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Summer Intake in USA - Universities, Timelines & More

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  • read time3 min Read
  • By:CANAM Group
  • Updated On:Dec 26,2024 12:35 PM IST

  • The summer intake or the May intake in the USA starts in May and ends in August.
  • The competition during the summer intake in the universities in the USA is low compared to the fall intake.
  • Summer programs can accelerate the degree completion time, saving both time and money.

Summer Intake in USA.webp


Are you thinking about starting your academic journey sooner? If yes, studying in the USA can be your masterstroke! It opens doors to world-class education, diverse academic programs, and exceptional personal and professional growth opportunities. Colleges and universities in the United States offer different admission periods. There are generally three intakes, each with a unique academic schedule. 

While fall intake dominates the situation, there lies a hidden weapon and a smarter option that can fast-track your academic journey: Summer Intake. Wondering if the Summer Intake is right for you? You might be surprised by the perks the summer intake in the USA offers. Less competition, faster degree completion, financial benefits and many more. 

Let's find out the details of the USA's Summer Intake, from timeline to tips to make this smart move. But wait! Before learning about the Summer intake in the USA in detail, let's first get a brief overview of the different intakes in the USA. 

Major Study Intakes in USA

When it comes to studying in the USA, choosing the right intake is significant. You must carefully consider each intake's various features to determine which one best suits your needs. To make this decision easier for you, we've compiled a table highlighting the significant characteristics of different intakes.

IntakeCommencing MonthEnding MonthDescription
FallAugustDecemberMajor programs are offered during this intake. There are numerous applicants, leading to intense competition.
SpringJanuaryAprilStudents who miss the Fall intake apply for this intake, which offers fewer courses than the Fall intake.
SummerMayAugustVery few colleges and universities in the USA offer short-duration courses for non-English speaking candidates. 


After learning about the intakes in the USA, let's study the Summer intake and the important dates to keep in mind if you are going for the summer intake in the USA. 

Summer Intake in USA

The May intake for university admissions in the USA usually occurs between May and August. Most programs begin in either May or June and conclude before September. 

There are different course durations and sessions available for international students. These sessions are: - 

  • May 5 to July 28: Common 8-week summer sessions at many colleges 
  • May 15 to August 10: Common 12-week summer sessions
  • June 1 to August 10: Common 10-week summer sessions
  • June 10 to August 10: Common 9-week sessions 

Some intensive short summer programs can run for as little as 3-6 weeks in a compressed schedule. It is important to confirm the exact start and end dates with your chosen institution.

Now that you are well equipped with the brief about summer intake in the USA, you must know what perks students have when opting for this not-so-popular intake.

Benefits of May Intake in USA

Many myths about summer intake in the USA generally forbid students to opt for it but we have debunked all those myths for you. Courses are plentiful, and financial aid is available. Is Summer intake less competitive? Absolutely! While Fall intake is crowded, Summer intake gives you a unique advantage with fewer applicants and less pressure. But that’s not all—here are some of the key benefits of the Summer intake in the USA:


Shorter waiting timeWith fewer students applying, you’ll experience shorter waiting lists and faster admissions. This allows you to start your studies without delays.
Faster degree completionPursuing a course during summer intake in the USA accelerates the degree completion time and saves money.
Lower costsSummer programs are usually shorter in duration, leading to reduced tuition fees. Plus, the cost of living can be lower during the summer months compared to the Fall.
Opportunities to focusSummer programs typically offer fewer classes, allowing students to concentrate without juggling too many subjects and improving grades. 
Career benefitsTaking courses during the summer allows students to gain field experience faster and increase their earning potential.

In the following section, let's better understand the timeline of the USA summer intake. 

Timeline for Summer Intake in USA

What is the right time of the year to prepare for the tests and research about the universities in the USA for the summer intake? The below section highlights the details. It marks the important months of your admission journey to the desired American institution.

April – August 2024Take details of deadlines, eligibility criteria, scholarships, and shortlist universities.
September – November 2024Prepare for an English proficiency test. Get the requirements for your USA student visa fulfilled.
November 2024  - January 2025Check and apply for the shortlisted universities.
February – March 2025Shortlisted students will get mail from the university for an interview.
April – May 2025Start the application process for a student visa, education loan, or scholarship.
May 2025Plan your travel.

The key thing to know here is whether all universities in the USA offer summer intake. Unfortunately, no. The number of universities offering summer intake in the USA is limited. Here are the details about the institutions. 

Summer Intake Universities in USA

Not all universities offer Summer intake, but some of the top institutions do, and they offer excellent opportunities for both undergraduate and postgraduate students. Here are a few universities that welcome international students during the Summer:

Name of the UniversityLocation
Adelphi UniversityGarden City, New York
American UniversityDC, Washington
Arizona State UniversityPhoenix, Arizona
Auburn UniversityAuburn, Alabama
Devry UniversityChicago, Illinois
Full Sail UniversityWinter Park, Florida
Saint Peter's UniversityJersey City, New Jersey
Southern New Hampshire UniversityManchester, New Hampshire
University of AlabamaTuscaloosa, Alabama
Webster UniversitySt. Louis, Missouri

If you are a student seeking guidance and a full list of May intake universities in the USA, Canam can assist you.

Want to know the last dates for the application? We have got you covered. Below are the application deadlines you need to adhere to. 

Deadlines for Summer Intake in USA

Understanding the general deadline trends for the summer intake of 2025 will prepare you efficiently. Applications are generally open between November 2024 and January 2025, though it would be best to visit individual university websites to get a specific date since each university has its own timeline.

Application deadlines can vary significantly by university and program, so it’s important to check the official deadline for your chosen summer intake course and submit your application well in advance. Popular programs can fill up quickly, so early submission is key to securing your spot. 

Now, let's understand the basic requirements you have to fulfil for the summer intake in the USA.

Requirements for Summer Intake in USA

Now, what do you need to apply for Summer intake in the USA? Though every institution has its own requirements and eligibility, some general needs remain to be fulfilled. The following is a list of the common requirements for studying in the USA for a summer intake program in the United States: 

Academic RequirementsIt is required to meet specific academic requirements, such as a minimum GPA or standardised test scores.
Financial RequirementsStudents should have enough funds to pay the tuition fee and other living expenses.
English ProficiencyA student needs to demonstrate proficiency in English if it is not their first language. 
Proof of IdentityIdentity proof of citizenship is required to enroll in a summer program.

Documents Required for Summer Intake in USA

Along with the academic qualifications and proficiency certificates, a few paper requirements need to be met while applying to institutions in the USA. The general documents required to pursue an academic career abroad are below. 

  • CV or Resume
  • Receipt of Application Fee Payment
  • LORs or Letters of Recommendation
  • Scoresheets of Standardized Examinations like GRE, ACT, GMAT, TOEFL, IELTS, SAT, etc.
  • Official Academic Transcripts and Records
  • SOP or Statement of Purpose
  • Passport-Sized Photographs
  • Writing Sample or Essay (if required)

Stressed about the application process for US universities? Why fear when Canam is here? With our step by step guide, you can seamlessly glide through this daunting process without missing a single opportunity to get enrolled. 

How to Apply for May Intake in USA?

It's important to understand the multifaceted approach to the admission process. To increase your chances of getting accepted, start by carefully selecting the universities you want to apply to and be sure to meet their application deadlines. By following these simple steps, you'll be on your way to achieving your academic goals in the USA.

Research and Select Universities or ProgramsThe first step is to identify the universities or programs of interest and check their availability for the summer intake in the USA. 
Check Admission RequirementsEach university or program has specific admission requirements and criteria. A student must meet the eligibility criteria to get admission.
Prepare Application MaterialsCommon application materials include a personal statement, transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a resume or CV. These play a vital role in the admission process.
Submit the ApplicationTo make your application error-free, you can apply online through the university's portal or seek guidance from the study abroad consultants near you. 
Wait for a ResponseOnce the application has been submitted, the university will review it and decide. It can take several weeks or months, so be patient.
Complete any Additional RequirementsAfter getting accepted into the program, students must complete additional requirements such as a health check, housing form, or visa application.

Studying in the USA during the summer intake is a wonderful opportunity for international students. It provides a smoother transition, a lighter workload, and a chance to explore various summer study options at prestigious US universities. However, to make the most of this opportunity, it's important to conduct thorough research, apply early, and organise your visa, finances, and travel arrangements. With careful planning, a summer intake in the USA can provide the perfect start to your academic journey.

If applying and preparing for summer intake alone seems complicated, students can consult study abroad consultants at Canam and pursue their study abroad dreams under expert guidance.

FAQ

The Fall Intake is the most popular in the USA. 
Apply 6-9 months in advance for summer entry, around November-February for undergraduate programs, and December-March for postgraduate programs. However, check the exact deadlines for your program, as some may close applications sooner.
Summer offerings vary by university but usually include general education, core subjects, electives, English language learning, and short-term study abroad programs. 
Benefits of summer intake in the USA include faster completion of coursework, the ability to focus on fewer courses at a time, and access to summer research and internship opportunities.
Summer sessions typically start anywhere from May to early June at most universities. Exact dates vary, but standard start times are early May mid-May, and early June. Programs can range from 3 weeks to 3 months long.
The deadline to apply for the summer intake in the USA typically falls between March and May.
Compared to other intakes in the US, the acceptance rate for summer intake is higher.
The following English proficiency tests are acceptable in the USA:
 
• TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
• IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
• PTE (Pearson Test of English)
• Duolingo English Test

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