American University Admissions Information

American University
Washington DC (map)

 

American University is located in the political hub of the United States, allowing the campus to share the cultural and political resources (speakers, protests, elections, and other events) that the Capitol attracts every year. For those seeking a different experience, the University has over 200 different student groups and activities with which undergrads may become involved throughout their four years. Academically, American University has a plethora of majors and departments to suit any student’s interests. Five different undergraduate colleges, and an honors program, allow exploration of both scholastic and career-driven concentrations, and the best instruction within each individually. The Kogod School of Business offers a Bachelors of Science degree in Business Administration, Language and Culture Studies, and Business and Music. American University also has a School of Communication, of International Service, and of Public Affairs. Additionally, a completely wireless campus allows access to the internet at any campus location, so students may study wherever they please, inside or out.

Though technically a “dry” campus, there is plenty to do for nighttime entertainment at the University. Located a mere 2 mile shuttle ride outside of the nation’s capitol, AU students have full access to one of the busiest, most vibrant and exciting cities in the country. The city’s parks, museums, shopping, fine dining, clubs and bars invite students to explore outside of the campus and take part in the greater Capitol community. Washington D.C. houses 15 colleges, making it a lively, young environment filled with college students.
 

 

Basic Info

Main Address:	4400 Massachusetts Avenue NW Washington, DC 20016-8001
Phone Number:	(202) 885-1000
Website:	www.american.edu

Characteristics

Type of school:	Private, Coed
Type of school:	United Methodist Church affiliated
Setting:	Suburban, located within very urban region
Athletics:	Division I, Intercollegiate, Intramural, Club, Scholarship
Degrees offered:	Certificate, Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, Doctoral/Research, Doctoral/Professional, Post-Bachelor's Certificate
Size of undergraduate student body:	8,287
Percent out-of-state:	83%
Percent international:	13%
Female to Male ratio:	63:37

Academic Life

Student to Professor ratio:	12:1
Most popular majors:	Social Sciences Business/Marketing Communications/Journalism Interdisciplinary Studies Visual and Performing Arts Health Professions
Special study programs:	Accelerated Cooperative Cross Registration Double Major Exchange Student Honors Program Independent Study Internship Online Courses Student Designed Major Study Abroad Teacher Certification Weekend College Army & Air Force ROTC offered at cooperating institutions (Georgetown University, and Howard University, respectively)

Campus Life

Housing options: Coed housing Special housing for disabled students Theme Housing

Activities: Campus Ministries Concert Band Fraternities Glee Club International Student Clubs Literary Magazine Music Ensembles Political Discussion Groups Religious Groups Social Services Group Speakers Forum Student Government Symphony Orchestra Dance Pep Band Television Station Chamber Orchestra Drama Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual Groups Improv Comedy Groups Jazz Band Minority Student Groups Opera Radio Station Singing Groups Sororities Student Film Society Student Union Yearbook Musical Theatre Student Newspaper

Fun Facts

Ranked #1, Most Politically Active Students Ranked #13, Best Quality of Life Best Northeastern Colleges #77 Best National University #7 Most Undergraduates Studying Abroad among top 40 doctoral institutions Top-20 Best of the Best by Advocate College Guide for Students (2006) 11% of Undergraduates receiving Pell grants Ranked #5, College City Gets High Marks Ranked #13, Best Career Services #58 Best College (2009) #3 Most Peace Corps Volunteers (Medium-Sized Colleges, 2009) 4-times named by Corporation for National and Community Service to President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll #3 Most-listened-to public radio station (WAMU 88.5, American University Radio)

Admissions Information

American University requires the submission of either the SAT or ACT; if submitting the ACT, the writing section is required. SAT Subject Tests are also recommended for admission as well as for gauging course placement if accepted.

The school places great importance on the rigor of an applicant's secondary school record, GPA, and expression of interest in the University; extracurricular activities, recommendations, standardized test scores, and the application essay are all strongly evaluated during the admissions process. Personality and uniqueness of the applicant is important, as is volunteer work and his or her demonstrated character. American University also considers an applicant's alumni relation, geographical residence, racial/ethnic status, talent/ability, work experience, and/or being a first generation college student.

Admissions address:	4400 Massachusetts Ave. Washington, DC 20016-8001
Phone number:	(202) 885-6000
Fax number:	(202) 885-1044
Admissions Website:	www.american.edu/admissions/
Email:	admissions@american.edu
Number of first-year applications received:	18,984
Percent of applicants admitted:	32%

Application Information

Regular application deadline:	January 15
Early decision/action deadline:	November 15
Accepts the Common Application?	Yes
Admission requirements:	Recommendations Transcript Essays

Application Information

Standardized test scores required?	SAT and/or ACT Scores (if not Test-Optional)
Policy regarding SAT score-use:	Highest Section Scores Across Test Dates
Middle 50% Scores Low Average High % Who Submitted Scores SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing  630 670 700 52% SAT Math 590 640 680 52% SAT Total 1220 1300 1380 52% ACT Composite 27 29 31 36%
College Board code:	5007
ACT code:	0648

Learn more about other Top Mid-Atlantic schools: George Washington   William and Mary   Georgetown

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