Autumn (Fall) Intake at Universities in the USA – The What, When and Why

Written by Sarah Hastings-Woodhouse

The USA has claimed the title of world’s most popular study abroad destination for many years, welcoming almost a million international students per year! American universities generally operate two intakes, one in the autumn (fall) and one in the spring.

If you’re part of the autumn intake, you’ll generally start your course in September. We’ve put together an application timetable below with all the key dates and deadlines to be aware of.

If you’d rather start your course in the spring, you can read our guide to the spring intake.

Key features of autumn intake in the USA
Application start time	September (the year before your course starts)
Application end time	December to March
Acceptance letters	March
Term dates	September start

The autumn intake

The autumn intake is the most popular and offers the greatest variety of courses. Almost all universities in the USA accept a cohort of students in the autumn, whereas only some accept new students in the spring.

Applications may open as early as a year before your start date. Deadlines will vary between universities, so make sure you check your university’s website to find out when you should apply.

Some universities will have a priority application deadline, followed by a rolling admissions period. Those who apply early will be prioritised by the admissions team, and the rolling admissions period could end early if all spaces are filled. So, it’s a good idea to aim for the priority deadline, even if you can technically apply later! This may also be a requirement if you wish to be considered for a particular scholarship.

The autumn intake timeline

Applying for a postgraduate course in the USA can be a lengthy process. We’d recommend starting to prepare at least a year before your start date. If you’re planning to apply early, you may want to start up to 18 months in advance. Below is a rough application timeline to help you get started:

Step #1: March/ April (the year before you start your course) – Start shortlisting courses

It’s never too soon to start exploring your course options, and starting this process two springs before your start date will ensure you have plenty of time to prepare. Start by shortlisting the projects you’re interested in and making a note of entry requirements and deadlines.

Step #2: May/June – Start preparing for standardised tests

Standardised tests such as the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) are a common requirement in the USA. You can take the GRE at any time in the year and will generally receive your score within two weeks, but it’s a good idea to start preparing a few months in advance. You may also want to leave time to attempt the test more than once.

Step #3: July/ August – Explore your funding options

The up-front cost of PhD study in the USA is high, but most students will receive some kind of funding. This could be in the form of a scholarship or assistantship from your university, or from an external organisation.

Take note of any funding opportunities you’re eligible for, and whether they require a separate application. If you’re applying for funding from your university, you may have to meet the priority deadline.

Step #4: September/ October – Get your supporting documents ready

Leave yourself plenty of time to get all the required documents ready for your application. These generally include a research proposal, academic references, GRE scores and transcripts from previous degree(s).

Step #5: December/ January/ February – Apply to your chosen university!

Priority application deadlines for postgraduate programmes in the USA are generally between December and February. There may or may not be a rolling admissions period after this depending on if courses still have spaces to fill. The rolling admissions period will generally end in March or April.

How long it will take to hear back about your application can vary between universities, but you’ll generally know whether you’ve been accepted by March.

Step #6: March/ April/ May – Apply for your student visa and accommodation

US student visas can be issued up to one year before the start of your course, and wait times vary depending on your country of origin. They are usually under one month but can be up to ten for some locations – so it’s a good idea to apply as soon as possible after accepting your offer.

Applications for on-campus housing generally open in the spring before your course starts, and places are allotted on a first-come-first-served basis. Make sure you get your application in early! Alternatively, now is also a good time to start exploring private housing options if you’d rather live off-campus.

Step #7: August/ September – Get ready to fly!

Classes for the autumn intake generally start in September, but it’s a good idea to arrive a couple of weeks early so you can time to settle in! Keep in mind that you can’t arrive in the USA on a student visa more than 30 days before your course starts.

Why should you study in the USA in the autumn intake?

Most students in the USA start their course in the autumn. Whether it’s the best option for you depends on your personal plans and preferences, but here are some reasons to consider it:

There will be a greater variety of courses available for the autumn intake.
Starting your course at the beginning of the academic year can make it easier to find an on-campus join or join a society.
The cohort is usually larger so you'll have more opportunities to meet new people.
You don’t have to have too long a break in between finishing your undergraduate degree and starting your postgraduate adventure!

To find out more about PhD study in the USA, read our detailed guides to universities, accommodation, applications and more!

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