Still have questions?

Contact us at communityofscholars@american.edu or 202-885-2442.

Admissions and Application

The online application will be available in early January. Check back for more details. 

After submitting your application, AU will email you a link to a recommendation form which you should forward to your teacher or counselor. Once your teacher submits your recommendation through this link, we will begin to review your application. 

Once all application materials are received, students will be informed if they are accepted into the program on a rotating basis but usually within two weeks.

The Community of Scholars program offers students a unique opportunity to delve deeply into international affairs through dedicated coursework and immersive experiences in Washington, D.C. Participants gain invaluable insights by learning from esteemed faculty, engaging in vibrant discussions, and establishing connections with peers sharing a passion for global issues.

International students with a demonstrated proficiency in English are encouraged to apply. Students must submit copies of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL-IBT) with a minimum score of at least 80 with their application. NOTE: Separate fees may apply. Please email us for more information: communityofscholars@american.edu.

An unofficial transcript is sufficient.

Once a student is admitted to the Community of Scholars program, students will need to pay a $300 nonrefundable deposit within two weeks to secure their spot in the program. The acceptance letter will provide information on how to pay the deposit.  

Rising junior and senior high school students (current sophomores and juniors) with a minimum 3.0 GPA are eligible to apply. Please contact communityofscholars@american.edu for more information. 

Tuition and Fees

Please see the Program Details page for information on tuition and fees.

The tuition includes three college credits, afternoon workshops and guest speakers, transportation to off-campus visits to government agencies, classroom materials, and access to AU's Bender library and other campus amenities.  

(Please note that AU will process a 1098-T tax document which reflects the financial aid received by students.)

Financial aid is only available for students enrolled in DC public or charter schools, subject to the availability of funds. For more information, email communityofscholars@american.edu. Students are encouraged to seek out and apply independently for private scholarships that may be awarded by local organizations such as businesses, religious organizations, foundations, and civic groups.

The balance of the tuition is due by June 1, 2024.

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, including the deposit, will be refunded.

Program Information

Class sizes range from 15 to 25 students.

Classes in the on-campus program will meet every day, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 12 noon, followed by lunch and an afternoon activity, such as a workshop, guest speaker, or visits to government organizations, including the State Department and embassies. 

While on the AU campus, students visit sites such as the State Department, international agencies, embassies, and other organizations.

After arriving home, students in the third week will remain engaged with their professor and peers for additional self-paced instruction and completion of a final paper or project. For more information, see Program Details

Commuter students are encouraged to attend the afternoon, evening, and weekend activities. However, students with long commutes are recommended to live on campus.  

Free time is scheduled each day for students to relax and enjoy campus life; however, students are responsible for using their time wisely so that reading and other assignments are completed on time. It's important to note that students do have an additional week once they return home to submit a final paper or project.
 

On Campus

Residential students will be housed in doubles or triples in a centrally-located, air-conditioned campus dormitory. All linens—sheets, blankets, and a towel—will be provided. However, students may prefer to pack towels and linen sets.

The front desk of the dormitory is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Doors of the dormitory are kept locked at all times; students swipe their AU IDs every time they enter.

Students, whether residential or commuter, will have access to AU's fitness center and pool, Bender Library, the Katzen Arts Center, track, volleyball, and tennis courts.

NOTE: To use the fitness center, a student must be a least 18 years old and a form needs to be completed and signed by the student and parents before coming to campus. 

Experienced resident assistants (RAs) live in the dorms with the students and serve as chaperones. Additionally, there is a resident director assigned to the dormitory.  
 

Residential students will be enrolled in a meal plan at AU's Tenley Dining Room (TDR), which is located in the Mary Graydon Center. Students will be given an access card with meal swipes. In addition, a few catered meals will be arranged for students.

Program Alumni

Successfully completing the Community of Scholars program will allow you to demonstrate that you have stretched yourself and taken initiative beyond what is normally expected from high school students. On your college applications, you will be able to list your course and "check off" that you took a college course for credit.

Once all work is completed and graded, students can order an official transcript documenting their credits. Follow the directions for "New User" through the online ordering system.  Note: This process will involve creating an account and submitting a few pieces of information, such as birth date so that the appropriate record can be located. For more questions, email: transcript_services@american.edu or call 202-885-2022. 

The Common Application, an undergraduate college admissions application used by nearly 500 colleges and universities in the United States, includes a section for students to list any college credit classes (other than AP and IB) that they have taken. The application will ask for American University’s CEEB code (5007) as well as the name of the course.