Frequently Asked Questions
What are the dates of the Community of Scholars program?
- Program I (Three-week, non-residential, on-campus program): July 9 - July 22, 2012
- Program II (Four-week hybrid program): July 9 - August 3, 2012 (July 29 - August 3 in residence on the AU campus)
- Program III (Four-week online learning program): July 9 - August 3, 2012
How does one apply?
Applications are available on the Apply Now page of this website. Download the application and mail it along with your deposit to the address below. Your transcript and teacher/counselor recommendation form should also be sent to this address:
Community of Scholars
School of International Service
American University
4400 Massachusetts Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20016-8071
If you have any questions, please call us at 202-885-2442. You may also email us at communityofscholars@american.edu.
What is the cost of the program?
- Program I: $2,575 (Includes three credits of college tuition, lunch, optional afternoon workshops, Metro fare associated with site visits, and access to AU facilities—Bender Library, fitness center, and pool.)
- Program II: $3,075 (Includes three credits of college tuition; three weeks of online instruction and one week of residential programming, including campus housing and meals; Metro fare associated with site visits; and access to AU facilities—Bender Library, fitness center, and pool.)
- Program III: $2,250 (Includes three credits of college tuition; three weeks of online instruction by professor and peer group discussion via AU electronic blackboard; individual consultation by professor on final research paper during fourth week; and access from home to online AU library resources.)
Is a deposit required?
Students must submit a non-refundable $250 deposit as soon as possible to secure placement in the program. Checks should be made out to American University. If a student is not accepted into the program, the deposit will be refunded. Deposit checks should be mailed to the following address:
Community of Scholars
School of International Service
American University
4400 Massachusetts Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20016-8071
What is the cancellation policy?
Upon written notification of cancellation received by Community of Scholars at least 30 days prior to the start of the program, all funds, except the deposit, will be returned. If an application is rejected or space is not available, all payments will be refunded.
Is there on-campus housing?
Campus housing is available only for the one-week residential component of Program II. Out-of-town students wishing to attend Program I are encouraged to live with friends and family in the area and commute to campus. AU provides regular shuttle service between Metro's Tenleytown station and AU's main campus. Daily pay parking is also available.
Are there any scholarships available for your program?
There are a limited number of scholarships available based on a combination of merit and need. Preference for scholarship assistance is given to those applicants who reside in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. Financial assistance is subject to the availability of funds and is not guaranteed. Please note: The deadline for financial aid for 2012 has now passed. Students are encouraged to seek out and apply independently for private scholarships that may be awarded by local organizations such as businesses, churches, and civic groups.
Are international students allowed to participate in the program?
We welcome international students who have demonstrated adequate English proficiency. Ideally, this proficiency is met by a score of at least 550 on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Recognizing that many high school students have not taken the TOEFL, we will gauge a candidate's proficiency on a case-by-case basis. Please note that we are not able to assist students in obtaining any necessary visas.
How do I obtain a transcript after completing the program?
Once all work is completed and graded, students will be given an official transcript documenting their credits. To obtain additional transcripts, or to have transcripts sent to colleges or universities, students must fill out this transcript request form [PDF]. Completed forms should be faxed to the Office of the Registrar at 202-885-1016 or mailed to the following address:
Office of the Registrar
American University
201 Asbury
4400 Massachusetts Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20016-8064
