American University

American University admits about 65.6% of applicants, so it is selective but far from a reach for a solid student. It drew roughly 20,960 applications for the most recent class and enrolled 1,545 first-years. Course rigor and GPA carry the most weight, and AU is one of the few schools that rates a demonstrated interest in attending as very important.

No. AU is test-optional and states plainly in its Common Data Set that scores are not required for admission. Only about 16% of enrolled first-years submitted an SAT and 6% submitted an ACT, and the university rates standardized tests as merely 'considered' in its review, well below GPA and course rigor.

A 1400 lands comfortably in the upper half of admitted students at AU. The middle 50% of enrolled first-years who submitted scores fell between 1320 and 1440 on the SAT, with a median of 1380, and the ACT range ran 30 to 33. Since AU is test-optional, submit a 1400 and it will help you; withhold a weaker score and it costs you nothing.

Substantially. AU admitted 316 of 392 binding Early Decision applicants, an admit rate near 81% against roughly 66% overall. The university runs both ED I and ED II, so a student who decides late in the fall still has a binding round available. Early Decision commits you to enroll if admitted, which is the tradeoff for that margin.

Yes, more than at most schools. AU lists 'level of applicant's interest' as a very important admission factor, the same tier it gives GPA and the rigor of your high school record. Campus visits, opened emails, interviews with regional counselors, and a supplement that names specific AU programs all register. Applying Early Decision is the strongest interest signal available.

Tuition and required fees run $64,652 a year, with on-campus housing and food adding another $19,696. About 53% of first-years receive need-based scholarship or grant aid, the average first-year aid package comes to $53,000, and AU meets roughly 88% of demonstrated need on average. Sticker price and what families actually pay diverge widely here.

Social sciences dominate at about 33% of bachelor's degrees, reflecting AU's international service, political science, and public affairs programs. Business and marketing follow at 12%, then communication and journalism at 9%. Arts, justice and protective services, and interdisciplinary programs each account for roughly 6%.

Yes. AU rates the application essay as an important factor, above test scores and alongside recommendations, activities, and personal qualities. Its 250-word supplement asks you to elaborate on a belief, hobby, idea, or issue you are excited about, and because AU weighs demonstrated interest so heavily, a response that shows real knowledge of the university does double duty.

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