Are you planning to move to the USA for higher education and wondering when to start your application process? Well, you’re at the right place.
The USA accepts students in three main intakes: Fall, Spring and Summer. The Fall or September intake is the primary intake and gets the most admissions. The Spring Intake starts in January and is the next great option for students who missed the Fall intake.
The Spring intake in the USA allows you more time to prepare your application and clear your entrance requirements.
In this blog, we’ll explore the January/Spring intake in the USA in detail for the academic year of 2024, with top universities, popular programs, application timelines, and tips for your application.
Let’s start!
What does Spring Intake in USA mean?
If you plan to study in the USA in 2024, January or Spring intake is the next major intake.
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Universities in the USA have three semesters in a year and offer admissions three times, corresponding to those semesters. These admission cycles are referred to as ‘intakes.’ Spring Intake refers to the period between January and April, sometimes extending to May (depending on universities).
Spring Intake allows opportunities for students who missed their applications during the previous Fall Intake. It is also the second most popular intake, and students worldwide apply during this admission session.
However, remember that not all universities may accept Spring semester applications. Moreover, since you are joining an ongoing academic year, you might graduate later than the students who enrolled in the preceding Fall Semester.
Universities that accept students in Spring Intake typically require you to start your application in the previous year. The timeline varies between mid-July and early November.
For the full application timeline and list of universities in the USA offering Spring admissions and eligibility requirements, continue reading our blog!
Why Choose Spring Intake in USA?
The Spring intake, or the January intake, is popular for various reasons. Being the second most popular intake, it provides students with several benefits.
Let us look at each of them in detail.
- Second Chance to Apply: Although Fall Intake is the primary intake, you might miss the application deadline for various reasons. The Spring Intake gives you a second chance to apply to foreign universities within the same academic year.
- Limited Competition: The number of students applying for the Spring and Summer Intake is lower than the Fall Intake. So, Spring Intake is a great opportunity since there would be limited competition.
- More Preparation Time: Since the Spring Intake happens after the Fall Semester, this gives you more time to prepare your application and necessary documents. It also gives you more preparation time to appear for your entrance exams. It also allows you more time to figure out your academic interests and explore more possibilities.
- Increased Buffer Period: A buffer period is essential so the applicant can gain critical time and space to consider educational options. This extra time will help you to account for unforeseen delays, interruptions, or emergencies during your process.
- Smaller Class Size: The class size is smaller during the Spring semester, and this will give you a better teacher-to-student ratio. As a result, you’ll get more individualised attention in the classroom and have a better chance of learning more.
The Spring Intake is an alternate gateway offered by colleges and universities. This allows you to get admission despite missing an intake.
Fall VS Spring Intake in the USA
While applying for your preferred university, deciding which intake to go for is crucial. Each intake has unique advantages, such as course availability, competition, and internship opportunities.
While Fall intake is the primary intake in the USA, Spring intake is known for its limited competition. Making a comparative analysis of both the Fall and Spring intake will help you better understand the differences and choose according to your preferences.
Let us compare Fall vs Spring intake in the USA in detail.
| Feature | Fall Intake | Spring Intake |
| Classes Begin | September | January |
| Classes End | December – January | April – May |
| Availability of Universities | The majority of universities in the USA offer the Fall intake | Limited universities in the USA offer Spring intake |
| Availability of Program | The majority of the courses offered by universities are available in the Fall intake | A comparatively limited number of courses are available in the Spring intake |
| Class Size | Fall intake typically has a larger class size | The class size in the Spring Intake is relatively smaller |
| Competition | Fall intake is highly competitive since it is the most popular intake | Spring intake is less competitive, as fewer students apply for it |
Note: The table provides a general overview of both the intakes. The specific details may vary depending on the university you are applying for. In addition, factors like personal preferences, program availability, and individual circumstances should also be considered in your decision-making process.
When Does Spring Semester in USA Start?
The Spring intake in the USA coincides with the Spring season in the country, and it admits students directly into the Spring semester. Most universities’ Spring semester begins in January or February and lasts until early May.
The application deadline for Spring intake in the USA varies depending on the university and the program, but it usually falls between July and November of the preceding year.
Typically, admissions to universities in the USA happen in one of the formats below.
- Early Decision (ED) Deadlines: Some universities declare an Early Decision deadline, usually a few months before the Regular Deadline. It not only allows you to apply early but also prioritises your application. ED is a binding commitment, meaning students who apply for this round must attend the institution if selected. So, you cannot apply to more than one university within the ED.
- Early Action Deadline: Early Action is a non-binding commitment which allows you to choose between the universities, even if you are selected. This helps students get confirmation of their seats early.
- Regular Decision Deadline: Regular Decision is the regular deadline for students, and the general timeline for a regular decision deadline in the USA for Spring intake is between mid-July and early November.
- Rolling Admission: Rolling Admissions has a flexible application timeline instead of a specific application period. These universities review applications as they are received.
Here are the key highlights of the Spring intake in USA 2024:
| Spring Intake 2024 Application Deadlines | July 2023 – November 2023 |
| Starting Date of Classes | January – February 2024 |
| End Date of Classes | April – May 2024 |
| Popular Courses | MS in Data Science MS in Computer Science MS in Business Analytics MS in Mechanical Engineering BBA Finance Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology MS in Information Technology MBA in finance MS Biochemistry MS in Public Health |
List of Universities offering Spring Intake in USA 2024
Unlike the Fall Intake, not all universities in the USA offer a Spring Intake. Moreover, the application timeline for each university varies from one another. The general deadline for Spring Intake in universities in the USA is between mid-July and early November of the preceding year.
The application filing period for each university may vary depending on the program, enrollment type, or status of the applicant. For example, the application timeline for international students is usually earlier than that of domestic applicants, and the application calls for bachelor’s and master’s degrees vary from one another.
Below is a list of top universities in the USA that provide a Spring Intake. We have also compiled the application deadline for the 2024 Spring Intake for your reference. However, the applications for the majority of the universities have been closed. The application timeline might not vary drastically over the years. So, you can expect the application deadline for Spring Intake 2025 around the application timeline for the 2024 Spring Intake.
1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology is one of the top private universities in the USA. It is ranked #1 in the QS World University Rankings 2024 and tops the Graduate Employability Ranking. The university offers more than 170 fields of study. It accommodates a huge population of international students, including 34% Asians.
The deadline for January/Spring Intake 2024 at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology is October 15, 2023.
2. University of Pennsylvania
The University of Pennsylvania is a private Ivy League research university located in Philadelphia. It ranks #12 in the QS World University Rankings 2024. The university provides Spring admission, only for its undergraduate programs.
The deadline for January/Spring Intake 2024 at the University of Pennsylvania is November 1, 2023.
3. Johns Hopkins University
Found in 1876, the Johns Hopkins University is a private research university in the country. It is located in Baltimore, Maryland. The university ranks #28 in the QS World Rankings 2024, providing over 60 undergraduate programs.
The deadline for January/Spring Intake 2024 at Duke University is September 15, 2023.
4. Duke University
Duke University is a private research university located in Durham, North Carolina, founded in 1838. The university ranks #57 in the QS World University Rankings of 2024. It provides Spring Intake for its Master’s and PhD programs only.
The deadline for January/Spring Intake 2024 at Duke University is October 2, 2023.
5. Brown University
Brown University is a private Ivy League university located in Providence, Rhode Island. According to the QS World University Rankings 2024, it ranks #73 in the world. The university provides 64 undergraduate and 109 postgraduate programs.
The deadline for January/Spring Intake 2024 at Brown University is August 1, 2023.
Other Top Universities for Spring Intake in USA
In addition to the above prestigious universities in the USA offering the Spring Intake, more colleges and universities in the country allow students to join the Spring semester.
We have given a list of other universities that provide Spring Intake in the USA. The given institutions rank high under the QS World University Rankings 2024. The application deadline is according to the latest information on the university websites for their upcoming Spring Intake of 2024.
The universities listed below have yet to release the exact deadlines for the year 2025, but typically, they occur in the months mentioned below.
Below is the list of US universities offering admissions in Spring:
| University | Application Deadline |
| University of California Berkeley (UCB) | July |
| Cornell University | October |
| Columbia University | November |
| University of Michigan | February |
| New York University (NYU) | November |
| University of Texas | September |
| University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign | October |
| Pennsylvania State University | October |
| Boston University | October |
| Purdue University | October |
| University of Wisconsin-Madison | October |
| University of Southern California (USC) | September |
| University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill | October |
| Texas A&M University | October |
| Rice University | October |
| Ohio State University | October |
| University of Florida | September |
| University of Rochester | November |
| University of Massachusetts, Amherst | October |
| Washington State University | November |
| California State University, Los Angeles | August |
| University of Colorado | October |
| University of Utah | November |
| New Jersey Institute of Technology | November |
| University of Connecticut | October |
Note that the above dates denote the Regular Decision deadline of the respective university. Most institutions provide a time of 1-2 months to complete their application.
Top Programs for Spring Intake in USA
Now, let’s explore some of the top programs to study in the USA for the Spring intake. From Engineering to Business and Computer Science, there are many programs to choose from that offer diverse academic opportunities.
Below is a list of a few popular programs in the USA and their top 3 universities that provide the course during the Spring intake. The application deadline for the 2024 Spring Intake has been given for your reference.
Below is a list of popular courses and top universities offering them:
Scholarships for Spring Intake in USA 2024-2025
The USA is reputed for its generous scholarships and other financial aid provided for its international students. You can get both internal and external scholarships from the USA. Internal scholarships refer to university-specific scholarships, while external scholarships are provided by other bodies, such as non-governmental organisations, private organisations, or other social groups.
Finding the right scholarship for your study abroad plan is important.
Here is a list of scholarships you can consider while applying for universities in the USA:
| Scholarship | Application Deadline |
| Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships | March |
| Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowship | May |
| Emory College Scholarship | November |
| National Overseas Scholarship | March |
| Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship Program | February |
| Tata Scholarships for Cornell University | January |
| Global Scholarship | May |
| Knight-Hennessy Scholars at Stanford University | October |
| RD Sethna Scholarships | May |
| Aauw International Fellowships | July |
| Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowship | May |
| Ontario Trillium Scholarships | September |
| TOEFL Scholarship | October |
| AAUW International Fellowships | December |
| QS Undergraduate Scholarship | May |
| Horace W. Goldsmith Fellowship | April |
| USC Associates Scholarships UG Business Programs | April |
| You Are Welcome Here Scholarship Bs In Kinesiology Michigan State University | September |
| Graduate Incentive Award MS Applied Economics | September |
| Trustee Scholarships Boston University | December |
Check the scholarship’s official website to get updated information regarding the application process, document requirements, and other details.
Spring Intake in USA: Preparation Timeline for 2024
The application process for a foreign university can be lengthy. You might require several documents and also need to clear entrance exams and language proficiency tests. So, starting your application process early is highly recommended. You can begin your application process 18 months or at least a year before the application deadline.
Here is a general timeline for Spring intake, outlining key application considerations.
| Timeline | Important Steps to Consider for Spring Intake in USA |
| Feb-March | – Research universities – Shortlist universities – Find out the Eligibility criteria & document requirements for each university |
| April-June | -Take English proficiency tests (IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE) -Take Entrance Exams (if any) |
| July-August | – Gather the essential documents – Apply to universities |
| September -October | – Accept the best admission offer received – Apply for a visa on your own, or let us assist you |
| November – December | – Apply for scholarships – Find accommodation – Arrive early so that it gives you enough to prepare for the session (Note:- You will not be allowed to enter the USA on your student visa more than 30 days before the start date of your session) |
| January | – Classes Begin |
The application timeline might vary for each university in the USA. You can visit the official website of your preferred university to receive the application call on time. Also, make sure to check the eligibility and other document requirements. If you find it difficult to complete the process on your own, feel free to consult our Study-abroad Experts.
Tips for Spring Intake Application in USA
Considering all the aforementioned benefits of Spring Intake, it is the right time for you to proceed with your applications. Once you decide to proceed with your application, there are numerous things you must consider to make your application stand out. Since Spring Intake is already your second chance to join the academic year, let us do it right.
Refer to the tips given below and draft your application accordingly.
- Research: Explore the university options mentioned above and others, and shortlist courses and universities of your preference. In the spring, you should start narrowing down the colleges that offer admissions and selecting those that are a good fit for you. Begin your research on the admissions process, the exams you’ll need to take, and the documents you’ll need.
- Early Bird Catches the Prey: Start your applications as early as April or May, as the process will take some time, and the options are fewer.
- Attempt the Exams Early: Check the university’s official website for information on the examinations you’ll need, such as the GRE, GMAT, TOEFL, or IELTS. Start the registration process for these exams in June and attempt them as soon as possible.
- Apply with Essential Documents: In August and September, begin applying to colleges of your choice, providing all required documents, a resume/CV, transcripts, proof of English language proficiency, LORs, SOPs, and other paperwork. Tailor your documents according to the application.
- Compare and Make the Right Choice: You will receive responses in October and November. When you receive your official acceptance letter, choose the university that suits you the best and pay your non-refundable entrance deposit as soon as possible.
- Apply for your Visa and Financial Aid on Time: By the end of the year, you’ll have to apply for a student visa and an education loan.
- Book an Early Flight: Purchase your flight tickets by November 2023 to get them at affordable prices.
- Get Proper Guidance: If you are stuck with your application process and confused about how to proceed, you can contact our Leap Experts to guide you through the entire process.
The application time for most universities in the USA for the upcoming Spring semester has been closed. However, this is the right time for you to start preparing for the next cycle.
Brief Recap
Opting for spring intake in the USA will give you more time to consider your career options after graduation. Also, one gets enough time to prepare for competitive exams such as GRE, GMAT, TOEFL, and IELTS.
Many reputed universities in the USA accept students in the Spring 2024 intake. The advantage of the Spring intake is that it allows more time for final-year students to prepare for competitive exams like the GRE/GMAT and IELTS/TOEFL. This offers a better chance of scoring well and creating a good application.
In general, you will get good opportunities in all USA intakes, as each intake has its pros and cons. Spring intake in the USA has less student intake, so competition is less. Hence, there is no major cause for worry if you decide to apply for Spring intake.
On the other hand, the Fall Intake opens up huge opportunities for university admission, scholarships and more programs. Choose the intake that suits you the most in terms of your university and program, and consider other travel requirements.
Prepping for Fall or Spring admissions 2024-2025? Connect with Leap Scholar’s expert counsellors and get help with university shortlisting, application process, SOP review, visa applications, and more!
Frequently Asked Questions
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Q. When should I begin applying for the spring semester in USA 2024?
A. Start your application process 18 months or at least a year before your preferred intake. To apply for the Spring Intake of 2024, you must start applying between July and August 2023. Some universities receive early applications, while a few also receive applications until early November. The application timeline might vary across institutions.
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Q. What is the difference between the Fall and Spring Intakes in the United States?
A. The Fall intake calls admissions for the Fall semester that begins in September and lasts until December. This is the primary intake in the USA. On the other hand, Spring Intake admits you to the Spring semester that begins in January and lasts until early May. While the Fall intake offers more programs, the Spring intake is a second chance to apply to those who missed the Fall intake.
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Q. When should I begin applying for the Fall semester of 2024?
A. Most applications for the fall semester of 2024 begin by August of 2023. The most common deadlines for college admission are November and February. Early admission entails starting the application process earlier in your senior year. You can check your preferred university’s official website for the latest admission process information.
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Q. Is the GRE waived for 2024?
A. Yes, several universities in the USA have recently come forth to waive the GRE requirement for their admissions. This is considering the limitations of a standardised test for measuring the capacity of students to learn a particular subject. Some of the universities that waived the GRE in 2024 are:
– Stanford University
– Yale University
– University of California, Berkeley
– University of Michigan
– Massachusetts Institute of Technology
– University of Rochester -
Q. What is the application deadline for the 2024 spring intake in the USA?
A. There is more than one application deadline for the spring intake of 2024.
– Early Decision Deadline
– Early Action Deadline
– Regular Decision Deadline
– Rolling AdmissionsWhile Early Decision and Early Action deadlines allow you to secure a seat in advance, the Regular Deadline gives you another chance to apply. Rolling Admissions provides a more flexible application process.
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Q. Is Spring Intake the same as January Intake in the USA?
A. The spring intake in the USA is also called the January intake. In the USA, programs beginning in the spring intake start in January and last until early May. It is the second most prominent intake in the USA, and the competition is comparatively low for this intake.
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Q. Is spring intake available for postgraduate students in the USA?
A. Yes, you can choose the spring intake while applying for a master’s program in the USA. Some of the most popular universities to apply for spring intake are
– Massachusetts Institute of Technology
– University of Pennsylvania
– Johns Hopkins University
– Duke University
– Brown University -
Q. Do all universities in the USA offer spring intake?
A. No, not all universities in the USA offer spring intake. Some of the universities in the USA providing Spring Intake are:
– University of California
– University of Michigan
– Purdue University
– University of Southern California (USC)
– San Jose State University -
Q. Can I start my undergraduate studies in the USA during the January/spring intake?
A. Yes, undergraduate programs are available in the USA for January/spring intake. Many universities accept applications from both freshmen and transfer students for this intake. To join for the spring semester, start your application in the Fall of the preceding year.
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Q. Will I miss out on any academic content if I start in January/spring intake instead of the fall?
A. Starting in January/spring intake does not necessarily mean missing out on academic content. Universities often offer similar course sequences, allowing students to complete their degree requirements on time. Moreover, the class size in the Spring semester is smaller than that of the Fall semester. This will provide a better teacher-student ratio and help you get more individual attention in the class.
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Q. Are there any specific English language proficiency requirements for the January/spring intake?
A. Document requirements, such as a language proficiency certificate, do not depend on the intake you are opting for. This depends on the document requirements of your preferred institution and program. The general document requirements are:
– Original transcript
– Student Resume/CV
– Statement of Purpose (SOP)
– Letter of Recommendation (LOR)
– Valid passport
– Standardised test scores and English proficiency test scores
– Results of the last qualifying exam -
Q. Will I have access to career services and internships if I start in January/spring intake?
A. You can access career services, internships and other projects even if you are joining the January/spring intake. You can find internships using your academic and professional network, newspapers, or magazines. You can also connect with career counselling agencies or social media platforms like LinkedIn, Indeed, or Glassdoor. Finding a local career service centre will help you find internships near your college or university.
