The United States of America is the number one destination for foreign students. Call it the lure of the developed world or the charm of Silicon Valley, the United States (US) has always been an evergreen destination for study abroad aspirants.
According to Statista, 948,519 international students studied in the US in 2021-22. With restrictions due to Covid-19 lifted, expect more numbers of students in the subsequent years.
As the US rises in popularity by the day, the number of international student applicants will go up in the coming years. In 2022 alone, the US State Department issued 125,000 student visas to Indian students.
With such a high number of applicants, only a few students can get a chance to live their dream. Will you get to live it?
Before answering this question, make sure to acquaint yourself with the nitty-gritty of the admission process. The first step towards this is understanding the best time to apply. It is the key to bagging the best opportunity at the right time.
With Yocket Premium, get the finest counselling for giving wings to your study abroad dreams in the US! More on that below.
Since the fall intake is the major intake period, we’ll tell you all about it in this blog.
This blog will cover the benefits of the fall intake, the universities offering admissions during the fall intake, the application process in this intake, and a lot more!
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Type of Intakes in the USA
There are primarily two intakes for study abroad aspirants in the USA: Fall Intake and Spring intake. While classes for the spring intake begin in January, the deadlines lie between July and December of the previous year. The fall intake, on the other hand, is the most common and is preferred by a majority of study abroad aspirants. Classes for the fall semester start either in late August or by September.
There is a third intake season - summer intake. But only a limited number of universities offer programs during this season.
Here’s a quick comparative look into these intakes:
Intakes in USA |
Starts From |
Duration |
Fall Intake (Primary/Major intake) |
Late August 2024 or September 2024 |
September–December 2024 /early January 2024 |
Spring Intake (Secondary intake) |
January 2024 |
January–May 2024 |
Summer Intake |
May 2024 |
May-August 2024 |
Suggested: Fall vs Spring Intake in USA
Whether you're planning for Fall or Spring - the right strategy can be a game changer between a good and a great admit. Speak with our experts right now to learn more about your intake selection and the strategy to make it in time for the deadlines.
What is Fall Intake in the USA?
The fall intake means the late August or early September, for the admission of courses that starts between September and December. The fall intake is generally more popular among study abroad students and is the most common intake period due to more courses are avialable in this time.
This is primarily because of the wide variety of courses offered during this intake, and the relatively higher volume of funding available.
What are the Benefits of Applying for Fall Intake in the USA?
Before we discuss the timeline of fall intake in the US, let us start by analysing why it is considered the preferred admission season.
The Fall intake is the most preferred for all major universities in the US because of the following reasons:
- Fall marks the beginning of the academic year in the United States. As a result, most universities offer their flagship programs during this time.
- The fall intake offers more opportunities for students in terms of scholarships and financial aid. More programs, more scholarships, more opportunities (yayy!).
- It is relatively easier for students to find internships and jobs after landing an admission in the fall intake. It’s not off-season, and just the right time to begin your search for a part-time gig or an internship.
- It is better for students interested in networking and other on-campus activities. The class sizes tend to be bigger, and with more students, there will be a chance to build camaraderie and have loads of fun while building your career!
- Contrary to popular perception, the Fall intake may not be a harder season to enter university. Bigger class sizes and more programs nullify the effect of competition.
Universities Offering Fall/September Intake in USA 2024-25
Most leading universities in the US offer programs during the Fall intake. Some of the top US universities offering their programs in the Fall intake are:
- Harvard University
- Stanford University
- California Institute of Technology
- North Carolina State University
- Georgia Tech
- University of California Berkeley
- Yale University
- Boston University
- University of Pittsburgh
- New York University
- Michigan State University
- University of Minnesota
- Texas A & M University
- Ohio State University
- Virginia Tech
- University of Colorado Boulder
- Carnegie Mellon University
- Cornell University
- Arizona State University
- Columbia University
- University of Notre Dame
- Princeton University
Suggested: Find the best US universities based on your profile
Fall Intake Deadlines and Timeline in USA
The timeline for the Fall intake in the US starts an entire year in advance. It means that if you want to start your course in the Fall of 2025, you should start preparing as early as 2024. Given the breadth and depth of steps involved, it is advisable to start by 2024 to not leave anything till the last minute.
In this section, we’ll be highlighting the steps and the timelines to help you smoothly sail through the process of your MS admission!
Suggested: Fall 2024 - Application Timelines for MS in US
What’s the Tentative Timeline for Competitive Exams for Fall Intake?
For admissions to most postgraduate programs, you would have to appear for an entrance test. It is the same with international programs as well. A certain set of exams need to be cleared which test your ability to handle complex coursework in the post-graduate years. A high score on these tests signals to the universities that you are ready!
What are the major tests you need to take to be ready? Let’s dive right in.
English Proficiency Exam
Universities in the United States require you to take an English proficiency test to demonstrate competency in the native language. You could take either IELTS, TOEFL, PTE or Duolingo. However, most universities in the US accept either the TOEFL or IETLS. Check out each university’s admission requirements page for more information on accepted tests.
A high score on any of these tests indicates that you are good at communicating in English and will be able to cope with the classes & everyday conversations at your university. These exams are meant to test your basic knowledge and foundations of the English language.
Every university requires a student to have a minimum score to be eligible to apply for its programs. In general, a score of over 100 on TOEFL or 7+ on the IELTS is considered acceptable for most top-tier universities.
While preparing for exams, remember that you can reappear for these exams as many times as you like. However, there would be no reduction in the test fee for every additional exam. It means that you can appear for a test 5 times in a year, but you will also pay the exam fees 5 times! 🤯
Standardised Admission Exams
The other exam needed for master’s admission is the GRE or GMAT exam. These exams play a very important role in your application. The higher the score, the better chance you have of getting an admit to the university of your choice. Both exams test your quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning, and analytical writing skills.
For most MS programs, the GRE is a must. For MBA programs, the GMAT is more acceptable. You can choose to take these exams multiple times. However, it is not recommended to take these exams more than twice or thrice, as they can be expensive and take a lot of your time for preparation.
Make your first attempt the best one!
Make your Preparation for the GRE Smarter with Yocket Prep - Live Classes, Mock Tests, Video Lessons, and more
Deadlines for Fall 2024 Intake in the USA
All the application forms and links can be found on the course page or the university’s website. Make sure you fill out the forms carefully and double-check for any mistakes before submitting them.
Here’s a quick rundown of the Fall intake deadlines for US universities:
Type of Application |
Application Deadline |
Admission Decision |
|---|---|---|
Early Action |
November 2023 |
December 2023 |
Early Decision |
November 2023 |
December 2023 |
Regular Decision |
January/February 2024 |
March/April 2024 |
Rolling Admission |
Varies |
Usually within 4–6 weeks |
Here are some of the fall 2024 application deadlines for universities in USA:
University Name |
Course |
Fall 2024 Deadline |
|---|---|---|
March 5, 2024 |
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March 5, 2024 |
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March 5, 2024 |
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March 5, 2024 |
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March 5, 2024 |
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March 6, 2024 |
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March 6, 2024 |
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March 10, 2024 |
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March 12, 2024 |
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March 15, 2024 |
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March 15, 2024 |
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March 15, 2024 |
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March 15, 2024 |
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March 15, 2024 |
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March 15, 2024 |
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March 15, 2024 |
Deadlines for Fall 2025 Intake in the USA
Type of Application |
Application Deadline |
Admission Decision |
|---|---|---|
Early Action |
November 2024 |
December 2024 |
Early Decision |
November 2024 |
December 2024 |
Regular Decision |
January/February 2025 |
March/April 2025 |
Rolling Admission |
Varies |
Usually within 4–6 weeks |
You can find the application deadlines for fall and spring courses at US universities here. It’s important to note these deadlines and apply well in advance.
There are two types of deadlines: priority and regular. If you can, try to apply by the priority deadline. This will give you more time to review your options and decide if you want to apply to more universities.
International students have different deadlines than domestic students. International student deadlines usually close earlier than domestic student deadlines. So, make sure you double-check the deadlines before applying.
Once you’ve submitted all your documents and completed the application form, there’s nothing left to do but wait for the fall intake decisions to come out!
Documents Required for Fall Intake in the US
Before hitting the “Submit” button on your fall university application, make sure you have all the necessary documents ready. This might include soft copies of your semester-wise mark sheets, degree certificates or provisional certificates if your degree hasn’t been issued yet, and transcripts. You might also need to upload these additional documents:
Academic Transcripts
Your transcripts need to come directly from the university. Scan them for your records and get them sealed and stamped by the registrar.
Some universities have specific instructions for uploading or submitting transcripts, which you can find on their website. For MS admissions to some US universities, you’ll need to get your transcripts or mark sheets evaluated by WES.
WES evaluations take about a month and need to be submitted to the university through WES itself. So, it’s best to start the process for your transcripts (or WES evaluations) in July.
If you’re still in your final year when you apply, let the university know that you only have transcripts for the first two (or three) years of study. You’ll submit your final year mark sheets when you start your program the following year.
Statements of Purpose (SOPs)
Your Statement of Purpose (SOP) is your chance to introduce yourself to your dream university and convince them why you’re a perfect fit for their program. It’s like a personal essay that highlights your academic background, career goals, and passion for your chosen field of study. A well-written SOP can really make you stand out from the crowd and increase your chances of getting accepted.
Want to craft an SOP that’s sure to impress the admissions committee? Our experts can help you write a stellar SOP that will boost your admit chances!
Letters of Recommendation (LORs)
For your application, you’ll need to provide 2-3 recommenders. These can be professors, managers, or anyone you’ve worked with in the past. If you haven’t had a job yet, all of your recommenders can be professors or managers you’ve worked with during internships or projects.
Working professionals should have at least one recommendation from a manager or team lead.
Gathering recommendation letters can take time, so get started on them early. That way, you’ll have them ready when you’re filling out your application forms.
Essays
Your college essay is a big deal. It can make or break your application. Even high-scoring students have been rejected from top universities because their essays didn’t shine. On the other hand, applicants with average scores have gotten into great schools because their essays were awesome.
So, don’t wait until the last minute to start writing your essay! Some applications will ask you to answer specific questions in your essays, and some may even require multiple essays. Make sure you check the requirements carefully so you can plan your writing accordingly.
Additional Documents
In addition to the general documents, such as your passport and passport-size photos, you’ll also need to provide a resume or CV. You’ll need to check the course page on the university website for any additional documents they might require. Make sure to review the list carefully and gather all the necessary documents by the end of July.
Application Process for Fall Intake in USA
By following these steps diligently, you can navigate the US fall intake admissions process with confidence and secure your place in a prestigious academic institution.
- Explore and Select: Begin your application process by thoroughly exploring the diverse range of universities and programs available. Consider factors such as academic reputation, course offerings, fee structure, payment options, and your personal preferences to identify the program that best aligns with your aspirations.
- Fulfill Testing Requirements: Assess the standardized tests required for your chosen program and university. Prepare diligently for and take the necessary tests, such as IELTS, TOEFL, GRE, GMAT, SAT, ACT, or PTE, to achieve competitive scores.
- Craft Your Application: Assemble the essential documents for your university applications, including a comprehensive academic resume/CV, transcripts, proof of English language proficiency, SAT/GMAT/ACT/GRE scores, a compelling statement of purpose (SOP), and letters of recommendation (LORs) from influential individuals.
- Conditional Offer Option: If you anticipate delays in receiving crucial exam scores, consider applying with a conditional offer letter. This demonstrates your commitment to the program while allowing you to secure your place pending the submission of your scores.
- Secure Your F1 Student Visa: Upon receiving an acceptance letter from your chosen university, initiate the F1 student visa application process. Gather the necessary documents, including your passport, identity proof, application fee payment receipt, photo, and any other relevant paperwork.
Tips for Students Applying for Fall Intake in USA
To streamline the application process and increase your chances of success, consider these valuable tips:
Create an Organized Record
Utilize an Excel spreadsheet to meticulously track information about your chosen universities. This includes program names, course links, deadlines, fees, average living costs, essay questions (if applicable), application links, and your application login details. This organized approach will ensure you have all the essential information at your fingertips.
Adhere to a Structured Schedule
To effectively balance exam preparation with your regular activities, adopt a well-structured schedule. Dedicate ample time to studying while maintaining a consistent routine. This disciplined approach will help you achieve your academic goals.
Prioritize Early Deadlines
Most priority deadlines for US university admissions fall in November and December. As some universities’ regular deadlines for Fall 2025 commence in these months, it’s crucial to be aware of these timelines.
Adapt the Timeline to Your Start Year
The specified months refer to the year preceding your intended start year. For instance, if you plan to begin your master’s program in Fall 2025, follow this process in 2024 during the corresponding months. Upon receiving an admission offer, consult the post-acceptance timeline for further guidance.
By implementing these strategies, you can navigate the US university application process with confidence and maximize your chances of securing admission to your desired institution. Remember, thorough planning and organization are key to success in this competitive landscape.
Check Out the USA Student Visa Guide!
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From the Desk of Yocket
The September/Fall Intake in the USA for 2024 or 2025 is a great opportunity for international students to pursue higher education in one of the world’s leading countries. The application process is competitive and straightforward, but it is also well-structured and transparent. It is important to make sure that you meet all of the requirements for the programs you are interested in. With careful planning and preparation, you can increase their chances of success.
Here are some of the benefits of applying for the Fall Intake:
- Most popular intake: The Fall intake is the most common intake for international students so you will have access to a wider range of programs and opportunities.
- Full academic year: Starting in the fall will allow you to complete a full academic year of study, which can be advantageous for your academic progress and graduation timeline.
- Alignment with the traditional academic year: Fall intake aligns with the traditional academic year in many countries, making it easier to transition to studying in the USA.