Which Intake To Choose to Study in the USA?

Here’s What You Need to Know:

Confused about Spring vs Fall intake in the USA?

Let’s break it down based on your current situation. Choosing the right intake to study in the USA can be a little confusing, especially with multiple options available. If you’re someone who just finished high school, waiting for results, or even facing a gap year, this guide will help you decide what works best for you.

There are three main intakes in the USA:

Spring Intake – Starts in January

Summer Intake – Starts in May (limited universities offer this)

Fall Intake – Starts in August

Since the Summer intake is not as common, we’ll focus on Spring and Fall.

Let’s explore a few real-life situations students usually face and which intake might be the better choice in each case.

1. Just Finished Class 12 and No SAT Prep Yet?
Best option: Fall Intake
If you’re still waiting for your results and haven’t started preparing for the SAT, Fall intake gives you enough time to study, appear for the test, and apply confidently.

2. Still Unsure About Studying Abroad?
Best option: Fall Intake
Maybe you’re still figuring out if the USA is the right destination, or if you want to study abroad at all. Fall intake gives you more time to research, talk to counselors, and decide what’s best for your future.

3. You Took a Break After High School
Best option: Spring Intake
If you graduated in 2020, 2021, or 2022, the longer you wait, the bigger your education gap gets. Applying for Spring intake can help reduce that gap and strengthen your academic timeline.

4. SAT and English Scores Ready?
Best option: Spring Intake
If you’ve always been sure about the USA and already have your SAT and English proficiency scores, no need to wait—Spring intake might be the perfect time to begin your studies.

5. Got a Visa Refusal?
Best option: Spring Intake
If your profile is solid but your visa got rejected recently, don't worry. Spring intake is your second chance without waiting an entire year for the next Fall semester.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, there’s no right or wrong intake. It all depends on your current situation, goals, and preparedness. Just make sure to check each university’s deadlines before applying.

If your scenario isn’t listed above, feel free to drop your question in the comments—we’d love to help.

And hey, we post daily updates and tips about studying in the USA on our Instagram and Facebook pages "FutureReady Nepal".

Which Intake To Choose to Study in the USA?

Here’s What You Need to Know:

Confused about Spring vs Fall intake in the USA?

There are three main intakes in the USA: Spring Intake – Starts in January Summer Intake – Starts in May (limited universities offer this) Fall Intake – Starts in August Since the Summer intake is not as common, we’ll focus on Spring and Fall.

Let’s explore a few real-life situations students usually face and which intake might be the better choice in each case.

1. Just Finished Class 12 and No SAT Prep Yet? Best option: Fall Intake If you’re still waiting for your results and haven’t started preparing for the SAT, Fall intake gives you enough time to study, appear for the test, and apply confidently.

2. Still Unsure About Studying Abroad? Best option: Fall Intake Maybe you’re still figuring out if the USA is the right destination, or if you want to study abroad at all. Fall intake gives you more time to research, talk to counselors, and decide what’s best for your future.

3. You Took a Break After High School Best option: Spring Intake If you graduated in 2020, 2021, or 2022, the longer you wait, the bigger your education gap gets. Applying for Spring intake can help reduce that gap and strengthen your academic timeline.

4. SAT and English Scores Ready? Best option: Spring Intake If you’ve always been sure about the USA and already have your SAT and English proficiency scores, no need to wait—Spring intake might be the perfect time to begin your studies.