Senior Content Specialist | Updated On - May 4, 2024
Highlights:
- The admission to US universities takes place in 2 primary intakes - fall and spring intake.
- The upcoming Fall 2025 application deadlines are due between October and December 2024.
- This includes deadlines for Early Decision in November (binding agreement) and Regular Decision in January (non-binding).
- Spring semester for US universities starts in January with application deadlines around mid-July and early November of the prior year.
- Some US universities also offer a Summer intake from May to August.
US University Application Deadline: The USA is a top destination for international students seeking high-quality education and promising job prospects. With over 1 million international students studying in USA, over 25% are from India. Top universities in the USA offer admission in two major intakes - fall and spring. Due to the high number of applications, securing admission to US universities can be highly competitive. To stand out amongst the pool of applicants, you need a strong application with good academic and standardised test scores. Strong US university applications require months of preparation. Meeting the application deadlines for US universities is an important aspect of your application process.
Early submission allows universities to review your application thoroughly before slots fill up. This increases your chances of admission, especially during competitive application rounds. The top universities in USA welcome the maximum number of international students in the fall term
- Fall 2025 Application Deadlines are between October and December 2024.
- The Spring 2025 Intake Application Deadline is between July and December 2024.
The application deadline for Spring and Fall Intake in USA 2024 has already passed - between July and December 2023.
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Why Study in USA?
- According to the QS World University Rankings, 16 of the top 20 universities are in the USA.
- International students graduating from US universities are eligible to apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT), which allows them to gain valuable work experience in the US for up to 24 months (STEM fields may be eligible for extended OPT).
- A study by the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) found that graduates with a US bachelor's degree earn 11.6% more than those with a non-US degree.
Types of University Intakes in USA
Students must adhere strictly to the US university application deadline as the immigration process might consume extra time. While the Fall 2024 application deadline and the deadline for spring admissions in USA 2024 have passed, you can start planning early for the next year. For those considering enrollment in the Fall 2025 session, the application window will open between October and December 2024.
Let us look at the application deadlines for US universities across Fall, Spring, and Summer intakes for 2024 and 2025.
| Intake Term | 2024 Deadlines for US Universities | 2025 Application Deadlines for US Universities |
|---|---|---|
| Fall intake USA | Fall 2024 application deadline has passed (October-December 2023) | October-December 2024 |
| Spring | July-November 2023 | July-November 2024 |
| Summer | March-May 2024 | March-May 2025 |
What are the Different Admissions Cycles offered by US Universities?
US universities offer multiple admissions cycles throughout the year. The most popular intake is Fall (August/September). Top universities like Harvard, MIT, Stanford, and UC Berkeley prioritise Fall admissions.
| Intake | Program Starting Month | Important Information | Popular Universities Offering Admission |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall Intake | August/September | Most popular intake, widest course selection, most scholarship opportunities | Harvard University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Stanford University, Yale University, University of California, Berkeley, University of Southern California (USC) |
| Spring Intake | January | Decent option if you miss the Fall deadline, fewer programs available | Columbia University, New York University (NYU), University of Chicago, University of Michigan, Carnegie Mellon University |
| Summer Intake | May | Least common intake, and fewest programs available, may not be ideal for full-time students | University of Pennsylvania, Cornell University, Duke University, Emory University, University of California, Los Angeles |
Application Deadlines: Early Decision, Early Action, Regular Decision, and Rolling Admissions in US Universities
The different university admission and commitment criteria for US university application deadlines are:
- Early Decision (ED): It's the earliest deadline and shows strong interest, but there's a catch - if accepted, you MUST attend that university.
- Deadline: November for Fall 2025 intake.
- Early Action (EA): You apply early and get a decision sooner, but you're not locked in. You can apply to other universities too.
- Deadline: November for Fall 2025 intake.
- Regular Decision (RD): This is the most common deadline. It's like applying normally, without any special commitments. You have more time to prepare your application, but your decision might take longer to arrive.
- Deadline: Typically falls between January 1st and January 15th for Fall 2025 intake.
- Rolling Admissions: Decisions are made on an ongoing basis. Few universities have rolling admissions, where applications are reviewed as they are received.
While the application deadline for spring intake in USA 2024 has already passed, you can start your planning for the Spring 2025 intake. Deadlines for Spring intake are generally between mid-July and early November of the preceding year (2024).
Fall 2025 Application Deadlines for US Universities
Based on past trends, the application deadlines for Fall 2025 will be between October and December 2024. This includes the deadline for fall intake in USA.
Top STEM Programs US Universities Application Deadline
US universities are popular for STEM education, consistently ranking at the top globally. According to the QS World University Rankings 2024, 16 of the top 20 universities for Engineering & Technology are in the US. However, application deadlines for these programs can be competitive, typically falling between October and December for Fall intake and potentially earlier for Early Decision options.
| QS Ranking 2024 | University & Program Name | Fall 2025 Intake (Estimated Deadlines) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) - Electrical Engineering & Computer Science | December 15, 2024 |
| 4 | Harvard University - Engineering and Applied Sciences | January 1, 2025 |
| 5 | Stanford University - Computer Science | December 5, 2024 |
| 10 | University of California, Berkeley - Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences | December 4, 2024 |
| 13 | Cornell University - College of Engineering | February 1, 2025 |
| 15 | California Institute of Technology (Caltech) - Mechanical Engineering | October 15, 2024 |
| 23 | Columbia University - Engineering and Applied Science | December 15, 2024 |
| 29 | University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) - Engineering | January 15, 2025 |
| 52 | Carnegie Mellon University - Electrical and Computer Engineering | December 15, 2024 |
| 97 | Georgia Institute of Technology - Electrical and Computer Engineering | December 15, 2024 |
Application Deadline for Top MBA Programs in USA
The US continues to be a powerful force in the world of MBA education, with 14 out of the top 20 global MBA programs located in the US as per QS Rankings.
- Early Decision rounds often fall in September or November, offering a potential advantage for accepted students but requiring a binding commitment.
- Regular Decision deadlines are generally between January and April, providing more time for application preparation but with a potentially lower acceptance rate compared to earlier rounds.
| QS Ranking 2024 | University & Program Name | Application Deadlines (Rounds) |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | Stanford University - MBA | December 1, 2024 |
| 4 | Harvard Business School - MBA Program | September 6, 2024 |
| 12 | Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania - MBA Program | October 14, 2024 |
| 23 | Columbia Business School - MBA Program | January 5, 2024 |
| 1 | MIT Sloan School of Management - MBA Program | September 6, 2024 |
| 11 | University of Chicago Booth School of Business - Full-time MBA Program | September 21, 2024 |
| 47 | Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University - MBA Program | September 13, 2024 |
US Universities Application Deadline for Medical Programs
According to the QS World University Rankings 2024, 10 out of the top 12 spots for top Medical Education universities are occupied by US institutions. While deadlines can vary slightly, most medical schools in the US use the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS) for initial applications, typically due in mid-May. Following submission to AMCAS, individual schools may have additional deadlines for supplemental materials. This two-step process ensures a standardised review across institutions but emphasises the importance of early planning and meeting each program's specific requirements.
| QS Ranking 2024 | University & Program Name | Application Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | Harvard University - Harvard Medical School | October 15, 2024 |
| 28 | Johns Hopkins University - School of Medicine | July 19, 2024 |
| 23 | Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons | January 15, 2025 |
| 5 | Stanford University School of Medicine | December 15, 2024 |
| 6 | University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) School of Medicine | September 1, 2024 |
| 12 | University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine | December 1, 2024 |
| 16 | Yale University School of Medicine | January 2, 2025 |
| 154 | Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis | November 1, 2024 |
| 57 | Duke University School of Medicine | June 15, 2024 |
US Universities with Open Applications for 2024
While most deadlines for Fall 2024 admissions have passed, some universities with rolling admissions might still be accepting applications. Universities with rolling admissions offer seats throughout the year. You can apply to these without worrying about US Universities Application Deadlines. These universities are -
- Arizona State University
- University of Alabama
- University of Maine
- University of North Carolina at Wilmington (UNCW)
- Boston University
- Drexel University (Undergraduate programs)
- University of Southern California (USC)
- Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT)
- Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD)
You can apply for studying abroad in USA in the upcoming fall semester which is the primary intake for US universities. The application deadlines of the same lie between October and December 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Ques. What are the deadlines and notification dates for Early Action and Early Decision applications?
Ans. The application deadline for US universities is as follows -
- Early Action: Deadlines are typically November 1st or 15th. Decisions are usually sent in mid-December. Students are accepted, rejected, or deferred. Deferred applications are reconsidered in the regular applicant pool.
- Early Decision (ED): There are two deadlines - ED I (around November 1st) and ED II (in January). Decisions are sent in February for both. ED applications are binding, meaning you must attend if accepted. Apply ED only if a school is your absolute top choice and you don't need financial aid to decide.
Ques. What's the difference between Binding and Non-Binding Decisions?
Ans. The key difference between Binding and Non-Binding Decisions in early university applications for US universities depends upon commitment and flexibility.
- Binding Decision (Early Decision - ED): This is a commitment. If accepted, you MUST attend that university and withdraw applications elsewhere. It shows strong interest and might benefit your chances at competitive schools.
- Non-Binding Decision (Early Action - EA & Regular Decision - RD): These applications (EA & RD) allow you to apply to multiple universities and are not binding. You choose where to go if accepted anywhere. This offers flexibility but might hold a different weight for some colleges.
Ques. What are some fall intake universities in USA?
Ans. The majority of universities in the USA have a fall intake, which is their main semester. Some of the most popular universities that offer fall intake for international students are:
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
- Harvard University
- Stanford University
- Yale University
- University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley)
Ques. What are the advantages of applying Early Action?
Ans. You should consider the Early Action US University Application Deadline as -
- You’ll receive admissions decisions earlier (usually in December).
- It demonstrates interest in the university (may improve chances of admission).
- You can apply to multiple universities with EA deadlines (non-binding)
Ques. As an international student, which application deadline for US universities should I follow?
Ans. The ideal application deadline for US universities as an international student depends on your priorities and circumstances.
Early Decision (ED):
- Pros: Shows the strongest interest (potentially boosts chances), receives a decision early (February).
- Cons: Binding agreement (must attend if accepted), limited to one ED application, can't wait for financial aid before deciding.
Early Action (EA):
- Pros: Receive decision early (usually December), apply to multiple universities (non-binding), demonstrate interest.
- Cons: May not have all application materials finalized by November.
Regular Decision (RD):
- Pros: Most flexibility with application materials and financial aid considerations.
- Cons: Decision comes later (usually March or April), potentially higher competition.
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Comments
5 Comments
All the universities have different requirements and processes for granted scholarships, However, It’s generally based on merit and need basis. You can check Scholarships to Study in USA for more information.
Deadlines for US universities vary depending on the application term (Fall, Spring, Summer) and the type of application (Early Action, Regular Decision, Rolling Admissions). All the universities have different deadlines for their programs. You need to check the specific deadline for the university you are willing to apply to.
Yes, you can apply to some U.S. universities after deadlines, as many institutions offer rolling admissions or have late application deadlines. It's important to check directly with the universities you're interested in for their specific policies and deadlines.