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May Intakes in USA, Know Eligibility and Application Process

May Intakes in USA refer to the semester that falls during the summer months. The candidates can get admission to the university during the May intake based on their eligibility and IELTS score.
authorImageSilki Joshi24 May, 2024
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May intakes in USA

May Intakes in USA: Candidates looking for admission to US Universities can opt for the May intake in USA. This is one of the popular intakes during the summers, the application of which starts in January or February. It is one of the prominent intakes as the application pool is quite low which leads to more chances for the candidates seeking admission. In this article, we have discussed the details of May intakes in USA, eligibility criteria, and pros and cons.

Study in USA

How Many Intakes are there in USA?

In the United States, universities don't typically refer to admissions periods as primary, secondary, and tertiary intake. Instead, they have three main semesters, fall, spring, and summer. The fall semester, usually starting in August or September, is the dominant intake period. It sees the most applications and program offerings. Spring intake, in January, acts as a secondary option with fewer programs available.  Summer intake, starting in May, is the least common with the most limited course selection.
Popular Intakes in USA
Intake Period Application Deadline Admission Results
Summer January to March April to May
May February to April May to June
June March to May June to July

Top Ranking Universities in USA

List of Universities Offering May Intake in USA for 2025

The following is the list of the major universities that offer admission to candidates for the May Intake in USA along with their fees.
University Annual Tuition fee in INR
Stanford University 25-52L
Bridgewater State University 7L-17L
University of Oregon 16L
University of Michigan-Dearborn 12L-21L
Boston University 27L-50L
Western Illinois University 6L-10L
University of Central Missouri 7L-9L
Illinois State University 11L-17L
Cleveland State University 10L-15L
Lamar University 15L-17L
University of North Texas 28L

USA Students Visa From India

Eligibility Criteria for May Intake in USA

Candidates seeking admission to the universities have to fulfill the basic eligibility criteria prescribed for the May Intake in USA as mentioned below.
Eligibility Criteria for May Intakes in USA
Language Proficiency Test Score IELTS: 6.0 TOEFL: 90 PTE: 70
Standardised Test GMAT: 600 GRE: 150 SAT: 1200 ACT: 25 to 30
Immigration Requirements Australia Student Visa Active Passport
Application Documents SOP LOR

Courses in the USA for Indian Students

Pros and Cons of Pursuing May Intake in USA

Candidates can get an idea of the major pros and cons of the May Intakes in USA from the table below.
Pros of May Intakes in USA Cons of May Intakes in USA
The May Intakes in USA often has a smaller applicant pool compared to the more popular fall and spring semesters. This can significantly increase your chances of securing a coveted spot at your dream university, especially for competitive programs. Universities typically offer a much smaller selection of programs and courses during the May Intakes in USA compared to the fall and spring semesters. This limited range of options may restrict your ability to find the exact program you desire.
Summer semesters are typically shorter, lasting around 6-8 weeks. This condensed timeframe allows you to potentially graduate or complete a specific program requirement quickly. This can be particularly beneficial if you're looking to expedite your studies or shorten the time away from your home country. Courses of May Intakes in USA are packed into a shorter time frame, often requiring a more intensive and fast-paced learning approach. Be prepared to dedicate significant time and effort to studying and completing assignments within the compressed timeframe.
The May Intakes in USA often aligns well with internship opportunities offered by companies and organizations. This allows you to seamlessly integrate practical work experience with your academic goals. Financial aid options and scholarships may be more limited for the May Intakes in USA. Research potential funding sources thoroughly and ensure you have a clear financial plan to cover tuition and living expenses.
Due to the reduced number of students enrolled during the summer, classes tend to be smaller. This fosters a more intimate learning environment with greater opportunities for interaction. Summer months often see a decrease in on-campus activity and events. While this can be a positive for those seeking a focused study environment. It may also limit opportunities for social interaction and engagement with the broader campus community.
The May Intakes in USA provides a valuable option for students who need more time to prepare after high school graduation or complete prerequisite coursework following their undergraduate studies. This flexibility allows you to strategically plan your academic journey without losing valuable time. Depending on your nationality, visa processing timelines for a May Intakes in USA start date may be tighter than for fall or spring semesters. Plan accordingly and factor in additional time for visa applications to ensure a smooth transition to your studies in the USA.

When should you apply for May Intake in USA?

To secure a spot in the May intake at a US university, planning is crucial. The application deadlines typically fall between January and April, with some universities setting earlier deadlines in December. Missing these deadlines could result in a missed opportunity, as many universities have limited slots for the May intake. You can begin your research for your chosen universities' application requirements and deadlines well in advance. Are you preparing to appear for the upcoming IELTS 2024 Exam ? Looking to enroll in the IELTS online course ? Then, worry not as Physics Wallah brings to you IELTS online coaching which equips you with the basics to qualify for the IELTS exam.
IELTS Exam Other Related Links
IELTS Exam 2024 IELTS Full Form
IELTS  Registration 2024 IELTS Eligibility Criteria 2024
IELTS Exam Pattern 2024 IELTS Syllabus 2024
IELTS Exam Dates 2024 IDP IELTS Test Centers 2024
IELTS Cut Off 2024 IDP IELTS Slot Booking
IELTS Mock Test 2024 IELTS Academic Vs General

May Intakes in USA FAQs

Is there any May intake in the USA?

Yes, many universities offer a May/summer intake, but with fewer programs compared to fall and spring semesters.

Which intake is best for the USA?

The fall intake (August/September) is the most popular with the widest program selection. Spring (January) is a good secondary option, while May/summer intake is ideal for flexibility but has limited choices.

When can I apply for May intake?

Deadlines are typically January-April, so research specific universities well in advance.

How much gap is accepted for study in the USA?

Reasonable gaps are generally accepted, focus on a strong application that explains the gap and how it benefits your studies.

Can you apply to US universities in May?

The applications for May intake typically close by April. Apply for the following May intake if deadlines are missed.

Is a 7 year gap accepted in the USA?

A long gap may raise questions but be prepared to clearly explain the gap and how it aligns with your academic goals in your application.

Does the gap affect student visa?

A significant gap could cause additional scrutiny during the visa application process. Be prepared to demonstrate your intent and readiness to study.

Does gap year affect visa?

A well-explained gap year with activities relevant to your studies can strengthen your application.
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