A dynamic, culturally diverse student population, exposure to global market players, top-notch colleges and great employment prospects make the USA a dream destination for Indian students. In 2022, a total of 125,000 visas were issued to Indian students for study in the US, an impressive number. There are several reasons why the USA is an obvious choice among several Indians.
Doing your groundwork about the different intakes in the USA will allow you to prepare in advance and not miss out on the perfect opportunities.
Three different intakes in the USA
Three major slots are open for applications at colleges in the USA during fall, summer and spring. You can apply during any of these intakes. If you fail to get your dream college during one intake, you can apply during the latter two.
Things to consider before you decide which intake to apply to
- Is your preferred college open during the intake you want? All colleges are not open during all three intakes.
- Is your preferred course open for that specific intake? The most popular courses get filled to capacity during the most popular intakes in the USA. Some exotic courses may be open only during specific intake slots.
- Will all your certificates be ready in time for the intake? For example, your English language proficiency scores, your entrance exam scores etc.?
- What are the opportunities you have with each intake? Will you get the right kind of internship or project opportunities with the intake?
- Are you prepared to join in this particular intake batch or do you need more time?
Factor all these in and make your decision about which intake is best for you. Read on for more information about each intake to help you make your decision.
Fall intake in the USA
Also known as September intake, this is the main intake in the USA when all the colleges and universities open all the major courses for applicants. If you are going to the USA to do your MS, this is the intake for you as it is preferred by most applicants, especially international students.
When is the Fall intake in the USA?
The Fall or September intake starts in late August or early September and ends in December or early January. The Fall intake in the USA is the first and primary intake. If you want to do your course in the USA in 2024, the Fall intake is appropriate for you.
What are the advantages of opting for the Fall intake in the USA?
- A greater choice of courses and colleges.
- Better and more comprehensive funding options for applicants.
- Access to colleges/ courses that may not be available in other intakes.
- Aligns with the Indian educational system, synchronizing with your course completion here in India.
- Better off-campus internship opportunities.
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Which are some U.S. institutions offering Fall intake in the USA?
Since all colleges do not open admissions during all the intakes in USA, it helps to know which colleges you can apply to, for the Fall intake.
- Harvard University
- Yale University
- Georgia Tech
- University of Pittsburgh
- North Carolina State University
- Carnegie Mellon University
- University of Minnesota
- Cornell University
- University of Colorado Boulder
- Texas A&M University
- Boston University
- Stanford University
- Arizona State University
- Colorado School of Mines
- Columbia University
- Brown University
- University of California Berkeley
- Ohio State University
- University of Notre Dame
- New York University
- Virginia Tech
- Michigan State University
- Princeton University
- MIT
- UC Berkeley
Spring intake in the USA
The Spring intake in the USA is also called the January intake and it is the second most preferred among the intakes in the USA. Many colleges and universities take applications for the Spring intake, but they are fewer than the Fall intake. The number of courses open for admission may also be lesser when compared to the fall intake in the USA. It is important to check if your preferred college and course are open for the spring intake before you decide to pass on the Fall intake and wait for this one.
When is the Spring intake in the USA?
If you plan to apply during the Spring intake in the USA for 2023, everything you need should be ready by January. This intake is open from January until May.
What are the advantages of opting for the Spring intake in the USA?
- You will be saved from the last-minute rush. You will have ample time to complete your exams and get the scores in hand.
- There are fewer students enrolling for this intake, which may make the settling down and transition process easier.
- Better climate when classes start makes it a good time for Indian students to opt for the Spring intake in the USA.
- Masters aspirants who have missed the fall intake get another chance during the Spring intake to apply for their preferred courses.
- Smaller class size gives you better faculty- student interaction opportunities.
Which are some Institutions offering Spring intake in the USA?
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology or MIT
- Harvard University
- The University of Massachusetts
- The University of Illinois
- Yale University
- Pace University
- The University of Colorado
- The University of Central Florida
- California State University, Long Beach
- Washington State University
- New Jersey Institute of Technology
- San Francisco State University
- Temple University
- George Mason University
- University of Bridgeport
- University of New Haven
- Rochester Institute of Technology
- The University of Connecticut
- University of Arkansas
- San Jose State University
- The University of Maryland
- Stevens Institute of Technology
- The University of Memphis
- University of Cincinnati
Summer intake in the USA
The last of the intakes in the USA that ends the admission cycle for the year is the Summer intake. All universities and colleges are not open for application in this phase. Only select courses may be available during this intake with most popular/ major ones all filled up already. However, you should check if your course, especially if it is an unusual one, is available during this intake phase.
When is the Summer intake in the USA?
The summer intake starts in May typically and lasts until August. This is not a very popular intake so if you plan to apply during this time, make sure you are aware of all details well in advance. Discuss with your peers, parents and teachers before making a decision.
What are the advantages of opting for the summer intake in the USA?
- It is good for add on courses like language certifications or similar skills that can boost your career prospects.
- Exotic courses may be open.
- If you are looking for short term courses, explore options during this intake in advance.
- There are also online courses on offer at this time.
Which are some institutions offering Summer intake in USA?
- Purdue University
- Virginia State University
- North Central University
- The University of Arizona
- University of Central Florida
- Delaware Valley University
- Marietta College
- Georgia Southern University
- Regent University
- Jacksonville University
- Southeastern University
- Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
- Grand Valley State University
- Hendrix College
- Southern Illinois University
- University of Nebraska-Lincoln
- Southern Utah University
- The University of New Mexico
- St. Edward’s University
- Kean University
- Winthrop University
- Eastern Washington University
- University of Washington Tacoma
What is the application process for intakes in the USA?
Once you decide which intake you are going to apply for, start your preparation a year in advance. These are all the steps you would take to get ready for an intake.
Step 1: Complete the required exams. This will vary depending on the course/ college and the certificates and other scores they ask for. For example, you will need English proficiency scores. Give yourself enough time to retake the test if you think you can get better scores and for the scorecards to be released.
Step 2: Prepare your Statement of Purpose and finalize it.
Step 3: Get your LORs ready. Recommendation letters from 3- 4 mentors is a good thing to have at hand. Write to or visit mentors, ask them for LORs, follow up until you get them and don’t forget to thank them later.
Step 4: Make sure you meticulously go through the requirements once again a month before the intake opens, so that you have everything in hand along with your application. Do not wait until the last phase of the intake to send in your application.
Frequently asked questions about intakes in the USA
Which intake is best for Indian students?
While Fall is the most popular, you should also look at your requirements when you choose an intake to apply for. Browse through the advantages of each listed above to help with decision making.
Can Indian students opt for all intakes in the USA?
Yes, all three intakes in the USA mentioned above are open to international students.
When will I get the most funding opportunities?
The Fall intake in the USA is when the most funding options are available.
Can I apply for the Spring intake in the USA if I have not been selected in the fall?
Yes, try again during spring intake for your admission so that you do not waste a year.
When should I start preparing for applying in any of these intakes?
Start about one year earlier to the opening date so that you have enough time to appear in exams, get your letters of recommendation, prepare your SOPs etc.
Indian students can apply for any of the three intakes in the USA- Fall, Spring or Summer. The Fall is the most preferred because the major universities and colleges are open during that time and so are the maximum number of courses. Plan ahead using this guide so that you do miss your target intake phase to pursue your higher studies in the USA.
Editor's note: This article was originally published in September 2018. Our content writer Bharathi. V has edited it to include up-to-date information and made it comprehensive.