Intakes in USA: Due to its economic potential, academic quality, and rich culture, the USA has become a popular study abroad destination for students over the years. Studying in the USA and selecting the finest university from a list of universities is a significant choice that needs a full grasp of the admissions criteria, exam requirements, courses to be pursued, employment prospects, and so on. Aside from all of these factors, one of the most significant aspects to consider when studying in the USA is the different types of intakes for international students.
If you want to apply to any programme in the USA as an international student for the fall, spring, or summer intakes in 2023, you must begin preparing for your application immediately. Typically, international students who want to pursue their higher education in the USA choose the fall intake over the other two. Let us know more about each of these intakes in USA in this article!
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Types Intakes in USA – An Overview
US universities and colleges offer three intakes to international students for studying in the country. Here is a brief overview of the three different intakes in USA and their duration in US universities and colleges:
Note: Intakes differ depending on the college and programme you select for study. Each intake's application deadline is normally a few months before the start date. It is strongly advised that you apply early to increase your chances of acceptance to the institution or college.
Confused About Which Intake to Choose to Study in USA?
Fall Intake in USA 2023
The fall intake, which begins anytime between August and September, is the first intake of the academic year out of all the three intakes in USA for international students. The intake will run around 13 weeks, through the end of December or the beginning of January. This intake sees the highest rush, especially from international students, with the application process for fall starting a year before you enrol in the course. Almost all the USA universities take in the first batch of undergrad students or freshers during this intake in USA and offer a wide range of courses and slots to apply, get selected and pursue the degree of your choice!
Spring Intake in USA 2023
The second most popular intake amongst all the intakes in USA for international students to study at one of the US universities and pursue their dream course is the Spring intake in USA which is also called as the secondary intake. This intake usually begins in January and hence is also known as January intake in USA. It lasts through May or sometimes June. The Indian students have to wait until next year to study in the USA if admissions for the current year are closed. If you start your course in the spring intake in USA, you can delay it to another semester later on. Moreover, students can do more things to learn and gain experience in the spring. They can do internships, research, volunteer work, and other things.
Summer Intake in USA 2023
The summer intake in USA is the shortest among all the three intakes in USA for international students. This particular intake starts in May or June and continues for about 2 months. Only a few universities accept international students during the summer in USA and offer only a small number of courses or programmes. However, some universities also offer special summer programmes to international students to bridge certain gaps in their past educational qualifications.
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Fall vs Spring vs Summer Intake in USA
While the spring and fall intakes are the most popular among major institutions in the United States, the summer intake in USA is mostly for short-term or select courses at specific universities and colleges. Here is a quick overview of the difference between fall vs spring vs summer intakes in USA:
Basis of Difference |
Fall Intake |
Spring Intake |
Summer Intake |
---|---|---|---|
Duration of the Intake |
From August to December |
From January to April |
From May to August |
Course Opportunities |
In the fall intake, universities provide a diverse selection of course options for bachelor’s and master’s studies. |
Universities provide only a limited number of courses during the spring intake. |
As compared to fall and spring intakes in USA, the summer intake is the least preferred as it provides the least number of courses. |
Scholarship Opportunities |
Since the academic year begins during the right period, you will have more chances for scholarships and improved networking with other students. |
There are fewer chances because most scholarships and financing are available at the start of the school year. |
During the summer intake, international students have the fewest scholarship or financial assistance opportunities. |
Part-time Work Opportunities |
More possibilities on campus, such as research or teaching assistant positions, are available during the fall semester. |
Since you may begin in the middle of the year, your options to work on campus and as a researcher are slightly reduced. |
Next to no part-time work opportunities are available to international students on campus. |
Internship Opportunities |
Fall students can easily apply for internship opportunities because they satisfy the 9-month requirement. |
Spring students confront the issue of meeting the 9-month enrollment requirement to intern with any employer. |
Summer students find it the most difficult to get internship opportunities. |
Documents Required for Applying to US Universities
Now that we have detailed information about the different types of intakes in USA for international students, it is important for them to be ready with the important and necessary documents while applying to US universities during any of the three intakes. Here is a brief document checklist for international students who are planning to study in USA:
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Valid passport
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Satisfactory English language proficiency scores in exams like IELTS/TOEFL/PTE/Duolingo, etc (whichever is being accepted by the universities you shortlist)
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Entrance test scores as per the level of your study, programme and university’s admission criteria. Some of the famous entrance exams that are accepted widely by the US universities are:
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SAT
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ACT
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GRE
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GMAT
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MCAT
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Evidence of funds/finances, bank statements and other documents to prove that you can finance your studies and stay in the USA
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Statement of Purpose, Admission Essays, and Personal Statements
Now that you know well about all the three intakes in USA, it is quite obvious that it can get a bit hard for international students to choose the right time and intake to study in USA. having said that, students must make their decisions based on certain factors like the availability of their preferred programme, their past academic records, test scores, acceptance rates, job opportunities, part-time work opportunities, etc, whilst making an important decision.
If you are failing to make a well-informed decision, you can reach out to our study abroad counsellors and experts at abroad@collegedekho.com and can seek their expert guidance!
Kickstart Your Study in USA Journey with Experts!