Summer Intake Universities In USA
The USA has been considered the hub for international students who aspire to pursue their higher education in a foreign country. Being home to the top universities across the globe, US states board millions of students every year from various countries. The accessibility and availability of a wide range of courses and specialisations at every level of higher education paved the way for the USA to become one of the top study destinations.
It’s no wonder that an American degree holds great value in the labour market and helps the degree holder achieve rapid career growth in every aspect. The US universities focus more on the practical approach than theoretical knowledge, thus giving the students a multitude of opportunities to obtain unhindered academic excellence.
The statistics show that every year nearly 1 million international students enroll in US universities in different study programmes, and Indian students come in second place among the international student population after China. The high academic reputation and ample opportunities to lead a prosperous career have attracted masses of Indians to choose the US for higher education.
The education system in the USA
The American institutions follow the K–12 system, where the citizens begin their formal education by the age of six. The US schooling system can be divided into three levels:
- Elementary level: from kindergarten to fifth grade
- Middle school: from sixth grade to eighth grade
- High school/secondary education: Ninth grade to twelfth grade
Once the students have graduated from high school, they are given two options to pursue their postsecondary education. They can either opt for vocational training, in which one or two years of courses are designed for immediate employment, or higher education, where the students can enrol in a 2-year associate degree or a 4-year bachelor’s degree.
Types of higher educational institutions
The higher educational institutions in the US can be divided into three categories: colleges, institutes, and universities. These can be owned or supervised by regional governments or private parties. While most colleges offer two years of associate degrees, universities are known for a wide range of courses from undergraduate to doctorate level.
State universities and private universities
In the USA, the regional governments of the 50 American states supervise the state owned educational institutions within their territory, and the federal government doesn’t manage them, unlike other countries. Mostly the private institutions are owned by third parties or religious denominations of churches and operate independently without direct control from the state or government.
Tech colleges and community colleges
While most international students opt to enter universities for bachelor’s or master’s degrees, some do prefer technical and vocational colleges where courses are designed for occupational training, such as air traffic control programmes or flight school.
Community colleges offer two-year programmes in technical and vocational fields with close ties with local high schools, community groups, or local employers. The credits obtained from a community college can be transferred when a student enrolls in a 4 year bachelor’s programme at a university and can attain the degree through the 2+2 process, 2 years of community college and 2 years of university. This helps the student minimise the expenses of a full-time, 4 year bachelor’s degree. Unlike universities, community colleges have a more flexible admissions process.
Courses and their duration
Programmes | Duration | Course details |
Associate degree | 2 years | Vocational or technical courses |
Bachelor’s degree | 2-4 years | Also known as freshman, sophomore and it includes, major, minor and core courses. |
Master’s degree | 2 years | Consists of disciplines of arts, science and humanities. |
Master’s degree (Professional courses) | 1-3 years | Prepares students for a specific profession |
Doctoral degree/PhD | 5-8 years | Have to attend course work for the first three years before working on a dissertation or research project |
Popular intakes
Universities in America administer three intakes in an academic year to administer hassle free admissions for a huge number of students, unlike Indian universities that offer only one intake in an academic year.
Fall intake:
It’s also known as the September intake and the major intake of the academic year. During this time, universities offer a wide range of courses with plenty of scholarships for students. However, due to the high demand, the chances of acceptance into a preferred programme will be difficult, due to the tough competition.
Spring Intake :
The January intake, or spring intake, is the second most preferred intake among international students. It starts in January and offers fewer courses compared to the fall intake.
Summer Intake:
It usually starts in the month of May and is usually preferred by students who wish to enroll in short term courses or language courses. Since there aren’t many courses available, the competition will be lesser and one can easily get accepted.
Summer Intake Universities in USA
- Stanford university
- Bridgewater State University
- University of Oregon
- University of Michigan-Dearborn
- Boston university
- Western Illinois University
- University of Central Missouri
- Illinois State University
- Cleveland State University
- Lamar university
- University of North Texas
- Delaware Valley University
- Florida Atlantic University
- Clemson University
- Aurora University
- Capital University
- Florida Gulf Coast University
- Jacksonville University
- Purdue university
- Georgia Southern University
- Indiana University Bloomington
- Southeast Missouri State University
- Stockton university
- North Central University
- Southeastern university
- Grand Valley State University
- Hendrix college
- Regent university
- Southern Utah University
- Southern Illinois University
- Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
- University of Nebraska-Lincoln
- The University of Arizona
- The University of New Mexico
- University of Texas at Dallas
- Virginia State University
- St. Edward’s University
- University of Central Florida
- University of South Florida
- Winthrop University
- Kean University
- Eastern Washington University
- University of Washington, Tacoma
- Marietta College
Documents required for admission
The eligibility criteria for admission vary according to the courses and universities across the country. However, there are a few common criteria that are unanimously followed by American universities.
- Marklists and grade cards
- Valid passport
- Resume
- Two to three years of work experience if you are applying for MBA programmes
- English proficiency test scores (IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE) and US entrance test scores (SAT, GRE, and GMAT)
- Letters of recommendation
- Statement of purpose, personal statement, essays
- Proof of payment of the application fee
- Passport-size photos
Standardised tests for the admission process in the USA
English language proficiency tests
In order to assess the English proficiency of the international student, US universities mandate several test scores during the application process.
IELTS:
The International English Language Testing System is a standardised proficiency test to assess non-native English speakers’ skills. Usually, students who wish to enrol in an undergraduate programme or above are required to take the IELTS Academic test and have to obtain a minimum of a 6.5 band score.
TOEFL:
The Test for English as a Foreign Language is an international language proficiency test administered to assess the English skills of non-native speakers. US universities require at least 78 iBT on the TOEFL for graduate admissions.
PTE:
The Pearson Test of English is a proficiency test taken by non-native English speakers to measure their English skills so that they can improve their chances of getting accepted into their preferred university.
Graduate level entrance exams
SAT:
The Scholastic Assessment Test is a standardised test administered to check the skills and abilities of students who wish to pursue degree-level education at US universities. The required SAT scores vary from university to university; however, most universities demand a minimum of 1300.
Postgraduate-level standardised tests
GRE:
Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is the standardised test that acts as an entrance criteria for graduate admission in science programmes at US universities. Even though every university has its own criteria, the minimum required GRE score ranges from 150 to 155 in the US.
GMAT:
Graduate Management Admission Test is a computer-adaptive test taken by MBA aspirants who wish to study at an international business school. The applicant has to score at least 556 points to qualify for MBA admissions.
Application process
If you are interested in pursuing higher education in the US, you should start your preparation as early as possible to avoid any last-minute rushes and mishaps since you need to give standardised tests and gather funds to support your study programme.
If you are planning to apply for the summer 2024 intake in the USA, you should start preparing in April 2023.
- Selection of course and university: Finding the right course and university according to your interests and budget is the most important part of applying for a study abroad programme. Make sure to consider your career prospects and budget when you select the course. If you’re unaware of what course and university suit you best, then seek help from our expert counsellors.
- Cross check the admission criteria and take the required standardised tests: Go through your preferred university’s website and make a note of the admission criteria and required documents. Take the required eligibility tests, such as English language proficiency tests (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE) and standardised tests (SAT, GRE, GMAT), to smooth the admission process.
- Applying to universities: Once you have gathered your required documents and cleared the standardised tests, you are good to apply to your preferred university. Make sure to apply and pay the application fee before the deadline, and save the details for future reference.
- Wait for the acceptance letter: If you get selected for the programme, the university will send an acceptance letter to inform you about the same.
- Arrange your funds: Gather your funds to support your study programme and living expenses in the USA. Apply for educational loans if it’s necessary, and if you’re unaware of educational loans and scholarships, get in touch with our counsellors.
- Pay the admission fees: Some universities require students to pay admission fees or a specific percentage of their tuition fees to secure admission. Save the fee details for further reference.
- Apply for a student visa: Once you receive confirmation regarding your admission from your preferred university, apply for a student visa at the US embassy or consulate. In order to secure an American visa, applicants need to go through an interview for successful visa approval. The interview validates your intentions and reasons for going to the US, so it’s better to prepare well for the interview to avoid visa rejections.
- Onboarding: The US immigration department only allows the student visa holder to enter the country thirty days prior to the commencement of the intended study programme.
USA student visa types
The US government issues three types of major student visas for international students based on their course duration and the educational institution in which they’ve enrolled.
F1: The F1 visas are for students who are enrolled in an official study programme or want to study the English language at a recognised university in the US. All students who opted for undergraduate and graduate programmes will fall under the F1 category, and it also allows them to work part time off and on campus.
Visa application fee: $160 ($185 effective May 30, 2023)
J1: It’s issued to individuals who are participating in an officially approved exchange programme at a recognised US university.
Visa application fee: $160
M1: It’s for the students who are enrolled in vocational courses in recognised educational institutions in the US.
Visa application fee: $160
For more information about US student visas, click here.
Timeline:
Activity | Date |
Selection of course and university | April -August |
Give the required standardised tests | September-November |
Apply to universities | November- January |
Wait for acceptance letter | February- March |
Arrange your finances | March- April |
Apply for student visa | April -May |
Texas Review: the best study in the US consultant
Texas Review takes great pride in assisting aspiring students to fulfil their dream of studying abroad. Our counsellors go to great lengths to shortlist the finest US universities based on the students grades, preferences, and budgets. As the flag bearer in the field of study abroad programmes, Texas Review takes responsibility for the entire admission process from the beginning, and we make sure to leave no stone unturned in finding all possible financial assistance so that our students can afford studying in the USA.
Our salient features are:
- Guidance and end-to-end assistance in the selection and shortlisting of courses and universities
- filling out applications and submitting them.
- Scrutiny of the application
- Scholarship counselling
- Post-submission services
- Regular follow-ups to track progress
- Planning and strategy
- expert team and resources
- Interview preparations
- Online and offline coaching
- Customised study materials
- Flexible batches
- Live classes
- State-of-the-art infrastructure
- facility for retaking the course
- Education fairs and admission days
For more details, contact us at 9100444920 or mail us at info@texasreview.in.