your particular situation. Talk to any independent agencies that are providing you aid, and inform them in advance of your plan to start college in the fall. You may find that they have some flexibility and are willing to work with you.

If there is one theme central to this advice, it is that every school differs in how — or if — it handles spring admissions. Whether applying in the spring is a deliberate choice on your part, or a request from the college or university, planning can make sure your non-traditional start works in your favor.

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6 Facts for High School Students, Parents on Spring College Admissions originally appeared on usnews.com