Do you dream about studying in the United States? The fall intake is your golden ticket to an unforgettable academic adventure. It’s when most American universities kick off their academic year, making it the best time to start your overseas education journey. If you want to study in the USA, here’s what you must know about the fall intake.

Key highlights:

• What is the fall intake in the US?
• Why choose the USA fall intake
• Things to know for fall intake in USA 2024

What is the fall intake in the US?

Imagine joining a vibrant campus teeming with students from all corners of the globe. Picture yourself exploring world-class facilities, attending captivating lectures, and immersing yourself in a diverse cultural landscape. The fall intake offers all this and more.

Fall intake in the US - Meaning

The fall intake in the USA, also known as the September intake, is the most popular and primary intake period for international students. It typically begins in late August or early September and runs through December, marking the start of the academic year for most American universities. For instance, the fall intake for 2024 will start in late August 2024 or early September 2024 and will last between September and December 2024 or early January 2025.

Also Read: What you must know before pursuing a Masters in CS in the USA

Why choose the USA fall intake?

The fall intake is highly favoured due to the advantages it offers:

Vast selection of courses

Universities offer a wider range of programmes during the fall semester, allowing students to pursue their desired field of study.

Vibrant campus life

With a larger cohort of students, the fall intake offers more opportunities for extracurricular activities, networking, and immersion in campus culture. However, it’s important to note that the fall intake is highly competitive, as universities receive hundreds of applications from international students. You must prepare your application well in advance and meet the early deadlines set by universities for the fall intake to enhance your chances of gaining admission.

Things to know for fall intake in the US in 2024

Application requirements

Academic transcripts

You must submit self-attested copies of mark sheets and other academic transcripts.

Also Read: Data Science masters programs in the USA: An interesting guide

English language proficiency exam results

Students will have to prove their English language proficiency to pursue English-taught programmes. You will have to take a recognised exam, such as the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and submit the scores with your application.

Other standardised test scores

You may have to submit Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) and Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) test scores based on the course requirements.

Letters of Recommendation (LOR)

Most universities request reference letters from professors or managers to help them understand your interests and strengths.

Statement Of Purpose (SOP)

You must write a compelling SOP outlining your career objectives and reasons for applying.

Application process

You can follow these steps to apply for the fall intake:

Also Read: Top B-schools and the best MBA courses in the USA

Shortlist universities

You will have to start more than a year in advance. For instance, if you want to apply in June-September 2025, please be ready with a list of 8-10 universities you want to apply to by June 2024. Please remember that the course curriculum will be an important aspect when selecting your dream university.

Prepare for standardised tests

You can start registering for exams like GMAT, GRE, TOEFL, or IELTS by June or July 2024 and take them well before October 2024.

Start drafting your application

Start working on your SOP, essays, and gathering reference letters by August and September 2024.

Apply before the deadline

Most universities accept early applications between September and December. In some cases, you can apply as late as February or March. Deadlines vary based on the institution.

Also Read: MBA in IT in the USA: An interesting guide

Start your interviews

Some universities might request in-person or video interviews between January and March 2025. Once you are selected, your university will share the acceptance letter.

Deadline for fall intake in the USA

There is no single deadline for the fall intake. Each university has its own admission requirements and deadlines. However, most popular US universities close their admissions in early November to December, depending on their academic curriculum.

Choosing to study abroad can open the door to unlimited new opportunities. You can opt for an abroad study loan to help secure your seat during the fall intake and pursue your academic aspirations in the US.

At Avanse Financial Services, we offer education loans that cover the holistic cost of education, including tuition fees, travelling expenses, accommodation costs, living expenses, and other education-related expenses. You can use handy tools like an educational loan EMI calculator to find your estimated EMIs. If you need any further assistance, please remember we are just a call away.