Guide to Starting Your College Application Process: Fall 2021 Intake

Planning to start college in the fall of 2021? Here's everything you need to know about the college application process and how to start your timeline effectively.

Fall Intake Overview

The term fall intake typically refers to the period when institutions accept applications from prospective students between August and December, culminating in matriculation around September. This intake is highly favored by many institutions due to its broad acceptance and overlap with multiple academic terms, making it one of the best times to apply for enrollment.

Fall Intake in the USA: 2022 Details

In the United States, several institutions provide fall intakes, including the University of Massachusetts, University of North Florida, Marquette University, and the University of Memphis. These fall intakes usually run from late August through December, offering students ample time for test preparation and completing applications.

Notably, the fall intake is highly popular among international students, as it aligns with the academic terms in India and provides extra time for preparing for standardized tests and application processes. Due to its popularity, most universities in the U.S. offer all their courses during this intake.

Deadlines for Fall Intake in the USA

For key universities, the deadlines for the fall intake range across the board. For instance:

University of Massachusetts - January 1, 2023 University of North Florida - December 1, 2022 Marquette University - December 1, 2022 University of Memphis - January 15, 2023

When to Start Your Application Process

Deciding when to start your college application process can be nuanced. It depends on what stage you're considering:

When to click on websites and submit your list of documents: This should ideally be done around May of your junior year. At this stage, your focus should be on gathering all necessary documentation and beginning the essay writing process. When to start developing your list of colleges to which to apply: It's a good idea to start this process early in your junior year to ensure a thorough and informed decision-making process. When to start building your resume and academic/leadership records: The quest for a successful application, strong essays, and recommendation letters should begin as early as your freshman year of high school. The essence of a compelling application starts with the basic building blocks of your academic and extracurricular achievements, which are crucial for your high school years and beyond.

By starting early and consistently working on creating a standout application, you'll be well-prepared for the fall intake and any other opportunities that come your way.

Best of luck on your journey to college!