How to Apply
To be considered for admission to AU, your application and supporting documents must be submitted by the appropriate deadline and must include all of the following:
- Completed application form
- Application essay of 500 words
- Statement of Interest (50-75 words)–only if using AU application
- Academic records
- Two letters of recommendation
- Demonstrated leadership, volunteerism, community service and extracurricular activities
- Demonstrated English proficiency
- Completed Certification of Finances form
- Application fee of U.S.$60
Tip: A completed application means that the application form and all other documents listed above, including the Certification of Finances for International Students (CFIS), must be submitted on time by the indicated deadline. Please note that late applications will significantly reduce your chances of being admitted, as well as disqualify you from merit scholarship consideration.
The Application Form
The application form collects important information about you for the admissions committee to consider in review of your qualifications. Complete the application carefully. Missing information will cause delays in the review of your application. Please make sure to include your full name (as it is spelled on your passport), 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
The application includes an important essay section. Please address one of the essay topics suggested in the application in 500 words or less. Be sure to take the time to prepare a strong essay that reflects your ability to organize and express your thoughts clearly.
Statement of Interest
In addition to the essay, you must write a short Statement of Interest (50 to 75 words) explaining your interest in attending AU (only if using the AU application form).
Your Academic Records
To be considered for admission, you must have strong academic credentials, which includes proof of a rigorous secondary school curriculum for grades 9, 10, 11 and 12. Please have your academic records from each secondary school you attended sent directly from those schools to American University. These records should be submitted in their original language and accompanied by English translations if applicable. Make sure to include any examination results such as GCSE, GCE, Bagrut, Tawjihi, French Baccalaureate, CAPE, Abitur, Attestat or Secondary School Leaving Certificates. Contact the international admissions office with any questions regarding submission of documents.
Please note that certain exam results such as, but not limited to, IB, WAEC, GCE, GCSE and CAPE must come directly from the examination board or authority. Under certain circumstances, we will also accept certified copies of these examination results from EducationUSA overseas advising centers.
Letters of Recommendation
Letters of recommendation are a very important part of your application packet. These letters provide the admissions committee with information and insights beyond what is stated in your academic records, essay and application form. Two letters are required. One must come from a teacher; the second letter may be written by your school’s college counselor, your principal or headmaster or another teacher.
These letters are confidential. Each letter must be in English. Please have your reference sign or stamp across the sealed flap of the envelope.
Leadership, Volunteerism, Community Service and Extracurricular Activities
AU places strong emphasis on "ideas, action, service." Please attach a CV or resume that reflects your activities and details these values.
Certification of Finances for International Students (CFIS)
Important: Total costs for the 2009-2010 academic year are estimated at U.S.$51,243. Please note that AU does not provide need-based financial aid to non-U.S. citizens and does not offer scholarships to cover 100 percent of all expenses. AU merit awards are partial scholarships based on a combination of outstanding academic achievement, leadership and community service.
Therefore, all applicants who require a student visa must complete the AU CFIS form together with the application packet. All documents must be received by January 15, 2010, for fall (August) 2010 semester, or September 1 for spring (January) 2011 semester. Application packets without the CFIS form will be considered incomplete and will not be reviewed. International applicants who wish to be considered for AU merit awards (partial scholarships) must also submit the CFIS form or bank letter by the appropriate deadlines.
Please visit the "Visas and Immigration" section of the International Student and Scholar Services site for the AU Cost Guide, sample bank letters and the newly updated Certification of Finances for International Students (CFIS) form for further guidelines and information.
Submitting Your Application
Please be sure to sign the application and mail it along with all supporting documents listed in the checklist to the international admissions office by the required deadline. Include the nonrefundable U.S.$60 application fee. This fee can be paid by Visa or MasterCard or by submitting a bank draft or money order made payable to American University.
Tip: We strongly recommend that you use a courier service to send your complete application packet to:
International Admissions
American University
4400 Massachusetts Avenue, NW
Hamilton Building
Washington, DC 20016
USA
Tel: +1-202-885-6000
