Timeline for September 2023 Intake to Study in USA

With the Fall intake being the one of the major intakes in USA, Indian students usually aim to enrol in one of the top US universities by July/August of any given academic year. While the US has been the top study abroad destinations among aspiring international students, restrictions arising due to the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the study abroad plans for many students around the world. Nevertheless, international students have opted to pursue higher education during the fall intakes in USA, even during the pandemic.

Moreover, understanding how to move ahead with your study abroad plan, particularly for the September Intakes in USA can be somewhat confusing due to the variety of offerings available, cost of living in the USA, different admission procedures at US universities, among other factors. Unlike a single admission intakes followed by universities in India, there are a total of three USA intakes, i.e. Spring, Summer and Fall. In this article, we will be discussing the timeline for September (Fall) 2023 intakes in USA along with a list of the top US universities such as Auburn University, Arizona State University, Hofstra University, to name a few.

All About September (Fall) Intakes in USA

Listed below are some of the important details about the September, or Fall intakes in USA that you should know:

• The Fall intake in USA is one of the more preferred intakes among the Indian students and usually starts in late August and ends in December or January.

• The September intakes in USA have a more diverse range of course options on offer for international students looking to study in the USA.

• Unlike the Spring/January intakes in USA, the Fall intake allows international students to explore more part-time on-campus work opportunities and more teacher assistant or research jobs as well. 

• There are more post-study work options available for students who start their programmes during the Fall 2021 intakes in USA.

• In particular, the September intakes in USA 2023 is expected to witness higher competition as many international students who were not to able to move to the US due to travel restrictions, will now choose to do so now.

• Class sizes for the Fall intakes in USA are usually larger than the Spring or Summer Intakes in USA.

Timeline for Fall Intakes in USA 2023

Here is an overview of the admission timeline for September (Fall) intakes in USA 2023, which may sometimes take a year or even longer than a year:

Step-by-step Guide for September 2023 Intakes in USA

Now, let us dive into the admission timeline for September 2023 intakes in USA, which has been curated with the objective of making things easier for you.

Step 1: Research Your Options: April - July 2022

The first step in the process to study in the USA during the fall intakes is for you to research all your options, both for in terms of the courses you can pursue and the universities perfect for you. Make sure that you are certain about starting your studies during the September intakes in USA.

• Settle on a course: In case you are confused about the course you can pursue in the country, you can shortlist around 2 to 3 or talk to our counsellors who could assist you in choosing the perfect course. Here's How!

• Browse through the list of the top US universities that offer the course(s) of your choice and shortlist them on the basis of factors such as tuition fees, location, availability of US scholarships for international students, mode of instruction, and other important factors.

• Make note of the application deadlines for the Fall semester in USA at these shortlisted universities.

• If you are confused about something, then here are a few things nobody tells you about going from India to Study in the USA.

Step 2: Take Standardised Admission Tests: May 2022 to September 2022

• Have a clear understanding of which exams you need to clear in order to get admission in your narrowed down list of US universities.

• For Bachelors in USA, you would either be asked to clear the Scholastic Admission Test (SAT) or the American College Testing (ACT).

• For a Masters in USA, you may be required to take the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) or the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT).

• International students, whose first language is any language apart from English, are also required to take English language tests like IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE Academic.

Note: Aspirants are advised to check the individual admission requirements of each university before attempting any standardised tests. It should be noted that not all universities and courses require admission tests such as SATs, ACTs or GMAT and GREs. However, all Indian students are required to submit valid proof of English proficiency.

Step 3: Apply to Universities: November 2022 to July 2023

Your entry into the admission process for USA intakes for the next academic year begins with your submitting your application forms and necessary documents to the universities of your choice. Here are some things you need to know about applying to the universities in the country for the fall intakes in USA.

• While applying to universities during the September intakes in USA 2023, it is crucial to be certain that you have all of the required documents or information at hand, ready to be submitted in the correct format.

• For admissions to Bachelor’s degrees starting in the fall semester in USA, the documents you need to submit include transcripts, letters of recommendation, an essay along with university/department/course-specific documentations.

• For Masters in USA during the fall semester in USA 2023, you would be asked to upload academic transcripts from previously attended colleges/universities, Curriculum Vitae or resume, letters of recommendation, Statement of Purpose (SOP) or an essay stating your professional and academic goals.

• Those applying for postgraduate management programmes during the fall intakes in USA such as MBA or MS in Business Analytics might need to present prior work experience in the field.

Step 4: Wait for Your Admission Decision: January - July 2023

Once all your documents have been submitted and all the necessary payments have been completed, you will now be required to wait until you receive a response from the universities.

• For the fall semester in USA, universities usually take 8 to 10 weeks to notify applicants if they have been accepted or rejected. However, this will vary between each individual university, therefore, be sure to check the individual admission policies of each university for a definite answer regarding when you can expect a response.

• During this period, you can also look for options to finance your studies for the fall intakes in USA. If you have all your finances to study in USA during the fall semester, then all you can do is wait for the universities to respond.

Step 5: Finance Your Studies/Apply for Visa: April to July 2023

• After you receive your acceptance letter a university of your choice, decide whether you want to study at that particular university and get started with your visa application, if you decide to go ahead with the university for the fall intakes in USA.

• US visas generally do not take more than 120 days to be processed, however, student visa processes, especially the interview process can be tricky to clear. Therefore, get started early to give yourselves enough time to re-apply for the appropriate student visa, in case you need to.

• A number of US universities offer scholarships to international students. However, you can also look for Indian student-specific scholarships available for in the universities during the Fall intakes in USA along with searching for private foundations, businesses, and nonprofits in the US that provide international students with financial aid opportunities.

Step 6: Prepare for Your Departure: Aug 2023

• You are all set! Book your tickets and get ready to embark on a unique journey.

• However, keep all your documents in check and at hand. Go through the US border entry requirements for international students and check for any further travel requirements set by the country for all international travellers.

Popular Universities for September Intakes in USA 2023

Check out this list of the top universities in the country popular among Indian students for the Fall intakes in USA 2023. Click on the universities to explore the entire list of courses they offer:

Still confused about applying to US universities for the September 2023 intakes in USA? Write to us at abroad@collegedekho.com to get further assistance or guidance on Fall 2023 US admissions.