The summer intake in the USA starts in May and ends around August. This shorter term isn’t as popular as the fall and spring intakes, but it allows students to begin their studies mid-year. You’ve heard about the different intakes for studying in the USA, and now you’re thinking about whether the summer intake in USA matches your academic and personal goals. If this sounds like you, you’re looking in the right place.
In this article, we will dive into everything you need to know about the summer intake.
Let’s start by getting a handle on what summer intake means. In the American academic year, the summer semester kicks off in May or June and goes on until July or August. The summer intake in USA isn’t as long or common as the fall (August/September) and spring (January) intakes.
The summer intake universities in USA have fewer programs to choose from compared to the fall and spring intakes. But don’t worry – you still have plenty of options. Many schools, including some top-notch ones, welcome students for certain programs or classes during this time. So if you’ve got your eye on a specific course, chances are good you’ll find a school offering it over the summer.
As an Indian student thinking about studying in the USA, you might ask yourself, “Why pick the summer intake in USA instead of the more common fall or spring intakes?”. Here are some good reasons to think about.
Also read: Top Scholarships for Indian Students in the USA 2024
Programs | Application deadline |
Bachelor’s | November to February |
Master’s | December to March |
MBA | November to January |
Also read: Best Place To Study In USA In 2024
To help you plan your journey, here’s a general timeline for the Summer Intake in USA 2025:
Timeline | Details |
August – September 2024 | Begin researching universities and programs that offer the summer intake in USA. Make a list of your top choices and note their application requirements. |
October – December 2024 | Start preparing your application materials. This includes taking any required standardised tests (like the IELTS/TOEFL/GMAT/GRE), gathering letters of recommendation, and drafting your personal statement. |
January – February 2025 | Submit your applications. Be sure to double-check the deadlines for summer intake in USA for each university on your list. |
March – April 2025 | Await your acceptance letters. Use this time to apply for visas, secure housing, and finalise your financial aid or scholarship arrangements |
May 2025 | Start your studies! By now, you should have everything in place to begin your studies in the USA. |
Also read: SOP for USA Student Visa
Below listed are some top summer intake universities in USA that can be considered:
University | US Ranking | Deadline |
Stanford University | 3 | May 12 |
University of Michigan-Dearborn | 17 | April 1 |
Western Illinois University | 38 | March 31 |
Boston University | 43 | April 7 |
University of Central Missouri | 67 | March 31 |
Bridgewater State University | 91 | Rolling admission |
University of Oregon | 98 | March 1 |
Illinois State University | 209 | May 1 |
University of North Texas | 260 | April 15 |
Cleveland State University | 320 | April 1 |
Lamar University | 395-435 | April 15 |
Also read: Best Courses to Study in USA
The WorldGrad offers six intakes in a year, unlike the traditional three. These intakes include the months of January, March, May, July, August, and October. This allows students to prepare for standardised tests, academic documents, financial formalities, visa approval, and other related requirements.
Our Smart Programs – All American Undergraduate Program and All American Graduate Program allow students to start their studies and complete up to 1 year of their US degree in India, then progress on-campus to the US to complete their degree. This approach saves time, reduces overseas education costs, and maximises visa success by demonstrating authenticity and commitment.
The summer intake in USA isn’t as popular as the fall or spring semesters, but it has a few advantages, like smaller classes and quicker graduation. If you want more flexibility in when you start, the summer intake might suit you. However, if the selected program is available for the Fall intake, it is better to go with this popular intake rather than the summer intake.
A1. Summer intake in USA typically begins in May or June.
A2. The best intake for international students is the Fall intake, the most popular one. That’s because there are more program options available, the academic calendar aligns with summer internships, and the Indian academic calendar, too.
A3. Most deadlines for summer intake in USA fall between November and February, so aim to submit your application by January for the best chances.
A4. Common exams for summer intake in USA include English proficiency tests (TOEFL or IELTS) and standardised tests like GRE or GMAT for graduate programs
A5. Generally, summer intake may have slightly higher acceptance rates due to lower application volumes.