It’s not easy to get accepted to universities abroad. The majority of people think that the GRE score is the key component of applications, while the top applicants focus on their impressive academic records. Then there are those who, despite having subpar grades and test results, manage to get into the best schools by using the make-or-break statement of purpose (SoP).
Some people apply after receiving recommendations, while a few sharp guys apply well in advance of the deadline (Early bird catches the worm). Before we focus on the unmentioned factor of LUCK, there is of course the SEASON, which is also very important.
Fall Admission
Fall Intake refers to college admissions for semesters beginning in September through December. The Fall Intake includes the following characteristics:
- The months of the fall intake are from September to December.
- The Fall Intake is offered by all universities. Additionally, Fall Intake offers almost all of the courses.
- Most applications are received for the fall intake, which creates intense competition, a lower acceptance rate, and a bigger class size.
- The Fall Intake is when the majority of scholarships are offered.
Spring Admission
The Spring Intake months in the USA are from January to April/May. These months are known as Winter Intake in Canada and the UK. We will only refer to it as spring intake for the sake of simplicity. The Spring Intake has the following features:
- Winter Intake (USA) from January to April/May = Spring Intake (Canada and the UK)
- In a lot of universities, a spring intake is an option.
- Finland and other nations view the spring intake as a continuation of the fall intake.
- Compared to the Fall Intake, fewer courses are available.
- Indian students have more time to study for exams and the application process because they graduate in May or June.
Considerations for Spring vs. Fall Admissions
Although there are more than 3000 universities in the US, candidates only look at 70 to 100 of them when applying. About 35% of these universities don’t offer admission for the spring semester. Therefore, a candidate who chooses to apply in the spring misses out on some of the top universities to which s/he could be admitted in the fall. Every university offers admission in the fall.
Here are a few compelling arguments in favor of choosing the Fall intake:
Intake
Chances of admission to any college, whether in India or abroad, are always inversely correlated with the intake. Only the best profiles are accepted into spring admissions because there is a terrible lack of applicants in the US. One of the frequent excuses given by students for choosing not to attend this season is the spring intake.
Universities
Top US universities typically do not admit students during the spring semester. Therefore, it is advised to conduct extensive research before submitting applications to universities in the spring semester. Additionally, you should conduct research before taking any standardized tests, such as the IELTS, TOEFL, ACT, SAT, GRE, or GMAT.
Rates of Acceptance
Typically, class sizes in the fall semester are higher than those in the spring semester. In other words, you should anticipate a higher acceptance rate for the fall semesters.
Internships
Many applicants are not aware that you are permitted to do an internship after completing 9 months (some universities allow after 2 semesters, while some follow 18 credits) of the Master’s course. That’s the law right now, and you can’t tamper with it. Because the internship phase, which lasts from June to August, is “useless” once you enter the spring (January), most applicants opt for assistantships or project-building sessions instead, which don’t pay any money. Winter internships are not a common trend, and no students are recruited by businesses then.
Additionally, the Master’s program’s internship in the US is crucial because:
- You make some noteworthy dollars in those three months which is an asset to fund your last 1/2 semesters.
- Chances of the final placement offer (if not, at least an interview opportunity) from the same company.
Course Choices
In the US, fall is when core courses are typically offered. As a result, if you enroll in a Spring session, you might find it challenging to plan your coursework, which could negatively impact how well you perform in the Master’s course. Your choice of subjects will greatly influence the projects, internships, and final placements that you find.
Job Possibilities
Due to the fact that the majority of students in the US graduate from college in the summer or spring, the majority of on-campus jobs are filled in the fall. Additionally, new positions might become available as a result of facility expansion that begins in the fall.
Deadlines
Spring deadlines typically fall between the months of July and August. Make sure your undergraduate college professors are in the area in May or June if you’re looking for recommendations from them. While some teachers will be very busy with the semester exams, others may take a vacation (yay, summer vacations). The transcripts are the same.
You’re good to go if you complete all the paperwork before the deadline (most people don’t).
Fall vs Spring: Changes to Be Made
Both the Spring and the Fall seasons have advantages and disadvantages, so you may need to make some adjustments to get through the sessions. This section is substantial and significant. Here, a few noteworthy elements are:
Weather
While it’s fun to fantasize about snowfall in the United States after seeing a few Hollywood movies, the reality is that entering the country in the spring will put you in the middle of one of the coldest months. In the northern states like Minnesota and Michigan, the lows can reach -30 degrees. Other regions are also experiencing weather that hovers between -8 and -12 degrees, which is VERY cold by Indian standards. It’s imperative to acclimatize.
In the past, there have been instances where students have returned to India because they were unable to cope with the spring’s extreme cold.
Projects and Groups
Although not as bizarre as Indian colleges, this is comparable to first-year students and diploma applicants. Students who start their course in the fall already have six months until spring, so adjusting to new faces and a new group of people can be awkward.
Relationship with Professors
Students who enroll in the Spring semester miss out on one of the most important elements: developing a rapport with professors. American culture is very contemporary, and academics are eager to welcome new students. While Fall applicants may have developed a strong rapport with their teachers that could result in a strong recommendation, followed by a research assistantship and project guidance, Spring applicants may experience a different level of treatment—unless, of course, they manage to win over their professors.
CONCLUSION
The simple, conclusive response is that it is entirely up to you. It all depends on your needs and your long-term goals. Since you are the best judge of your career, be clear about what you anticipate from a college education when you want to apply for a job. Applying during any intake season has no serious negative effects.