Q&A: Spring vs Fall Semester – Which is Better?
By HSB
Atleast 3 student’s have asked similar question related to Spring or Fall semester admission and impact of getting financial aid. Also, since I started writing this blog, so many have asked similar question and I have written few articles explaining the same.
Usually students who are not sure if they can apply for Fall, tend to ask this question, if they want to apply for next Spring or after 1 year to next Fall.
Aditya – Do u think it is a good idea to apply in Spring ? I have read ur articles on “Difference in Fall Or Spring” and “Graduate Admission Fall or Spring” . But some of my seniors told me that students who come in Spring are not considered for internships as it is necessary to complete 9 months in USA to get summer internships . And hence, Fall students have an edge over Spring students. Is this true ?
Article Aditya is referring to are
Summer Internship in CPT
Generally universities allow students to apply for internship after completing 2 semesters, or in some case 18 credits. But, there will be difference between schools, but mostly 18 credits. So, lets consider 2 cases when studetns is starting the semester
- Attending School from Fall Semester (Aug/Sep)
- Attending School from Spring Semester (Jan)
Attending School – Fall Semester
So, you start the school in Fall, 2009 and register for 9 credits and next semester Spring 2010, you will enroll for 9 credits. So, you will become eligible for Internship by end of Spring 2010 semester (May 2009). You be go for internship from May 2009 to Aug 2009. Thats called Sumemer Internship. So, what your Senior said was right, but there is more to it.
Attending School – Spring Semester
If you start your attending university from Jan 2010, you will become eligible to apply for internship from Spring 2011, after completing 18 credits. So, in either case you can apply for internship. You have to decide when you want to apply here for admission.
Which is better – Spring or Fall Semester?
Having said the difference between 2 semesters, know comes the part, you might not be aware of and that could be the reason you are hesitant to apply for Spring. considering the above situation, you might ask
I would be able to apply for internship only atfer 1.5 years in Summer 2011 ( Spring 2010, Summer 2010, Fall 2010, Spring 2011)?
Well, thats not true. You have used the word Summer Internship, which is offered by companies only during summer term, I can understand the concern. But, the fact is you can apply for internship even for Spring and Fall semesters.
This article will get longer, if I explain about the types of interenship and when to apply for what. I will write a continuation of this article to explain in detail. Also, one other student had asked the following question
Most of the important courses are offered only in Fall and I will be be able to graduate if I apply for Spring Semester. Is that true? I’m considering to apply for Fall 2010, instead of Spring 2010.
Answers to above question is also coming up. Hope you guys are finding the infpormation I provide useful. I like to hear about that. Wriet a comment to below.
Image Credit – F16 Falcon Star
Related posts:
- Spring or Fall : Graduate School Admission
- When to Take GRE To Attend Fall Semester
- Applying For Fall 2011 – What To Do Now?
- Questions about Spring Admission in Graduate Schools
- When to Apply for Fall 2010
Hi,
At course level there won’t be much difference in spring and fall semester, but the research done by me has shown the there are less admits in spring semester in comparison to fall semester. I am trying for CS or CE but have found very few colleges taking in for spring (2010).
So, I would recommend target fall if time is not very expensive.
Regards.
@Aks –
Less Admits in Spring Compared to Fall – That is true, since most students graduate in April/May time frame and they move on to Fall Grad program or find a job.
Spring 2010 is just 2 months away and if you are searching for Universities now, you are going to find very less schools unless you are applying as domestic student. If you take Top 100 Universities, over 90 of them will have Spring Intakes with varying deadlines.
hello sir,
i had My GRE score, 1150(quant 730, verbal 420)..and yet to appear for TOEFL… i have a hectic schedule for this October and November..so im unable to spend time for preparation even.. so i have to plan for TOEFL after dis November,including the preparation. how many days will it take for preparation??
i think it is not possible to apply for spring with this plan. but i heard there is a chance that we can post our TOEFL score later and just we have to inform the scheduled date, when we are going to take the exam, now. is it so?? plz let me know this.
sir,i would like to do my ms in spring2011.so when should i appear for gre exam?????plz help me sir
now i am doing doing my b-tech final year.till now i did not write the gre exam.if iam planning for spring 2011 when should i take the gre exam and what are the chances of getting visa for spring semister
hahahhaa
‘FUNNIEST ARTICLE EVER..
if theres someone who pays for “premium membership” … he is the BIGGEST LUNATIC in the WHOLE DAMN WORLD.
such a waste of time///
Hello Sir,
I have retaken my gre exam and got a lower score this time1120(Q-630 and verbal- 490). My previous score was 1150(Q-730 and verbal-420).which score will the schools consider? I want to apply for Phd. Will this score be sufficient to get admitted to cell and molecular biology in Florida State University?
Thanks
I am taking my GRE on september 29 2009, intending to go for Spring 2010. Is it really possible to get admissions for Spring 2010? As i have heard its too late now for spring 2010 and should target summer 2010.
Can any one let me know any link where in I can confirm the deadlines of universities for sending applications.
I searched on USNEWS.Com but couldnt find a consolidated list of dates.
Any help in this regard will be really helpful.
-Av.
Avinash – There is no single place where you can find university deadlines. You have to go to every single school page and find the deadlines. There will be some schools where you can apply for Spring. If it’s getting delayed, apply for Summer.
sir…would it really not be a problem CAREER WISE if i choose SPRING 2011 over FALL 2010???i have just finist my 3rd yr engg from mumbai univ with 53.5% aggr….would that be an issue when apply for admission to FALL 2010 if i work hard and do well in my GRE & TOEFL????
Hello Sir,
I have completed my engineering course.. and I have a plan of going for higher studies now or then.. but some advised me not to go now as its a tough period there… so can please help from where can i Start…
after gaining some work ex in india(2-3)years in reputed mnc’s(Wipro,tcs,infy,etc), are there courses in MS(CSC) which can be completed in a year like UK.. how much work ex matters in obtaining a job or summer internships after the masters..
anyways you r doing a great job yaar..
Hello Sir
You are really doing a great job there .Sir you helping all of us at our most important Venture in life.Sir please carry on because your smaal suggestion will help all of us Tremendeously.So sir please continue this over……………………………………
Sir the same question is also arise so amy time to apply for Spring or Fall .but sir after your comment i am clear myself to apply for the Spring term………
thnx
Hi,
u r doing a great job. Carry on…
1 thing I would like to mention that, a very reputed uni In Penn has clearly stated in application instructions that to apply in Fall rather than for Spring(due to admin concerns & more opp.)! I won’t disclose the name here bt trust me I have read this by my own eyes!
I wish, u throw some light on this issue.pls let me know if u want more info abt this.
Thanks.