Intakes in USA

Intakes in the USA

If you’re preparing to study in the USA, you might have many questions. One of the first things you should consider is the intake period for the universities or colleges you’re interested in. What are the intake options in the USA? How many intakes are available? And which intake is the most popular? Here’s everything you need to know about the different intake periods in the USA for Master’s programs:

Types of Intakes in the USA

In the USA, there are three main intakes offered by universities and colleges:

Choosing the right intake can be confusing, but considering factors like course availability, your academic background, English language proficiency scores, entrance exam results, university acceptance rates, job opportunities, and your personal readiness to join the program will help you decide. If you’re not prepared for your preferred intake, it’s better to wait for the next one rather than rushing the process.

Fall Intake in the USA

• Duration: September, October, November, December
• Also Known As: September Intake

Fall intake is the primary intake in the USA, with most universities offering a wide variety of courses during this period. Additionally, universities often provide more funding options for the Fall intake. Many universities only have Fall intake for certain programs.

Because of these reasons, Fall intake is the most popular choice among students. If you’re planning for the Fall semester, start shortlisting colleges and researching in April. You should appear for required exams like IELTS/TOEFL by June and start preparing your documents, such as your Statement of Purpose (SOP), Letters of Recommendation (LOR), application essays, and visa documentation. Fall intake is the most chosen intake in the USA.

Spring Intake in the USA

• Duration: January, February, March, April, May
• Also Known As: January Intake

Spring intake is considered the secondary intake in the USA, running from January to May. This intake is ideal for students who missed the Fall intake. However, there are fewer course options available in Spring compared to Fall, and not all universities offer the same variety of programs.

If you’re applying for the Spring intake, you should complete your university shortlisting and research by August. Register for required English language and other exams by September or October. After that, focus on preparing your application documents and visa requirements.

Steps to Apply for Fall Intake (September Intake)

If you plan to study in the USA for either undergraduate or postgraduate studies, creating an action plan is essential. Here’s an application timeline for September intake:

Step 1: Start Early! (By August)

• Shortlist 8-12 universities and note application deadlines and requirements.
• Familiarize yourself with scholarship and loan options.
• Begin researching accommodation options and download university brochures.

Step 2: Appear for the Exams (January – February)

• Prepare for exams like GRE, TOEFL, GMAT, or IELTS, depending on your course.
• Register for tests at least three months in advance.
• Plan for buffer time in case you need to retake any exams.

Step 3: Start Applying to Colleges

• Shortlist universities and prepare your application.
• Contact professors or managers for reference letters.
• Draft your SOP and essays, giving yourself a month for these tasks.
• Submit your application before the deadline.

Step 4: Acceptance Letters and Interviews

• Respond to college emails promptly and appear for any necessary interviews (personal or video).
• Once you receive acceptance letters, make your decision quickly and confirm with the universities.

Step 5: Apply for Visa/Education Loan

• Apply for scholarships if applicable.
• Apply for a student loan and prepare the necessary documentation for your student visa.
• Make sure to apply for your visa well in advance, as processing can take time.

Step 6: Tickets and Departure

• Book your flight and arrange for an international debit/credit card.
• Gather all your documents and their photocopies for the trip.
• Follow the pre-departure checklist to ensure a smooth transition.

List of Universities in the USA for September Intake

Here’s a list of popular universities offering Fall intake in the USA:

• Harvard University
• Stanford University
• MIT
• CalTech
• UC Berkeley
• Georgia Tech
• UT Austin
• Carnegie Mellon
• Yale University
• Northwestern University
• University of Pennsylvania
• Princeton University
• Columbia University
• Arizona State University
• Johns Hopkins University
• New York University (NYU)
• University of Southern California (USC)
• UC Los Angeles (UCLA)
• University of Michigan
• Purdue University

Steps to Apply for Spring Intake (January Intake)

If you missed the Fall intake, you can apply for the January intake. Here’s the process for applying to US universities for Spring intake:

Step 1: Start Early! (April – May)

• Start preparing by shortlisting universities for the January intake and checking the admission requirements and deadlines.
• Look into scholarship and loan options, and make accommodation arrangements.

Step 2: Appear for the Exams (June – November)

• Register for the required entrance exams (GRE, GMAT, TOEFL, IELTS) based on your course and university.
• Plan ahead in case you need to retake any exams.

Step 3: Start Applying to Colleges (August – September)

• Prepare your application, including SOP and recommendation letters.
• Submit your application before the deadline.

Step 4: Acceptance Letters and Interviews (October – November)

• Respond to acceptance letters quickly.
• Appear for any interviews if requested.
• Confirm your admission by paying a non-refundable deposit.

Step 5: Apply for Visa/Education Loan (November – December)

• Apply for your student visa and education loan during this period.
• Make sure to gather all necessary paperwork for your visa application.

Step 6: Tickets and Departure (December – January)

• Book your flight and gather all necessary documents for travel.
• Arrange for international debit/credit cards and review your pre-departure checklist.

List of Universities in the USA for Spring Intake

Here’s a list of universities offering Spring admissions:

• Florida International University
• University of Alabama, Huntsville
• University of Wisconsin – Madison
• George Mason University
• University of Houston
• Rice University
• Arizona State University
• University of Southern California
• Purdue University
• University of Texas, Dallas
• University of Florida
• Texas A&M University

Summer Intake in the USA

While some universities accept applicants for the Summer semester, only specific departments offer courses. Summer intake typically starts in June and lasts for two to three months. The courses offered during this intake are mainly language programs for non-English speaking students or specialized cultural programs. Not all programs are available during the summer, so it’s essential to verify with each university.