Summer Intake Universities in USA: Advantages, Course Options, and Deadlines

Content Writer - Study Abroad | Updated On - Sep 20, 2024

US universities accept international students in Fall, Spring, and Summer intakes. Being the most popular among Indian students, the Fall intake is the largest in USA. It starts in August-September and can choose from wider course options and universities in this intake. Then comes the secondary Spring intake, beginning in January-February. Only a few graduate programs accept applications in the Spring intake.

Finally, comes the Summer intake, starting in May-June. Only selected universities accept applications from international students in this intake. If you missed the fall and spring intakes, you can look for this intake whether your chosen course is accepting applications or not. However, only a few graduate programs or continuing education courses accept applications for summer intake in USA.

List of Summer Intake Universities in USA

Here, we have added some of the top universities in USA that accept Summer intake applications from international students.

University/ College Name	Courses Offered	Application Status
Harvard Summer School	Adult and College Students Programs Secondary School Student Programs Pre-College Programs	Open: December 2024Close: Late January 2025
Stanford University	Courses for High School, Undergraduate, and Graduates in more than 30 departments	To be announced
University of California, Berkeley	More than 600 courses, including Summer-only certificates, English as a Second Language, and online options	Application opens in February 2025
New York University	Undergraduate courses	Open: February 1, 2025Close: March 17, 2025
University of Michigan	English language and undergraduate programs	Close: March 15, 2025
University of Southern California	Pre-college programs	To be announced
University of North Texas	Programs for visiting students only	To be announced
Cleveland State University	Intensive English language programs	To be announced

Apart from the universities tabulated above, some other universities also offer a Summer intake. These are

Virginia State University
Illinois State University
Lamar University
University of Oregon
University of Michigan - Dearborn
Boston University

Documents Required for Admission

Whatever the intake is, the documents required for admission to US universities remain the same. Quickly review the required documents mentioned below

Academic transcripts
Standardized test scores
- GMAT/GRE for graduate courses
- SAT/ACT for undergraduate courses
Statement of purpose
Updated resume
Letter of recommendation
ELP scores like IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, DET

Timeline to Apply for Summer Intake Universities

While planning to study abroad, doing everything at the right time is the key. Check the timeline described below to know about the timeline for applying to summer intake universities in USA

August 2024: Finish researching about the universities and courses
September-November 2024: Take standardized tests like SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT
November 2024-January 2025: Start creating your application essays and personal statements
November 2024-January 2025: Arrange transcripts and recommendation letters
November 2024-January 2025: Select the universities and submit final applications
February-March 2025: Wait for the admission decision and check your mailbox for any notifications from the university
April 2025: Accept the admission offer and apply for a US Student visa at the earliest

Advantages and Disadvantages of Summer Intake in USA

Indian students are always advised to apply in Fall or Spring intakes to get the option to choose from their favorite universities and specializations. Being the tertiary intake, the summer intake has some pros and cons. Here are some of the pointers you need to consider while applying for this intake

Advantages

Easy transition to US life and culture due to lighter course load
More access to support services
Small class sizes
Option to choose certificate courses
Summer internship opportunities
Less competition for admission due to fewer applicants
Possibility of finishing degree earlier

Disadvantages

Limited course options
Limited availability of on-campus housing
Fewer scholarships
If continuing through Fall, need to arrange accommodation twice
Limited social opportunities
A feeling of isolation due to fewer students

Summer intake at US universities offers unique advantages, such as shorter wait times and smaller class sizes. It further enhances personalized learning and networking opportunities. The application for the majority of the summer intake universities opens in December and closes in February-May.