Navigating Admissions at American University: A Comprehensive Guide
American University (AU) attracts students with its location in Washington, D.C., and its strong programs in international affairs, public policy, and communication. Understanding the university's admission requirements is crucial for prospective students. This article provides a detailed overview of these requirements, covering undergraduate and graduate admissions, including important deadlines, academic expectations, and specific program requirements.
Undergraduate Admissions
Acceptance Rate and Selectivity
American University has an acceptance rate of approximately 62%, indicating that it is moderately selective. While not the most selective, it is important for applicants to present a strong application to increase their chances of admission. Exceeding the university's academic expectations can significantly improve an applicant's prospects.
GPA Requirements
While specific GPA ranges are not explicitly published by American University, GPA is a very important academic factor. Successful applicants generally have a strong high school GPA, typically a mix of A's and B's with more A's than B's, indicating above-average performance in their high school class. Students with lower GPAs can compensate with challenging coursework, such as AP or IB classes, and strong SAT/ACT scores.
Standardized Testing: SAT and ACT
American University's admissions process is test-optional, meaning that submitting SAT/ACT scores is not required for admission, but considered if submitted. However, the university does consider standardized test scores if submitted. For those who choose to submit scores, the middle 50% of admitted students score between 1280 and 1450 on the SAT and between 29 and 32 on the ACT.
SAT: A score within the 1280-1450 range is considered competitive. The university also employs a "superscoring" policy for the SAT, where they combine the highest section scores from multiple test dates to create the best possible composite score. For ACT exams taken after March 2025, AU will superscore the Math, Reading, and English sections. The Science section is not required for admission. For students submitting Science and Writing scores, these scores will be considered separate from the three required sections.
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- Test-Optional Strategy: Students may strategically focus their preparation on individual sections of the SAT to maximize their superscore.
ACT: An ACT composite score between 29 and 32 is generally expected. American University also superscores the ACT, allowing students to focus on improving individual section scores and submitting only their highest scores.
- Test-Optional Strategy: Students may strategically focus their preparation on individual sections of the ACT to maximize their superscore.
Application Requirements and Deadlines
First-year applicants may apply using the Common Application. In addition to submitting a completed application, there are several components the Admissions Committee requires that help us evaluate you as a candidate for admission. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
The regular application deadline for American University is January 15.
Early Decision: American University offers two Early Decision (ED) options for students who have American University as their first choice. Applying Early Decision can increase the chances of admission and provides first consideration for scholarships, financial aid, housing, and registration.
- ED I: Deadline is November 1, with notification by December 31.
- ED II: Deadline is January 15, with notification by February 15.
- All documents, including the application fee, must be on file with the Admissions Office by the respective deadlines.
Application Components:
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- High School Transcript: Applicants must submit official transcripts from all secondary institutions attended, covering grades 9-12.
- Letters of Recommendation: Although only one letter of recommendation from a teacher is required with your application, we strongly encourage you also ask your school's university counselor, principal, or headmaster to submit a second letter of recommendation. These letters are confidential. Each letter must be in English.
- College Prep Courses: Applicants should have completed at least 16 academic units, including four units in English, three units in college preparatory mathematics (including the equivalent of two units in algebra and one unit of geometry), two units in foreign language(s), two units in lab science, and two units in social sciences. Students who do not fulfill these course requirements may qualify for an exemption.
- Application Fee: The application fee is $75. Fee waivers are available for families in need and for students applying for the AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship or referred by EducationUSA or other non-government organizations.
- English Language Proficiency: Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate English-language proficiency through official TOEFL, IELTS, or Pearson Test of English scores.
Requirements for International Students
International applicants have additional requirements to fulfill:
- Academic Records: Academic records for grades 9-12 with official transcripts and certified English translations (if applicable), for each secondary institution attended.
- Declaration of Finances: The AU Declaration of Finances Form (AU DFF) must be submitted (through your AU applicant portal) by the application deadline and must reflect at least US$83,680 for first year of study and living expenses.
- Financial Aid: Undergraduate admission to American University is need aware for all international students. AU does not provide need-based financial aid, need-based grants, or federal financial aid to international students.
Transfer Students
Transfer applicants must be in good academic and disciplinary standing at all schools currently attending or previously attended. All applicants with a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.00 on a 4.00 scale from all schools attended will be considered. Transfer applicants must request each collegiate institution previously attended to send an official transcript of all work completed directly to the Admissions Office. Attendance at all institutions must be reported whether or not credit was earned and whether or not transfer credit is desired. Transfer applicants to the fall semester who apply by May 1 will be notified by July 1.
Special Programs
American University offers several special programs for high-achieving students, each serving a particular population with a specific mission. These programs offer living-learning experiences and small classes with dynamic professors who use Washington as their lab. The AU Honors Program, the Sakura Scholars Program, Lincoln Scholars Program, and the Three-Year Scholars Programs (Global Scholars, Public Health Scholars, and Policy, Politics, and Law Scholars) each require a separate application. Admission is based on a strong high school record as well as demonstrated commitment to the mission of the particular program. Admission to these programs is highly competitive, and the academic qualifications of each student are carefully considered.
Other Considerations
- Recommendations: recommendation are considered important for admissions officials at American University.
- Application Review: AU’s admissions process is test-optional. Applicants who want to include their ACT and/or SAT scores may self-report their scores on their admissions application. For ACT exams taken after March 2025, AU will superscore the Math, Reading, and English sections. The Science section is not required for admission. For students submitting Science and Writing scores, these scores will be considered separate from the three required sections. 2025-2026 Prompt: American University students identify as changemakers and describe themselves as passionate. SOC Film and Media Arts and Photography Majors can now choose to submit an optional creative portfolio as part of their application. After creating the applicant portal, students can apply for a Special Academic Program to tailor their AU experience. Special Program Applications are due December 1.
Graduate Admissions
American University's School of International Service (SIS) and other graduate programs have specific admission requirements. These include academic prerequisites, application materials, and deadlines.
General Requirements
All applicants to SIS graduate programs must possess a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution by the date of anticipated enrollment at SIS. Applicants are required to submit transcripts from all institutions attended. For admissions review purposes, SIS allows applicants to upload unofficial transcripts from most US-based colleges and universities; however, applicants who attended institutions outside of the US are required to submit official paper transcripts prior to the application deadline.
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- Application Fee: The application fee for SIS graduate programs is $55.
- Transcripts: Applicants are required to submit transcripts from all institutions attended.
- Letters of Recommendation: All applicants to SIS graduate programs are required to submit two letters of recommendation to support their application. PhD applicants are required to submit three letters. Letters of recommendation should evaluate the applicant's academic performance and suitability for graduate study in international affairs.
- Resume/CV: Your resume/CV allows the review committee to assess your background and previous experiences and will serve as the detailed source of information about your employment.
- Personal Statement: Personal statement questions differ by academic degree program. Be sure to review your program’s essay question(s) and download the essay template early in your application process to allow ample time for writing and refining.
- GRE: GRE is not required for any SIS on-campus graduate program except for the PhD in International Relations. If you have taken the GRE and wish to submit your scores as a supplemental piece of information for your application, please have ETS send official test scores to AU directly. The SIS institution code for GRE score reporting is 5007.
- English Language Proficiency: institution: applicants need TOEFL test scores of at least 100, a Pearson Test of English score of at least 68, or a minimum IELTS score of at least 7. To submit TOEFL, use school code: 5007 (no department code).
- Writing Sample/Portfolio: Some programs require portfolios or writing samples.
Deadlines
Master's applicants are encouraged to apply to their chosen program by the posted Priority Deadline for their intended application term. Applications completed by this deadline are guaranteed to receive SIS funding consideration. PhD applications must be completed by the posted deadline.
- Priority Deadlines are for first-round consideration for admission and graduate funding. Applications received by this time are guaranteed full review for the upcoming semester. Applications received after the deadline are reviewed in order of receipt provided there is still available space in the cohort.
- To be considered for a priority deadline, your online application form and fee must be received by the date listed. International applicants requiring a VISA may have additional deadlines.
Additional Information for International Students
International graduate students requesting immigration documents from American University for an F-1 or J-1 visa must submit supporting financial proof and the Certification of Finances for International Students (CFIS) Form to the Graduate Admissions Office.
Funding Opportunities
Incoming students for SIS on-campus masters programs can apply to have their employer educational benefits matched by SIS for up to $5,000 each year for a maximum of two consecutive academic years. Availability and amount of support is budget-contingent for each admission cycle. Priority consideration is given to students who have not been awarded any SIS merit funding, or have not received any major funding from an external source to cover their tuition. Students are responsible for ensuring that the employer benefit funding is remitted to American University.
- SIS Leadership Engagement Award: The SIS Leadership Engagement Award recognizes students and professionals who are members of, or have participated in, substantive global leadership or engagement programs aimed at promoting cross-cultural understanding, global collaboration and public service.
- Fellowship for Kurdish Studies: This fellowship supports SIS graduate students who focus on global Kurdish studies. You must have already submitted a complete application to an eligible SIS master's program (see below) for one of the application terms listed above.
- OGSR Funding Opportunities: Students from across the university are invited to apply for various funding opportunities through the OGSR.
Law School Admissions
American University's Washington College of Law (AUWCL) has its own specific admission requirements and deadlines.
Application Requirements
- All first-year applicants must have taken either the LSAT or GRE within the past five years. We recommend that fall 2026 applicants take the LSAT no later than February.
- Applicants will need to register with the Credential Assembly Service (CAS) Law School Report service. This service requires that applicants send a transcript from each college or university they have attended to the Law School Admission Council (LSAC).
- Applicants who earned their undergraduate degree outside the United States or Canada MUST take the LSAT or GRE and have their academic credentials evaluated by the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO) using the authentication and evaluation (A&E) feature included in LSAC's Credential Assembly Service (CAS). bachelor's degree.
- Applicants whose native language is not English and who have not earned a degree where the coursework was conducted in English must take the TOEFL exam and submit their score through the LSAC credential service.
Deadlines
- December 12: Round 1 Early Decision Option (EDO) application deadline by 4:00pm ET.
- February 10: Round 2 EDO application deadline by 4:00pm ET.
- March 1: Priority application deadline.
- March 1: AUWCL Institutional Need-based Aid Application deadline.
- March 1: Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) deadline.
Additional Requirements
- Applicants who are applying for a student (F-1) visa must attend full time. Full time is defined for these purposes as at least 12 credit hours per semester.
- All applicants must answer the character and fitness questions on the application.
- Applicants are encouraged to determine the requirements for any jurisdiction in which they intend to seek admission by contacting the jurisdiction.
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