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Colleges / American University

American University

Washington, DC 4-Year Private
Acceptance Rate64%
Acceptance Rate64%

American University Admissions

If you are considering submitting an application to American University, the deadline for Fall 2023 admissions is January 15 and the application fee is $75.

Students who submit their applications to American University for fall should receive an admissions decision no later than April 1.

American University Admissions Stats at a Glance

The following is an overiew of some of American University's admissions stats.

American University 2022 Admissions Statistics
Admissions Test Policy Test Optional
Waitlist Yes

American University Application Deadlines

These are the application deadlines for American University.

Application Type Offered Application Deadline Notification Deadline
Early Decision I Yes November 15 December 31
Early Decision II Yes January 15 February 15
Early Action No –– ––
Regular Decision Yes January 1 April 1

Want to Apply Early to American University?


American University offers early decision but not early action. Early decision is binding, which means you must attend if you are admitted, while early action allows you to apply early without committing.

🗓️ Early Decision I applications are due by November 15 EDI applicants should receive a decision by December 31.

🗓️ Early Decision II applications are due January 15. ED II Applicants will recieve their decision before February 15.

The early decision acceptance rate at American University is 87%, compared to an overall acceptance rate of 64%. Last year, American University admitted 673 of the 773 students who applied early decision.

Some students apply early because they believe it will boost their chances of getting in. When you apply early, your application is considered before all the regular decision applicants apply. Applying early may increase the chance of acceptance, since it is a way to show that you are very interested in a school.

➡️ Discover a list of some competetive colleges that accept significantly more applicants during early decision or early action than during regular admission.


More on American University Admissions


For applicants who are non-residents, getting into American University is very difficult.

Transferring to American University

Transfer student admissions is moderately difficult.

For Students Waitlisted to American University

In 2022, American University waitlisted 3,589 students and 1,082 accepted a place on the waitlist. Of those, 81 eventually were offered a spot.

What Does American University Look For in an Applicant?

Colleges consider a range of factors when determining who to admit for their next incoming class. Each college determines which factors are are most important 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 strengths and any possible weaknesses in your application, and apply to colleges that put the most emphasis on the areas where you shine.

Admissions Factors at American University

What does American University consider during the admissions process? Take a look at the list below to see which factors are most important during the admissions process.

Admissions Factor Level
Academic GPA Very Important
Level of Applicant's Interest Very Important
Rigor of Secondary School Record Very Important
Character/Personal Qualities Important
Extracurricular Activities Important
Application Essay Important
Recommendation(s) Important
Talent/Ability Important
Volunteer Work Important
Alumni/ae Relations Considered
Geographical Residence Considered
Work Experience Considered
First Generation Considered
Racial/Ethnic Status Considered

Make sure to check with American University for more information on admission factors.

American University 2022-2023 Application Requirements

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

Area Required Recommended Required for Some Details (If Any)
Interview
Letter(s) of Recommendation 2
Transcript(S) of College Record
Standardized Test Scores
Statement of Good Standing From Prior Institution(S)
Written Essay or Personal Statement
Transcript of High School Record

GPA and Testing


What GPA Do I Need To Get Into American University?

American University has not provided an information about GPAs of accepted students. Any questions regarding applicant expectations should be addressed directly with the school.

About GPAs

Your high school grade point average (GPA) is a number that reflects your high school academic performance. A weighted GPA or an unweighted GPA are the two possible GPA scores considered by colleges.

An unweighted GPA is an average of your scores from each class on a four-point scale. Unweighted GPAs range from 4.0 to under 1.0. A weighted GPA considers your average grade and the difficulty of your classes. A weighted GPA boosts your average by adding extra points for honors or Advanced Placement courses.

Standardized Test Scores

American University considers ACT or SAT scores as part of the admissions process.

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

What is a Good SAT Score for American University?

What is a Good ACT Score for American University?

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

More Information on 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?

✅ Yes, admitted students can defer their admission to American University.

Does American University accept transfer credits?

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

• CLEP subject tests

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

✅ American University accepts International Baccalaureate credits (IB) credits and Advanced Placement (AP) credits.

Do I have to submit test scores to American University?

❌ No, American University is test optional, so you can decide whether or not to submit your ACT or SAT scores. If your scores are higher than the school's average, you may want to send them. If you scored lower than a school's average, you may want not want to include them in your application.

What is American University's acceptance rate?

✅ American University's acceptance rate is 64%.

What is the early decision acceptance rate at American University?

✅ American University's early decision acceptance rate was 87% in 2021.

Want To Learn More About American University?

Choose one of the options below to find out more about about American University:

Overview

Student Life

Academics

Tuition & Aid

Visit the College Confidential forums to join the conversation about American University

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.

American University Admissions Requirements

Admission Difficulty

Very Selective

64%

How hard is it to get into American University? American University is a very selective institution. The American University acceptance rate is 64%. This means that the institution accepts 64 out of every 100 applicants.

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American University Application Deadline

First-Year Applications are Due

Jan 15

Transfer Applications are Due

May 1

The deadline for Fall first-year applications to American University is Jan 15.

The deadline for Fall transfer applications to American University is May 1.

Check the school website for more information about deadlines for specific programs or special admissions programs

American University ACT Scores

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ACT Range

Not available

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American University SAT Scores

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Composite SAT Range

Not available

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Math SAT Range

Not available

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Reading SAT Range

Not available

American University GPA

Avg. High School GPA (non-weighted)

Not available

Data Source: IPEDs and Peterson's Databases © 2022 Peterson's LLC All rights reserved

Quick Facts

Total Enrollment

14,582

Campus Setting

Suburban

Acceptance Rate

64%

Tuition and Fees

In State

$57,425

Out-of-State

$57,425

Fall Freshmen
Application Deadline

Jan 15
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