How to Apply

Applicants apply online using the Common Application, available on the link to the right. There is a U.S.$70 fee for all applicants. To be considered for admission to AU, your application and all supporting documents listed below must be received by the appropriate deadline:

• Completed Common Application form, including essay and CV/Resume
• Common Application Supplement
• Academic records with official transcripts and certified English translations if applicable
• Two academic letters of recommendation
• Demonstrated English proficiency
• Completed AU Certification of Finances (AU CFIS) form 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*
• Application fee of U.S.$70

* Only for non-U.S. citizens who will need a student visa (F or J).

No SAT or ACT Needed! AU does not evaluate SAT or ACT scores for students (including U.S. citizens) graduating from secondary schools outside the United States. Please do not submit your SAT or ACT scores to our office.

Important: A completed application means that the application form and all other documents listed above, including the AU Certification of Finances for International Students (AU CFIS) and bank letter, must be submitted on time by the indicated deadline. Your file will not be reviewed until all of the above materials have been received by the International Admissions Office. Late applications will significantly reduce your chances of being admitted, as well as disqualify you from merit scholarship consideration.

Application Deadlines

If you plan to begin your studies in August (fall semester):

Early Decision I		November 15
Early Decision II		January 15
Regular Decision		January 15

If you plan to begin your studies in January (spring semester):

All spring applicants

October 1

Submitting Your Application

Important: Please use a courier service (and keep your tracking number) to send your complete application packet to:

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.

The 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

The application includes an important essay section. Please 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.

Your Academic Records

Please have your academic records from each secondary school you attended for 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th grades sent directly from those schools to American University in sealed envelopes. These records should be submitted in their original language and accompanied by notarized English translations if applicable. Include any examination results such as IB, GCSE, GCE, Bagrut, Tawjihi, French Baccalaureate, CAPE, Abitur, Attestat or Secondary School Leaving Certificates.

Certain exam results such as, but not limited to, IB, WAEC, GCE, GCSE and CAPE must come directly to our office from the examination board or authority.

Letters of Recommendation

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 place a school 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 take one of the following exams and achieve the indicated scores to demonstrate a satisfactory level of English proficiency.

Please submit one of the following:

1. TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
2. 1. Internet-based test score of 80 or higher*
   2. Paper-based test score of 550 or higher
3. IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
4. 1. Composite score of 6.5 or higher
5. Pearson Test of English (PTE)
6. 1. 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)

New! International Gateway Program (IGP) for Conditionally Admitted First-Year (Freshman) Students

The IGP is a 12-credit, semester-long residential program designed specifically for freshman applicants who have strong academic achievements but who could benefit from more support in academic writing, reading, and oral communication skills in English in order to be successful in their undergraduate degree program at AU.

You cannot apply for IGP. Instead, the Office of Admissions will identify you once your AU application (including proof of English proficiency) is complete and reviewed, and will extend a conditional offer of admission for the fall or spring semester.

Conditionally admitted IGP students must successfully complete the IGP by earning a C or better in each of the four IGP courses to be fully admitted and enrolled in their AU program the following semester. For more information, visit www.american.edu/Spexs/igp or contact intadm@american.edu.

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.