Universities in the USA are known for their outstanding education and research, which is why they receive numerous applications from all over the world each year.
The fall intake in the USA, also called the September intake, is highly sought by students. In this context, fall 2025 means the admission session that starts in December.
If you are considering studying in the US for Fall Intake 2025, this article provides valuable information on universities, courses, requirements, deadlines, answers to FAQs, and more.
Table of Contents
- What does fall intake in USA mean?
- Pros and cons of the fall intake in USA
- Top universities for fall intake in USA
- Requirements for fall intake in USA
- When do applications open for fall 2025?
- Deadlines for fall intake
- Deadlines for fall 2025 USA masters programs
- Frequently asked questions
What does fall intake in USA mean?
US universities offer three intakes: fall, spring, and summer. The fall intake is the most popular of these three, and many universities admit the largest number of students during the fall intake in USA admission session.
Some universities only admit students during the fall or September intake. This intake also offers a wide range of courses. It usually lasts from September to December. It’s also the most popular intake among international students seeking a master’s degree in the US.
Also read
Pros and cons of the fall intake in USA
The fall intake is considered the most preferred admission session because it offers several benefits but has some downsides. The pros and cons of the fall intake are discussed below:
Pros
- The academic year begins after the fall intake, giving students access to the flagship courses of many universities.
- Students can access more scholarships and financial aid opportunities during the fall.
- It’s easier for students to find internships and job opportunities after gaining admission during the fall because of the influx of new students.
- Since there will be more students and larger classes, the fall season also gives you more networking opportunities.
- You can also get into more on-campus extracurricular activities since you will have been in school for the required months.
- With more programs and bigger classes, it may be easier for students to gain admission during the fall intake.
Cons
- The fall intake typically has limited opportunities for on-campus housing.
- Students need to prepare their applications several months in advance because many universities have early application deadlines for the fall intake in USA admission.
- Fewer courses may be available in some universities than during the January intake.
- Because this admission session is so popular, competition for the top universities may be high.
Also read: Countries offering January intake
Top universities for fall intake in USA
Many top universities in the US take admissions during the fall, offering a wide range of programs in different disciplines, such as arts and humanities, social sciences, engineering, business, and natural sciences. Here’s a list of top universities for fall intake in USA in 2025:
- Harvard University
- Yale University
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
- Stanford University
- University of Utah
- University of Minnesota
- George Mason University
- Boston University
- University of Dayton, Ohio
- Princeton University
- Cornell University
- California Institute of Technology
- University of South Florida
- Colorado School of Mines
- Louisiana State University
- Colorado State University
- Columbia University
- Carnegie Mellon University
- University of Notre Dame
- Georgia Tech
Click here to start exploring top universities and suitable courses today.
Requirements for fall intake in USA
Most universities offering admissions during the fall intake in USA have several requirements, and you must ensure you have the required documents to be eligible for admission. Some of these documents include:
- Your academic mark sheets
- Transcripts and provisional certificates of the degree if you have completed one
- Your IELTS, GRE, TOEFL or GMAT scores
- Resume/CV
- Your national ID proof
- Passport
- Other authentic documents and certifications related to your internships and projects
- Letter of Recommendation (LOR)
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
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When do applications open for fall 2025?
Fall intake admissions generally kick off in September, but the semester's start date differs in each university. You should check your institution’s official website at intervals to be up to date with the stage of the admission process. However, you can follow this outline to make your preparation process easier:
| Timeline | What to do |
|---|---|
| September - November 2024 | Research and make a list of top universities offering fall intake in USA and their programs that align with your preferences. Ensure you consider fees, your preferred degree, and the course you want to study. |
| November 2024 - January 2025 | Take standardised tests so the scores can be ready when you send applications. |
| February - March 2025 | Gather all the documents you need for your application, such as your resume, transcripts, and letters of recommendation. |
| April - July 2025 | Start sending in applications to your chosen universities with the necessary paperwork and complete all additional steps, such as admission interviews. |
| June - July 2025 | Track your applications, and once you’re accepted, start exploring any available scholarship or financial aid opportunities and apply for a student visa. |
| July 2025 | Start preparing for the session by booking your flight, making housing arrangements, and more. |
Start your application process now before it’s too late.
Deadlines for fall intake
The fall admissions in USA 2025 deadline can be the priority or regular deadline. Priority deadlines are earlier, and you get more time to decide or apply to additional universities, if necessary. Here is a table that explains what US universities' deadlines for fall 2025 mean:
| Application Types | Application deadline | Admission decision |
|---|---|---|
| Early action | November 2024 | December 2024 |
| Early decision | November 2024 | December 2024 |
| Regular decision | January/February 2025 | March/April 2025 |
| Rolling admission | Varies by institution | Within 4-6 weeks from the start date |
Deadlines for fall 2025 USA masters programs
Just like the general US university deadlines for fall 2025, the deadlines for fall intake in USA 2025 masters programs may vary depending on the institution you’re applying to, but they typically follow the same timeline explained in the table above.
Related intakes
Frequently asked questions
What is fall intake in USA?
Fall intake in USA is the initial intake for the academic year, which begins in September and lasts till December or early January.
Which exam is required for MS in USA?
The exams required to study MS vary depending on the program or institution but the basic requirements include standardised test scores (like GRE, GMAT, LSAT, MCAT), English proficiency tests and previous undergraduate or postgraduate education. GRE is mandatory for almost all MS-level programs, and you need a GMAT to pursue an MBA.
When should I start applying for college in 2025?
As a rule of thumb, you should start working on your application a year before your program starts to give you enough time to gather the necessary documentation. You should start submitting your applications for early action or decision in November to ensure you meet the admissions for fall intake in USA 2025 deadline.
Is fall intake better than spring?
Due to higher admissions, more choices of courses, scholarship opportunities and other advantages discussed earlier, the fall intake in USA is generally more favoured than spring admissions. However, spring intake also has certain pros, including being less competitive and offering more time for preparation.
How much IELTS score is required for USA?
The minimum score in IELTS may vary by institution and program, but it’s generally between 6.0 and 7.5. However, some universities may have higher requirements or require a specific band score in each section.
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