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Applying to Special Academic Programs

Thank you for your interest in the special academic programs at American University. Below you will find information on how to apply to each of the special academic programs.

To apply for a special academic program, you will need to create an account on the Future Eagle Portal. After logging into the portal, navigate to the "Apply Online" tab to access the Special Program Applications.

Every effort will be made to review special program applications submitted by January 15. However, you are strongly encouraged to submit your special program application by the priority deadline of December 15, for guaranteed review. Notifications for special academic programs will not be released until April 1, regardless of your admissions deadline. You can submit multiple program applications.

Application

To apply, you should complete the AU Honors Program application in the Future Eagle Portal by the December 15 priority deadline (though we will still accept applications until January 15). Notification of admission to the AU Honors Program will not be released until April 1, regardless of your application deadline.

Explore the AU Honors Program.

Application Essay Prompts

Question 1
AU Honors students are distinguished by their sense of intellectual curiosity, both inside and outside of the classroom. Tell us what you are most curious about, and how that curiosity has influenced your life thus far. (300 words)

Question 2
What aspect of the AU Honors Program piques your interest the most? (300 words)

Question 3
We all have meaningful experiences that shape us and inform our worldview. What aspect of your background would you most like to share with other students in the Honors Program? (300 words)

Application

To apply, you should complete the Global Scholars Program application in the Future Eagle Portal by the December 15 priority deadline (though we will still accept applications until January 15). Notification of admission to the Global Scholars Program will not be released until April 1, regardless of your application deadline.

Explore the Global Scholars Program.

Application Essay Questions

Question 1
In your view, what is the greatest challenge facing humanity today and how do you envision yourself being part of the solution? 

Question 2
Describe a situation in which you had to work harder than you expected. When and how did you know that your current efforts were not enough? How did you adjust? (500 words maximum)

Application

To apply, you should complete the Lincoln Scholars Program application in the Future Eagle Portal by the December 15 priority deadline (though we will still accept applications until January 15). Notification of admission to the Lincoln Scholars Program will not be released until April 1, regardless of your application deadline.

Explore the Lincoln Scholars Program.

Application Essay Prompts

Question 1
Tell us about a morally complicated text that you think would lead to good discussion for first year college students. In what way is the text morally complicated and why do you recommend it? (No more than 500 words)

Question 2
One goal of the Lincoln Scholars program is to encourage intellectual and political diversity on campus. What does this goal mean to you and why does a program with this goal interest you? (No more than 500 words)

Question 3
List five texts, magazines, movies, websites, podcasts, music, or other media that you regularly engage with and explain briefly why you like each one. Please list a variety of types of media. (1-2 sentences per item, no more than 400 total).

Application

To apply, you should complete the Politics, Policy and Law Scholars Program application in the Future Eagle Portal by the December 15 priority deadline (though we will still accept applications until January 15). Notification of admission to the Politics, Policy and Law Scholars Program will not be released until April 1, regardless of your application deadline.

Explore the Politics, Policy and Law Scholars Program.

Application Essay Prompts

Question 1
The Politics, Policy, and Law Scholars Program is an intensive course of study in which students from diverse backgrounds live and learn together. Given its intense and unique nature, why do you want to be a part of the program? Why do you think you would be a good fit for the Politics, Policy and Law Scholars Program? 250 words maximum.

Question 2
The Living Learning Community and cohort aspects are integral parts of the of the Politics, Policy & Law Scholars Program. Describe a specific project, course, or other experience that required you to work with others toward a shared goal or to resolve conflict and build consensus. How did you contribute to accomplishing the goal or resolving conflict? How did you engage with others? How has this experience prepared you for the PPL program? Be specific. 250 words maximum.

Question 3
You have been hired to advise a member of Congress or a state legislator (you can choose which one, but you should pick one) about the issues that affect Americans aged 18-26. You have been asked to identify one legal, political, or policy issue that will resonate with this group of Americans and recommend a policy proposal that he or she should support and promote. Explain the issue, explain why the elected official should highlight it, and propose a specific original policy solution. Provide support for your proposed solution. Your proposal should not simply be to support another individual’s already created policy. 650 words maximum.

Application

To apply, you should complete the Public Health Scholars Program application in the Future Eagle Portal by the December 15 priority deadline (though we will still accept applications until January 15). Notification of admission to the Public Health Scholars Program will not be released until April 1, regardless of your application deadline.

Explore the Public Health Scholars Program.

Application Essay Prompts

Question 1
Discuss a Public Health issue of local, national, international, or personal importance to you. Explain why it is important to you and describe how you envision impacting this issue? Respond in no more than 500 words.  

Question 2
Why do you want to join a 3-year degree program? What skills and insight do you hope to acquire through this experience? Respond in no more than 250 words. 

Application

The Sakura Scholars Program is a joint-degree program between American University and Ritsumeikan University (Kyoto, Japan). Students who apply to American University and are interested in the Sakura Scholars Program will major in Global International Relations. If you are interested in this program, we ask that you indicate your interest by completing a Letter of Interest form in the Future Eagle Portal.

Please Note: A completed American University application and submission the Sakura Scholars Program application must be received by the Early Decision deadline of November 15, Early Decision II deadline of January 15, or the Regular Decision deadline of January 15.

Learn more about the Sakura Scholars Program.

Application Essay Prompts

Question 1
The Sakura Scholars program requires students to study in both the United States and Japan, learn the Japanese language, focus on regional topics in East Asia and the Pacific, and complete a capstone for the joint bachelor’s degree in Global International Relations. Why are you interested in this program? What are your personal and/or professional goals and how will this program help you to reach them? (500 words or less)

Question 2
In this joint degree program, you will gain first-hand comparative international experience as you spend two years at American University and two years at Ritsumeikan University. Think of a time when you faced a challenge or found yourself in an unexpected situation. Explain what happened, what you learned, and how this experience might help you adapt to different intercultural situations, and work through future challenges as a Sakura Scholar.

Application

The AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship is open to first-year (freshmen) international students applying for the fall 2023 semester. To be considered for the AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship, we strongly encourage you to complete the your admission and scholarship application via the Future Eagle Portal by the priority deadline of December 15. We will continue to accept scholarship and admission applications until January 15.

Learn more about the AU EGL Scholarship.

Application Essay Prompts

Question 1
Discuss a significant issue in your home country about which you are passionate and describe how you would use the education you obtain at our institution, American University (AU), Washington, DC, to create positive civic and social change once you return home. (250 words or less)

Question 2
Discuss your current involvement in community service projects and volunteer activities. Describe what you have learned about yourself as a result of these activities. (250 words or less)

Question 3
Describe an obstacle or challenge you have faced in your life. How have you overcome this challenge and grown from this experience? (250 words or less)

Question 4
The AU Diplomats are a diverse group of current AU international students and US Global Nomads who have been selected by the AU Admissions team to form and maintain connections with new and prospective American University (AU) students, and to represent AU to the international community.  

Our Emerging Global Leader Scholar is expected to play an impactful role in the work of our AU Diplomats group. What outreach, communication, and/or intake strategies would you employ to inform and welcome new and prospective students to American University, Washington, DC? (250 words or less)

Question 5
What are the characteristics of leadership that you most admire? Who is a leader that exemplifies those qualities, and why? (250 words or less)