American University

If you want to apply to American University, the regular decision application deadline is January 15 and the fee for the application costs $75. Application fees can add up, but some schools do have free applications and students with financial need may be eligible for an application fee waiver.

Students who apply for Fall should receive an admissions decision no later than April 1.

Applying Early to American University?

American University offers early decision but not early action Early decision is binding, meaning you must attend if you are admitted, while early action allows you to apply early without committing. Early Decision 2 applications are due 1/15.

The early decision acceptance rate at American University is 83%, compared to an overall acceptance rate of 39%. In 2021, American University admitted 803 of the 962 students who applied early decison.

Some students apply to college early because they believe it will help their chances. Early deadlines may increase the chance of being admitted, since applying early shows your are very interested in a school, and your application is being considered before all the regular decision applicants apply.

See a list of some selective colleges that admit significantly more applicants during early decision or early action than during regular admission.

Is American University Hard To Get Into?

American University is avery difficult school to get into. American University evaluates applicants carefully based on multiple criteria to decide who to admit, and who to deny or waitlist.

In 2021, American University accepted 39% of all applicants., around 7,744 of the 20,036 students who applied.

Schools that are very difficult to get into, like American University, accept fewer than 60% of all applicants. At least 50% of all admitted students have GPAs in the top 10% of their high school class and scored over 1230 on the SAT and over 26 on the ACT.

Transfer student admissions is moderately difficult. In 2021, American University waitlisted 5,158 students. Of those, 1657 eventually got in.

What Does American University Look For in an Applicant?

Colleges consider a range of factors when choosing who to admit for their next incoming class. Each college has a different way of determining which factors are given the most weight when choose which applicants to admit, and which to deny. When creating your list of schools to apply to, you may want to consider your strengthsand any possible weaknesses in your application, and apply to colleges that prioritize the admissions factors where you're strong.

Admissions Factors at American University

American University 2021-2022 Application Requirements

To apply, all applicants to American University must submit the following items. Double check with American University's admissions department to confirm all application materials and requirements.

What GPA Do I Need To Get Into American University?

Unweighted GPAs range from 4.0 to under 1.0. American University does look at standardized tests scores during the admissions process.

American University has a test optional admissions policy. Test optional schools allow students to choose if they want to submit ACT or SAT scores with their applications or not.

In 2021, 50% of American University's first-year students submitted their SAT scores with their application. 31% of admitted applicants sent ACT scores.

What's a Good SAT Score for American University?

To be competitive with other American University applicants, you should strive to earn between 1220 and 1390 (or higher!) on the SAT. At American University 25% of admitted students scored higher than 1390 and 25% of scored lower than 1220, but the majority of students scored somewhere in between these two numbers.

On the SAT Math Section, 25% of American University students scored 680 or higher and 75% of students scored 630 or higher. On the SAT Critical Reading section (formerly called the Verbal section), 25% of American University students scored 710 or higher, and 75% scored a 630 or higher.

Want to increase your SAT Score?

Preparing for the SAT can help raise your score, but it doesn't have to take up a lot of time.

Learn how to increase your SAT score 200 points or more in just 10 minutes a day.

What's a Good ACT Score for American University?

To be most competitive at American University, you should strive to earn between 27 and 32 on the ACT.

An ACT score of 32 means you fall in the 75th percentile for American University's admitted students. One out of every four students scored above a 32, and three out of four students scored lower than 32 on the ACT.

A 27 on the ACT is the 25th percentile for American University students. Only one out of every four students scored below 27.

Want To Bring Up Your ACT Score? Access ACT practice tests and study tips and see upcoming ACT test dates.

Transferring to American University

For transfer students, it is moderately difficult to get admitted to American University.

For transfer students wishing to start in the Fall, the deadline to apply is May 1.

Transfer students can enroll in American University during the following terms: Fall Term Spring Term Summer Term

American University Admissions FAQs

Can I defer my acceptance to American University?

Students who are admitted to American University must attend in the term they start. Deferring admissions is not encouraged. If you have a unusual circumstance, contact the admissions department..

Does American University accept transfer credits?

American University accepts eligible transfer credits from accredited institutions. American University accepts:

CLEP subject tests ACE recommendations for credit

Does American University accept Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) credits?

American University

Do I have to submit test scores to American University?

No, American University is test optional, so it's up to you if you want to submit test scores or not. If your scores are higher than the school's average, you should strongly consider submitting them. If your scores are average or below average, you may want not want to include them in your application..

See what others say about American University in the College Confidential forums

Explore other colleges in DC or use the college admissions predictor to calculate your chances of getting into some of the top colleges and universities in the U.S.