American University (AU) is continuing its test-optional pilot program for the 2012 fall semester. This program is open to all applicants (Early Decision and Regular Decision) for the 2012 fall semester.
If you will be graduating from a secondary school located outside the United States, please note that neither the SAT or ACT is required for admission. (See Getting Started for more information.)
Students within the United States who do not wish to submit standardized test scores as a part of their application may do so provided they complete all of the following by the November 1 test-optional deadline:
- Submit the test-optional form
- Submit their complete application
- Submit all supporting documents (including the application fee, counselor recommendation, teacher recommendation, essay and extracurricular activities)
Please Note: Once the test-optional form is submitted, under no circumstances will an applicant's test scores be considered. You cannot reverse this decision.
If you have already submitted your standardized test scores to American University but no longer wish they be considered as part of your application, you may indicate such on the test-optional form. Once submitted, we will not consider your test scores when reviewing your application.
Please note that applying under the test-optional program will not affect your consideration for merit awards or admission into the University Honors Program.
The test-optional program has no bearing on when you will receive your admissions decision. The receipt of your admissions decision is still dependent upon whether you apply as an Early Decision or Regular Decision candidate.
This decision to expand our test-optional pilot follows a growing national trend toward test-optional policies and further emphasizes our belief that your academic performance is the most important consideration in our holistic review. While standardized test scores can help to predict potential success in college, your academic performance in the classroom is the most important factor in our review of your application; we also consider qualitative factors such as the essay, letters of recommendation and involvement in extracurricular activities.
Test-Optional Form
The Test-Optional Form is closed for the 2011-2012 admissions cycle as the priority deadline of November 1 has passed.
If you applied as an early decision and test-optional candidate, you will receive your admissions decision by December 31, 2011. If you applied as a regular decision test-optional candidate, you will receive your admissions decision by April 1, 2012.
There are no additional opportunities to apply as a test-optional candidate for this admissions cycle.
