This checklist contains requirements for students transferring to American University (AU) under a Guaranteed Admission Agreement, also known as a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). This information is not relevant for general transfers to AU.
*All applicants must have submitted a Letter of Intent by October 1 in order to be considered for admission under a guaranteed admission agreement. Students can enter AU in the fall semester only under these agreements.
Application Deadline: February 1
How to Apply
Applicants apply online using the Common Application, available on the link to the right. To be considered for admission to AU, your application and all supporting documents listed below must be received by February 1.
All MOU Transfer Applicants:- Completed Common Application form, including essay and CV/Resume
- Academic records with official transcripts and certified English translations if applicable, for EACH postsecondary institution attended
- One or two letters of recommendation (optional)
- Demonstrated English proficiency (see information below)
- Completed AU Certification of Finances (AU CFIS) form, available at www.american.edu/admissions/international, showing at least U.S.$57,039 for first year of study and living expenses
- Bank letter showing at least U.S.$57,039 for first year of study and living expenses*
* Only for non-U.S. citizens who will need a student visa (F or J).
Important: A completed application means that the application form and all other documents listed above, including the AU Certification of Finances (AU CFIS) and bank letter, must be submitted by February 1. Your file will not be reviewed until all of the above materials have been received by the International Admissions Office. Late applications will not be considered.
Minimum Admissions Requirements
Students who wish to be considered for transfer under a guaranteed admission agreement must be in good academic and social standing at all previously attended schools.
Guaranteed admission transfer applicants have a GPA of at least 3.0/4.0 at their current institution. The following AU academic units have specific minimum GPA requirements:
- Kogod School of Business: 2.5
- School of Communication: 2.5
- School of Education: 2.7
- School of International Service: 3.0
- School of Public Affairs: 2.5
Submitting Your Supporting Documents
Important: Please use a courier service (and keep your tracking number) to send supporting documents:
Undergraduate Admissions
Office of Enrollment
3201 New Mexico Avenue, NW
STE B1
Washington, DC 20016-8001
USA
Tel: +1-202-885-6000
If you have any questions, please contact intadm@american.edu.
Application Form
Complete the application carefully. Please make sure to include your full name (exactly as it is spelled on your passport), date of birth, complete educational history, country of birth, citizenship, current mailing address and a permanent address outside of the United States, even if you are currently living or studying in the United States.
Application Essay
Address one of the essay topics suggested in the application. Be sure to take the time to prepare a strong essay that reflects your ability to organize and express your thoughts clearly.
Academic Records
To be considered for admission to AU, you must have strong academic credentials, which may include proof of both a rigorous secondary and postsecondary school curriculum.
Include any examination results such as GCSE, GCE, Bagrut, Tawjihi, French Baccalaureate, CAPE, Attestat, Abitur or Secondary School Leaving Certificates. Contact the international admissions office with any questions regarding submission of documents.
Certain exam results such as, but not limited to, IB, WAEC, GCE, GCSE, and CAPE must come directly from the examination board or authority.
Please have academic records from each secondary and/or postsecondary school you attended sent directly from those schools to American University. These records should be submitted in their original language and accompanied by official English translations if applicable. You may submit certified or notarized copies of your original official transcripts if your country issues only one copy of your academic documents.
Contact intadm@american.edu with any questions regarding submission of documents.
Advanced Credit for IB, AP, A Level, Abitur, French BAC, CAPE Secondary Exams
Students may be eligible to receive advanced credit for exams passed during secondary school. If you took one of the above exams while in secondary school, visit www.american.edu/admissions/examcredit.cfm for full details on AU exam policies.
Letters of Recommendation (optional)
Transfer applicants may submit one or two letters of recommendation. At least one letter should be from a postsecondary academic or professional source. These letters are confidential. Each letter must be in English. Please have your reference sign or stamp across the sealed flap of the envelope.
English Proficiency
Course work at AU requires strong skills in the English language and academic preparedness. All applicants (including U.S. citizens) whose first language is not English are required to demonstrate a satisfactory level of English proficiency.
Please submit one of the following as proof of English proficiency:
- Internet-based test score of 80 or higher*
- Paper-based test score of 550 or higher
2. IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
- Composite score of 6.5 or higher
- Score of 53 or higher
* To be considered competitive, a 90 iBT score or above is recommended. Sub-scores for each section of the TOEFL should be 20 or higher. IELTS sub-scores should be 6.0 or above.
Please arrange for scores to be sent directly from the testing agency. (TOEFL Code: 5007)
*Note: Some guaranteed admission agreements include provisions for attaining English proficiency through course work at the community college, or through a combination of course work at the community college and at AU upon matriculation. Please refer to the MOU for your institution and discuss your options with your academic advisor.
AU Certification of Finances for International Students (AU CFIS)
Important: Please note that AU does not provide need-based financial aid to non-U.S. citizens.
Applicants who require a student or exchange visitor visa (F or J) must submit to the International Admissions Office the AU CFIS form and a bank letter showing proof of at least U.S. $57,039 for your first year of studies and living expenses.
These and all other supporting documents must be received by the appropriate application deadline.
Application packets without the AU CFIS form and bank letter will be considered incomplete and will not be reviewed.
Transfer-In Form: If you are currently studying in the United States on an F or J visa and decide to attend AU, you will be required to submit the "Immigration Transfer-In Form" before your AU I-20 or DS-2019 can be issued. Visit www.american.edu/ocl/isss/Financial-Proof.cfm for the AU Cost Guide, sample bank letters, and the AU CFIS and Transfer-In forms.
When Will I Hear?
Your application will be reviewed only after your file is complete. You will be notified in writing of missing documents, but you should also check your application status through the Prospective Student Portal. You will be notified of your admission decision by March 1, along with notification of any Phi Theta Kappa or other scholarship and/or financial aid awards.
