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Timeline for USA Summer Intake: Deadlines & Universities Requirements

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  • read time3 min Read
  • By:CANAM Group
  • Updated On:Apr 19,2024 03:45 PM IST

• The summer intake in the USA starts in the month of May and ends in August.

• The competition in the USA during the summer intake is low as compared to the Fall Intake. 

• Understand the timeline for summer intake and application deadlines for American universities beforehand. 


Studying in the USA provides high-quality education with diverse academic programs along with personal and professional growth opportunities. The United States offers different admission periods by colleges and universities. It, in general, provides three intakes, namely fall, spring, and summer, each with a unique academic schedule.

While fall intake dominates the situation for foreign learners seeking US education, there lies a hidden weapon and a smarter option i.e. a summer intake. A study reveals that many summer programs offer accelerated courses that reward quicker degrees and higher internship or job placement rates. Hereunder, we will gain deeper insights into the US summer intake and its application process. 

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 Intakes to Study in USA

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

Major intakes in USA.webp


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 knowing about the intakes in the USA, let's study about the summer intake and the important dates to keep in mind. 

Summer Intake in USA

The summer intake for university admissions in the USA usually takes place between May and August each year. Most programs begin in either May or June and conclude before September. 

Here are some important months to keep in mind while applying for the summer intake: 

May to JulyCommon 8-week summer sessions at many colleges 
May to AugustCommon 12-week summer sessions 
June to AugustCommon 10-week summer sessions 
June to AugustCommon 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 the students get when opting for this intake.

Benefits of Summer Intake in the USA

Many myths about the 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 for summer intake along with various internship and career opportunities in the USA. Below are a few compelling benefits of the summer intake in the USA.

BenefitsDescription
Shorter waiting timeStudying in the USA during the summer often has shorter waiting lists and less competition for admissions than traditional fall or spring intakes. 
Faster degree completionPursuing a course during summer intake in the USA accelerates the degree completion time and saves money.
Lower costsClasses during the summer intake in the USA are often shorter, which results in lower tuition fees. Additionally, the cost of living during the summer can also be low compared to the fall intake. 
Opportunities to focusSummer programs typically offer fewer classes, allowing students to concentrate more on their studies and improve grades. 
Career benefitsTaking courses during the summer allows students to gain field experience faster and increase their earning potential.


Before you decide which intake to apply for, it's important to carefully evaluate your options and weigh the pros and cons.

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

USA Summer Intake Timeline 

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

April - AugustTake details of deadlines, eligibility criteria, scholarships, and shortlist universities.
September - NovemberPrepare for an English proficiency test. Get the requirements for your student visa fulfilled.
November  - JanuaryCheck and apply for the shortlisted universities.
February - MarchShortlisted students will get mail from the university for an interview.
April - MayStart the application process for a student visa, education loan, or scholarship.
MayPlan your travel.


Do all universities in the USA offer summer intake? Unfortunately, no. At present, the universities offering summer intake in the USA are limited. Here are the details about the institutions. 

Summer Intake Universities in USA

The USA is a popular destination for international students due to its top universities and diverse academic opportunities. Many of these universities offer summer intake options for both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Popular options to study in the USA  include:

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. 

Application Deadlines for Summer Intake in USA 2025

If you are planning to start your studies next summer as an international student, it is recommended to submit your application around 6-9 months in advance. The approximate deadlines for applications are as follows:

ProgramsApplication Deadlines
For undergraduate programsNovember to February
For Masters degreesDecember to March 
For MBA programsNovember to January 
For short summer schoolsMarch to May


It is essential to check the official deadline for your chosen summer intake course and submit it well in advance. Popular programs can fill up quickly for the summer sessions, so it is advisable to apply as early as possible.

Go through the requirements for the summer intake in the USA to prevent any further inconvenience and delays. 

How to Apply for the Summer Intake in the USA?

It's essential 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.

how to apply for summer intake in USA.webp


Research and Select Universities or ProgramsThe first step is identifying the universities or programs of interest and checking their availability in the summer intake in the USA. 
Check Admission RequirementsEach university or program has a set of specific admission requirements and criteria. A student needs to 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 ApplicationIt is mandatory to apply online through the university's admission portal or by mail, along with any required application fee.
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 organize 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 lean on Canam Consultants and pursue their study abroad dream 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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