Admissions:

Q: Is the Global Scholars application timeline different from the standard AU admissions deadline?
A: The Global Scholars application deadline is the same as the standard AU applications deadline:

• Early Decision: November 15th or January 15th for Global Scholar Early Decision applications are due.

• Regular Decision: January 15th Global Scholars and AU applications are due.

• Early or Regular Decision, test optional: November 1st AU application (including all supporting materials) is due. For Early Decision, Global Scholars application is due November 15th. For Regular Decision, Global Scholars application is due January 15th.

Q: Where are Global Scholars coming from?
A: Current students are from 24 different U.S. states and many foreign countries, including Japan, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, and Panama.

Q: I'm already enrolled as a full-time AU student. Can I apply to be a Global Scholar?
A: No. The Global Scholars are selected as a cohort freshmen year at the time of admission.

Academic Program:

Q: Can I apply AP or IB credits towards the program?
A: Yes, AP or IB credits can be used to satisfy AU/SIS requirements.  Click here for more information.

Q: What do the curricular choices look like, semester to semester, to ensure degree completion in three years?
A: Students take two SIS foundation courses together as a cohort in their first year of study: World Politics and Introduction to International Relations Research. Students then tailor their remaining coursework to their individual course of study. Students take 8 semesters of coursework over three calendar years including two summers.

Q: Can Global Scholars double major?
A: Yes, it may be possible for Global Scholars to double major. Students are strongly encouraged to work with their academic advisors to ensure that they can fulfill the degree requirements for a double major within the three-year period.

Q: What if I have been accepted into the Global Scholars program but want to change majors?
A: The Global Scholars program is offered through the School of International Service. Therefore, if students choose to switch their major they will leave the Global Scholars program. This decision may impact a student’s financial aid package, however. We strongly encourage students to consult with their academic advisors and financial aid counselors prior to making academic decisions.

Q: Can students be in both the Honors Program and the Global Scholars Program?
A: Yes, students in the Global Scholars Program can also be in the Honors Program. In most cases, you will be able to fulfill your Global Scholars and Honors requirements concurrently.

Q: Are students able to major in Language and Area Studies (versus International Studies) in the Global Scholars Program?
A: No, Global Scholars’ primary major must be International Studies.

Q: As a cohort, will I be taking all my classes with Global Scholars?
A: No, you will only be taking certain classes together. Click here to learn more about the classes you will take as a cohort.

Q: If I complete all requirements within 3 years, can I choose to study beyond the 3 years of the BA program?
A: Yes, it is possible for students to continue their education; however, Global Scholars will not be eligible for financial aid beyond the three years (i.e. 120 credits) of the BA program.

Q: If I choose to pursue my Master’s in a fourth year, would International Relations be my only option or could I choose a different degree?
A: The BA/MA program is only for the School of International Service. You would need to apply for the program once you have earned 90 credits towards your BA. You are of course free to apply to other graduate programs here on campus, but it is not likely you will be able to finish those programs by the end of the fourth year, given their different credit requirements.

Q: Would graduate programs consider a three-year degree as prestigious as a four-year degree?
A: There are two ways to think about how graduate programs will look at your three-year BA. On the one hand, the degree itself is the same, so you will be evaluated by graduate programs using the same criteria as a student graduating in four years (GPAs, GREs, essays, letters of recommendation, etc.). On the other hand, the fact that you graduated in three years will be a testament to your drive and work ethic, and should be noted positively in your assessment by graduate programs. The weight of this, however, will depend on the graduate program itself and the committee reading your application. Study abroad programs, internships, and merit awards also factor importantly in your prospects for getting into a good graduate program.

Study Abroad:

Q: How many locations are in the study abroad network, and do I have to participate in specific programs to satisfy Global Scholar requirements?
A: There are many study abroad locations to choose from. You may learn about our study abroad offerings from the following website: http://auabroad.american.edu/. There is a specific abroad program for the Global Scholars, and this year students are traveling to Costa Rica and the Galapagos Islands. Students may opt to study abroad with the Global Scholars or with any program offered through AU Abroad. Students are strongly encouraged to work with their academic advisors to make sure they are on track with their credit requirements.

Q: How long are summer semesters abroad and can I study abroad the first summer?
A: Students may study abroad their first summer. Any given program typically lasts a few weeks. Depending on your need to obtain credits over the summer, you might want to enroll in additional courses while abroad or online courses while home. You should work with your academic advisor to make sure you are on track with your credit requirements.

Q: If I would rather not study abroad during my first summer, what other options do I have?
A: Should you choose to forego a summer abroad and pursue a study abroad program that is offered during the academic year, you would then need to spend your summer enrolled in regular AU courses, either on campus or online.

Financial Aid:

Q: Where should I start looking for financial aid?
A: A new student's first point of contact should be the AU Financial Aid Office.

Q: Can I use my financial aid in the summer?
A: Yes, students admitted to this program can use their aid to cover tuition and living expenses during summer semesters. Merit awards can also cover summer tuition, study abroad, or internships for credit provided you have met the Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) requirements and are enrolled at least half time (6 credits). Merit awards are capped at tuition and do not cover living expenses. If you need additional financial aid to cover living expenses, you will need to complete a 2013-2014 FAFSA when it becomes available on January 1, 2013 (for Summer 2013).

Q: If I have received a grant or scholarship (e.g. Frederick Douglass Scholarship), am I eligible to apply to this program?
A: Yes, your awards/grants/scholarships do not preclude you from applying to the Global Scholars program.

Q: If I chose to complete an internship during the summer, would financial aid or scholarships cover my costs?
A: You may participate in internships for credit and apply your scholarship towards those tuition costs. You will need to find a faculty advisor to work with and supervise your internship-for-credit, and the faculty advisor typically has certain requirements, such as papers that integrate what you are learning in your internship with your classes at AU.


Campus Life:

Q: If accepted into the Global Scholars Program, am I able to participate in other learning communities at AU?
A: As a Global Scholar, you will be a member of the Global Scholars Living Learning Community. You will not be able to participate in other living learning communities on campus.

Q: Can Global Scholars request to room with each other?
A: Yes. In early May, you will receive an email from Housing and Dining Programs outlining the process for selecting your roommate and rooms in the residence halls. The online system used for room assignments will show you all of rooms and roommates available to you.

Q: Can students request to live in a triple room?
A: Yes. Normally students are assigned to double or triple rooms based on their date of deposit. Some students desire to live in a triple room due to the decreased cost of this option. If you know you would like to live in a triple room, please email housinganddining@american.edu to register your interest.
 

To learn more about the Global Scholars Program, please email globalscholars@american.edu or call 202-885-1539.