AdmissionsCheckup.com

College Applications. Made Easy.

How to Get Accepted to American University

A Comprehensive Guide From Expert Former AU Admissions Officers
 

 

Where Is American University?

American University’s main campus is located in the northwest quadrant of Washington, D.C. The address for the university is:

American University 4400 Massachusetts Ave NW Washington, D.C. 20016 United States

The campus is situated in a residential neighborhood and is surrounded by several notable landmarks and attractions. Some nearby landmarks and points of interest include:

  1. Tenleytown-AU Metro Station: This is a nearby Metro station that provides easy access to the campus and the surrounding area.
  2. Embassy Row: The campus is relatively close to Embassy Row, an area of Massachusetts Avenue known for housing many foreign embassies and diplomatic missions.
  3. Ward Circle: A traffic circle located near the campus, where Massachusetts Avenue, Nebraska Avenue, and New Mexico Avenue converge.
  4. The Katzen Arts Center: Located on the AU campus, the Katzen Arts Center is a prominent art gallery and performance space featuring contemporary art exhibitions and cultural events.
  5. Washington College of Law: American University’s Washington College of Law is situated nearby, offering legal education and programs.
  6. Glover-Archbold Park: A green space adjacent to the campus that offers walking trails and a natural environment for relaxation.
  7. Cathedral Heights: This neighborhood is located nearby and is known for its upscale residences and proximity to the Washington National Cathedral.
  8. Washington National Cathedral: While not immediately adjacent to AU, the Washington National Cathedral is a recognizable landmark located nearby in the same general area.
  9. Rock Creek Park: This large urban park runs along the western edge of the AU campus and offers hiking trails, nature, and recreational opportunities.
  10. Georgetown University: Georgetown University, another well-known institution, is not far from American University and is accessible via public transportation.

Is American University an Ivy League School?

American University (AU) in Washington, D.C., is not a member of the Ivy League. The Ivy League is a group of eight private universities in the northeastern United States that are known for their historical prestige, academic excellence, and selectivity. The Ivy League schools are:

  1. Brown University
  2. Columbia University
  3. Cornell University
  4. Dartmouth College
  5. Harvard University
  6. University of Pennsylvania
  7. Princeton University
  8. Yale University

American University is a respected institution, but it is not part of the Ivy League. It’s important to note that there are many other excellent universities in the United States outside of the Ivy League that offer strong academic programs and opportunities.

 

Admission Requirements for American University

 

Application Checklist:

To apply, you will need to complete either the Common Application or the Coalition Application, which should include your essay.

  • Ensure you submit either a nonrefundable $75 application fee or an application fee waiver.
  • Provide your high school transcript(s).
  • If you are not applying under the Test-Optional policy, submit your SAT and/or ACT scores. If you choose not to apply under the Test-Optional policy, you can self-report your SAT or ACT scores in your admissions application. However, if you are admitted to AU and decide to enroll, official scores will be required.
  • If you are an international applicant or a US Global Nomad (US citizen) who is graduating from a high school outside the US, submitting SAT I or ACT scores is not mandatory.

Request a teacher recommendation letter.

Work with your school counselor to:

  • Complete the Secondary School Report.
  • Send in your mid-year report and grades once they become available.

You also have the option to include a recommendation letter, though this is not obligatory.

 

Minimum Admissions Requirements:

 

Prospective freshman applicants who have followed the U.S. educational system should have fulfilled a minimum of 16 college preparatory secondary school units.

This includes a mandate of 4 units in English, 3 units in academic mathematics, encompassing 2 units in algebra and 1 unit in geometry, a minimum of 2 units in laboratory science, 2 units in social science, and 2 units in foreign language.

It is worth noting that successful candidates for admission generally surpass the outlined minimum prerequisites. They typically accomplish a demanding, college-preparatory curriculum that surpasses the aforementioned baseline requirements.

American University Library Building

Application Process for American University

Undergraduate Application Requirements:

  1. Online Application: Submit the online application form through American University’s admissions portal.
  2. Application Fee: Pay the non-refundable application fee as specified on the application.
  3. Transcripts: Provide official high school transcripts or equivalent. Some programs might require additional transcripts for transfer credits.
  4. Letters of Recommendation: Submit letters of recommendation from teachers, counselors, or individuals who can speak to your academic abilities and personal qualities.
  5. Personal Statement/Essay: Write an essay or personal statement that explains your motivation, goals, and why you want to attend American University.
  6. Resume or Activities List: Provide a list of extracurricular activities, community involvement, work experience, and achievements.
  7. Optional Test Scores: American University adopted a test-optional policy for undergraduate admissions, meaning that submitting standardized test scores (such as SAT or ACT) is optional. If you choose to submit test scores, they will be considered.
  8. English Proficiency: If English is not your first language, you might need to demonstrate English proficiency through tests like TOEFL or IELTS.
  9. Portfolio/Audition (if applicable): Some specific programs, like the arts or performing arts, might require a portfolio of your work or an audition.
  10. Interviews (if required): Certain programs or scholarship opportunities might require interviews, but they are not a standard requirement for all applicants.

Please note that these requirements can change, and it’s important to refer to the official American University admissions website for the most up-to-date and accurate information for the program you’re interested in.

Exam

Standardized Tests: What Tests Are Required for American University?

Prospective students interested in American University have the option to apply through either our Early or Regular Decision Plan, and they are not required to provide standardized test scores as part of their application. While these tests can offer insight into your potential college performance, we place the greatest emphasis on your academic achievements within the classroom during our evaluation process.

Additionally, we take into account qualitative aspects such as your personal essay, letters of recommendation, and involvement in extracurricular activities. Puede leer en español.

It’s important to highlight that choosing not to include your standardized test scores when applying to American University will in no way impact your eligibility for merit-based scholarships or admission into the AU Honors Program.

 

Scholarships and Financial Aid at American University

 

What Percentage of Students Receive Student Aid at American University

Financial assistance pertains to the financial support provided to students for their college expenses and is generally granted based on either financial need or academic merit.

Need-based financial aid is determined by evaluating your own or your family’s demonstrated capacity to cover college costs, which is assessed through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). In the case of first-year students at American University, the average need-based scholarship or grant awarded amounted to $31,809. Furthermore, during the fall of 2020, 44% of first-year students received need-based financial aid.

Within need-based financial aid, there exist self-help aid options such as federal loans and work-study programs. On average, first-year students were granted $3,895 in need-based self-help aid.

Merit-based aid, also referred to as non-need-based aid, is conferred based on exceptional talents or academic accomplishments. For first-year students at American University, the average non-need-based scholarship or grant – excluding any potential athletic scholarships – was $13,269.

It’s noteworthy that American University fulfilled 77% of its students’ financial aid requirements. More details about the various types of available aid can be found below.

 

 

 

Top Undergraduate Programs at American University

 

American University presents a comprehensive array of academic offerings encompassing undergraduate, graduate, and PhD degrees, as well as certification courses, executive programs, and post-college options. The undergraduate programs are exclusively available on-campus, whereas graduate programs afford the flexibility of on-campus or online study modes.

Within the undergraduate offerings, a diverse selection of more than 17 majors and 55 minors await exploration at American University. Noteworthy among these are Accounting, Business Administration, Economics, Data Science, Finance, and legal studies, all ranking among the top undergraduate majors.

 

Top Undergraduate Programs:

  • A variety of more than 17 majors and 55 minors to choose from.
  • Top undergraduate majors in Accounting, Business Administration, Economics, Data Science, Finance, and Legal Studies.