You might be taking the wrong step. Are you planning to study in the USA from Nepal? If yes, be aware of the common mistakes.
Taking the IELTS and selecting a university might be the hardest part. But did you know not knowing about the Intakes in USA can be a serious issue? It might delay or limit your study plans.
Knowing when to apply and which intake is best for you is important. This will increase your chances of admission and getting scholarships.
At ICCC, we specialize in helping students navigate these options.
In this blog, we will be discussing the intakes for the USA. Helping you plan your application with greater clarity and confidence.
What are intakes?
You might question why intakes are important? Before going forward, please know what intakes are.
In Nepal, there is only one intake. That means students can only get admission once a year. But in the USA, it is different. In the USA, there are three intakes for students to get enrolled:
- Fall intake
- Spring intake
- Summer intake
The USA intake system provides flexibility to the students for enrollment. Each intake has its advantages and limitations. Let’s explore them.
Intakes in USA
Intakes are also known as the semester or admission. As you already know USA has divided its intake into three distinct parts.
Here we will discuss the intakes in USA:
- Fall Intake:
This intake is most popular among international students. This is the major intake for student admission in the USA. This intake provides a wider range of programs. Intake begins in late August or early September.
- Spring Intake:
Secondary intake for universities and colleges in the USA. If you issued the primary intake, you can apply to this intake. This intake provides a moderate level of programs for students. Intake begins in early January and ends in April.
- Summer Intake:
The least preferred admission period for universities and colleges. If you have missed the two intakes, this intake is for you. This intake provides fewer programs than the other two intakes. Intake starts in May and ends in August.
This comparison table shows the information related to intakes in USA.
| Features | Fall intake | Spring intake | Summer intake |
| Application deadline | October to March | June to September | January to March |
| Course availability | High course available | Moderate course available | The least number of courses available |
| Scholarship and financial aid opportunity | Due to higher courses and primary intake of universities and colleges. Securing a scholarship is high. | Moderate course and secondary intake of universities and colleges. Securing a scholarship is less than the Fall intake. | Less preferred by universities and colleges. Securing a scholarship is hard and rare at this time. |
| Number of applicants | A large number of applicants | Moderate level of applicants | Fewer number of applicants |
| Internship opportunity | High chances of getting an internship | Moderate chances of getting an internship | Less chance of securing an internship |
| Acceptance rate | High acceptance rate | Moderate acceptance rate | Low acceptance rate |
How to choose the right intake
Here are the most important factors to consider while selecting the intake:
- Course Availability:
The fall intake provides more courses and programs than other intakes. Always check whether your program is offered in that intake.
- Academic readiness:
You must have completed the +2 and a bachelor’s degree. Do you have your IELTS, PTE, GRE, and GMAT scores ready? You need to have these. This shows you are academically ready.
- Scholarship and funding opportunity:
Falls Intake offers more scholarships, financial aid, and internships. If scholarship and funding are more important. Then fall intake might be best for you.
- Personal Timeline:
If you are ready with your document and application. Then you can prepare for the fall intake. But if you need to work on documents and improve your test score. Then the spring intake will be the best choice for you.
- Visa Processing Window:
The fall intake sees the highest visa application volume. Due to the large number of students getting enrolled in the Fall intake. The spring and summer intake has less volume than the fall intake.
Which universities accept which intake?
Here is a general breakdown of which university accepts which intake:
| University | Intake |
| Harvard University | Fall intake. But has limited seats for Spring. No admission for summer intake. |
| Standford University | Fall intake. But has limited seats for spring. No admission for summer intake. |
| MIT | Focuses mainly on the Fall intake. |
| Yale University | The primary intake is in the fall. |
| University of California | Accepts Fall intake and Spring Intake |
| Georgia Tech | Accepts fall as primary intake. Also, spring intake. No summer intake. |
| University of Texas | Admissions are open in all intakes. i.e( Fall, Spring and Summer ). |
| Stony Brook University | Admission is open in fall, Spring, and Summer. |
| University of Arizona | Accepts Fall and Spring intake admission. |
| Boston University | Accepts fall and spring intake admission. |
Documents required for Intakes in USA
Regardless of intake, most universities require documents. The documents act as a mirror to showcase your abilities to universities.
Here are the required documents:
- Academic transcript(+2, Bachelors, Masters)
- English proficiency test score
- GRE/GMAT/SAT score if required
- Statement of Purpose(SOP)
- Letter of Recommendation (LOR)
- Resume or CV
- Valid Passport
- I-20 form from the admitting university
- DS-160 confirmation page
- SEVIS payment receipt
At ICCC, we guide our students in every step. Selecting a university, and preparing documents, we are always with students until they land in the USA.
Conclusion
Choosing the right intake can uplift your journey to the USA. Don’t get fooled by someone telling you every intake is the same.
Remember one thing: each intake has its characteristics. Whereas fall is the primary admission period for the students. Top universities try to admit the best students during this period.
It doesn’t mean that spring and summer are not good. If you seek short courses and programs, summer might be best for you. But if you want more time and preparation, spring might be best.
Every intake has pros and cons. What matters is where you stand today and how prepared you are.
