Are you planning to study in the US but unsure when to start your studies? Don’t worry, we got you covered! The US mainly has three intakes: Fall, Spring, and Summer.
The Fall intake is the primary intake attracting a large number of international students due to the availability of a diverse array of courses. If you miss Fall deadlines or need more preparation time, Spring serves as a great alternative, though it offers limited courses. The Summer intake, on the other hand, is for those who are interested in short-term programs or specialized programs.
Now that we have provided you with an overview of the three main intakes in the USA, let’s take a closer look at each one. Furthermore, we will explore the key dates for the upcoming intakes in USA and examine the differences between each intake.
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Fall Intake: The PRimary and MAjor Intake
The Fall intake (August or September) is the most popular intake among international students. In fact, it is so popular that the number of international students enrolling in US colleges and universities for Fall 2024 saw a 3% increase, as per the Fall 2024 International Student Enrollment Snapshot. This rise in enrollment has been occurring over the past three years.
If you are planning to pursue your higher education in the Fall of 2025, here are the upcoming key dates for 2025:
| Application opens | Around October – November 2024 |
| Application closes | Around June 2025 |
| Commencement of the classes | August 2025 |
Spring Intake: The Second-Best Option
If you miss the Fall deadlines, Spring intake (January) also known as Winter, is the best alternative for international students. Despite offering fewer courses, the Spring intake is considered the second most popular intake after the Fall, as it provides international students with an opportunity to begin their studies without waiting an entire year for the next Fall intake.
If you are planning to pursue your higher education in the Spring, here are the key dates.
| Application Opens | Around July |
| Application Closes | Around November |
| Commencement of the classes | January or February |
Summer Intake: The Least Popular
Summer intake (May) is the least popular intake among the three in the USA. This is because it attracts fewer applicants and offers a limited number of courses than the Spring intake. The intake is typically tailored for students seeking limited-duration or short courses rather than full-time degrees.
If you are planning to pursue your higher education in the Summer, here are the key dates:
| Application Opens | Around November |
| Application Closes | January |
| Commencement of the classes | May |
Key Differences Between Fall, Spring, and Summer Intakes
Multiple intakes can make it challenging for you to choose the best option. By understanding the key differences, you can analyze and decide which intake best suits your needs.
| Aspect | Fall Intake | Spring Intake | Summer Intake |
| Timing | August | January | May |
| Popularity | The most popular intake. | The second most popular intake. | The least popular intake. |
| Availability of Courses | Fall intake offers a wide range of courses, nearly all courses, i.e. 90% of courses. | A limited number of courses than the Fall intake. | A very few courses than the Spring intake. |
| Class Size | Fall intake classes are large and enroll a significant number of students. | Spring intake classes are small and enroll a smaller number of students compared to the Fall intake. | Summer intake classes are smaller than spring and fall. |
| Competitiveness | Very competitive | Moderate competition | Least competitive |
| Post-graduation job opportunities | Plenty of job opportunities because the intake aligns with the hiring season. | A fewer number of job opportunities because Spring intake starts in Jan, means that students will miss the main hiring cycle. | Limited job opportunities. |
| University Availability | Nearly most of the universities are available. | Fewer universities are available compared to Fall. | A limited number of universities are available. |
| Focus area | Full-time degree programs across all disciplines. | Full-time degree programs, but not all academic disciplines. | Mostly specialized programs. |
How to Plan for University Intakes?
Here’s a guide on what to do, when to do it, and how to prepare for your application.
| Task | When to do it | How to approach |
| Identify the universities and courses. | 7 – 10 months before the intake. | Shortlist the universities based on rankings and your requirements. |
| Take all the necessary exams and prepare the documents | 5 – 6 months before the intake. | Take all the necessary tests like GRE and IELTS. Furthermore, gather all the documents required by the university, such as academic transcripts and other essential documents. |
| Application Submission | Fill out the application form once the application period opens. Be sure to check the start date of each intake. | Visit the university’s application portal. Create an account and start filling out the details, such as personal details, educational background, and other important details. Pay the application fee and submit it. |
| Student Visa | As soon as you receive the admission offer and I-20, begin the visa process (2 – 3 months before the commencement of classes). | Once you receive the admission offer, visit the US visa portal to check the earliest available F1 visa appointment date. Book the visa appointment and gather all the necessary documents for the visa interview. |
Which Intake Should You Choose?
If you ask, ‘Which intake is best for the USA’, it is the Fall intake, we would say. However, you could differ and it depends on several factors. Here are some of the key factors that you should keep in mind when deciding on an intake.
- Program availability: Is the program you are interested in available in the intake you are considering? Keep this in mind when choosing an intake.
- Test Preparation: Tests like GRE and TOEFL are important components of the admission process. Evaluate whether you have sufficient time to prepare for them. Additionally, academic documents are also equally crucial. Assess whether you have enough time to gather documents for the admissions.
- Scholarship Availability: Most international students depend on scholarships to aid their tuition fees. If you are one of them, find out which intake offers the highest number of scholarships.
- Visa Processing: Visa processing and the issuance of student visas take time. Evaluate which intake provides you with sufficient time for visa processing.
- Consider your personal circumstances: Do you have current commitments with your employer? Are you still pursuing your education? Do you feel confident about relocating? These are some of the circumstances you must consider before committing to an intake.
- Weather and Location: If you plan to choose Spring intake, be aware that the winter can be harsh. On the other hand, if you are planning to choose Fall intake, you can experience milder climate conditions. Evaluate the climatic conditions for each intake and decide which suits you best.
- Internship and Job Opportunities: Jobs are one of the main reasons for pursuing higher studies in a country. The Fall intake in the US aligns with the typical recruitment cycles, offering more job and internship opportunities. On the other hand, the Spring may have fewer job and internship opportunities.
By weighing all these factors, along with others, you can decide which intake best suits your needs and requirements.
Tips for Securing Admissions in Different Intakes
Here are some tips to follow when applying to a university:
- Start your research early to choose the right country and university.
- Apply to a mix of universities, including safe, moderate, and ambitious options. By doing so, you will increase your chances of getting accepted to a university.
- Make sure all your documents, such as academic documents, standardized tests, and others comply with the university’s guidelines.
- Ensure your letter of recommendation, statement of purpose, and resume are error-free and plagiarism-free.
Conclusion
If you are planning to pursue higher education in the US, you need to understand the USA’s intake system. The Fall intake is the primary and the most popular intake option. The Spring intake is the second most popular option, while the Summer intake, though less popular, can be a good choice for students who are looking to pursue specialized courses or short-duration courses. Evaluate each one of them thoroughly to determine which intake best suits your needs.
FAQs
There are three main intakes in the USA: the Fall, the Spring, and the Summer. Each one of them allows students to start their academic journey at a specific point in the academic year.
Some universities allow students to switch between intakes. If you have applied for the Fall intake at a university but later decide it is not the right time to pursue higher education, the university may allow you to switch from Fall to Spring intake. It is advisable to contact the university’s admissions office for guidance on deferring your admission.
Generally, it doesn’t, as the university sets tuition fees for the entire academic year. However, it is a good idea to check with your university regarding tuition rates for your chosen intake.