Updated on 10/01/19

So, you’re thinking about applying to American University, and you’re curious about your chances of admission. Well, we’re here to help! Of course, there are a lot of factors in the admissions process, and it’s impossible to accurately predict whether you’ll be admitted or not. However, the most important factors in the admissions game are your GPA and test scores. So, using those as a measure, we can give you an estimate of your chances.

With an acceptance rate of 33%, admission to American University is extremely competitive. Based on our analysis, to have a good chance of being admitted, you need to be at the very top of your class and have an SAT score of close to 1390, or an ACT score of around 32.

Not quite there? Try taking our SAT prep course and You’ll still have a chance of getting in, but it’s in the single digits. Let’s take a closer look at American University admission statistics.

American University 2019 Admissions Statistics: Class of 2023

American University’s acceptance rate in 2019 was 33%. For students applying to the class of 2023, out of 18,500 applicants, American admitted about 6,105. The average GPA of admitted applicants was 3.73, the average ACT score was 31, and the average SAT score was 1350.

For students who took the ACT, the 25th percentile score of successful applicants was 28, and the 75th percentile score was 32.

For students who took the SAT, the 25th percentile score was 1240. The 75th percentile score was 1390.

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If you’re somewhere in the middle of these numbers, remember that a high test score can compensate for a slightly lower GPA, and vice versa. If you’re at the lower end, it helps if you’re a diverse applicant, the child of an alum, or have incredible personal achievements. Still, at the 25th percentile, your chances of getting in are in the low single digits.

Other aspects of your application, such as athletics, extracurricular and recommendations, are important, but will likely only make a difference for admission if you’re in the 75th percentile range for your GPA and SAT/ACT scores.

As we said, admission to American University is very competitive. Even if American University is your dream school, and even if you’re in the 75th percentile, you’ll still want to make sure you apply to a wide variety of schools to ensure you’ll gain admission somewhere.

Generally, you should have at least three safety schools (where you are in the 75th percentile of GPA/test scores), three reach schools (where you are in the 25th percentile of GPA/test scores) and three target schools (where you are near the average for GPA/test scores) on your list.

OK, so you’ve decided to apply. We took a look at American University’s admissions requirements to help you get everything in order.

American University 2020 Application Requirements: Class of 2024

To apply, you’ll need to fill out the Common Application (including the application essay) or the Coalition Application, submit an ACT or SAT score, submit a Secondary School Report and two letters of recommendation, submit your Mid-Year Report, and pay the $70 application fee. Everything should be submitted by November 15th for Early Action, and January 15th for Regular Decision.

Here’s a full list of application requirements:

• Fill out the Common Application (including the application essay) or the Coalition Application
• Submit an ACT score or SAT score
• Submit a Secondary School Report and two letters of recommendation
• Submit your Mid-Year Report
• Pay the $70 application fee

The application deadline is November 15th for Early Action and January 15th for Regular Decision.

Have you been admitted to American University? Congratulations! Below is a glimpse of what your classmates will be like.

American University 2019 Admitted Students Profile: Class of 2023

If you matriculate at American University, you’ll be joining a diverse class, with students from all over the U.S. and the world, and have a chance to study in dozens of fields.

Here are some interesting facts about the recently admitted class:

• Roughly 37% are male and 63% are female
• 6.6% of students are international

American University has a diverse class, as well, with a large number of people of color. The ethnicities of admitted applicants are:

• International: 6.6%
• Underrepresented minority: 3.4%
• Two or more races: 5%
• White: 63%

What do these admitted students plan to study? American University offers dozens of majors, and students matriculating there pursue a wide number of subjects. Here is a list of some of the top programs:

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• International Relations and Affairs
• Business Administration and Management
• Political Science and Government

Now, how are you going to pay for this?

American University Tuition Figures

At $62,272, American University’s cost of attendance is astronomical. But, don’t panic! Most incoming students receive some form of financial aid, and the average award is $25,024.

Here’s a fuller look at American University tuition and financial aid in 2017:

• Total budget: $62,272
• Average financial aid package: $25,024
• The average student debt of an American University graduate is $34,655

Now, what is life like at American University? Let’s take a look.

American University Location

American’s main campus is located in in Washington, D.C., in the northwest section of the District of Columbia.

The school was originally chartered by an Act of Congress on February 24, 1893, as “The American University”.

Remember, you’re going to American University for its excellent academics! Below is a look at what academic life will be like.

American University Academics

American University has dozens of majors. Some of the school’s more interesting majors are:

• Applied Mathematics
• Business Administration and Management
• Cinematography and Film/Video Production
• Design and Visual Communications
• Environmental Studies
• Finance
• Graphic Design
• History
• International Relations and Affairs
• Journalism
• Legal Studies
• Mass Communication
• Near and Middle Eastern Studies
• Political Science and Government
• Russian Studies
• Teaching English as a Second or Foreign Language

Now, let’s take a look at life outside the classroom at American University.

Student Life at American University

American University has hundreds of student organizations, covering academic interests, creative and performing arts, cultural and racial initiatives, gender and sexuality affinity groups, government and political interests, and various media and publications.

Here’s a sampling of American University’s student activities:

• Graduate Business Association
• Accounting Club
• The American Fashion Society
• Black MBA Association
• Consulting Club
• Data Analytics Club
• Digital Strategy & Innovation Club
• Entrepreneurs Club
• Financial Management Association
• Kogod Pride
• Action for Human Rights
• Business Law Society
• Lambda Law Society

Are you an athlete? American University’s got plenty of options for you.

American University Athletics

American University offers a large number of intercollegiate sports, with extensive varsity, as well as club, offerings, for both men and women. So, if you’re not up to varsity level, remember there are plenty of club and intramural sports to try out for, too.

American University’s sports include:

• Basketball
• Cross-Country
• Swimming & Diving
• Soccer
• Wrestling
• Track & Field

Who might you become with an American University degree? Let’s take a look at some well-known and successful alums:

Notable Alums

American University has produced politicians, business tycoons, entertainers, musicians, media figures, and leaders in dozens of other fields.

Here’s a list of some particularly well-known alums:

• Author Max Brooks
• Guitarist John Fahey
• Television journalist David Gregory
• Actress Goldie Hawn
• Filmmaker Nancy Meyers
• Libertarian Party chairman Nicholas Sarwark
• TV personality Judy Sheindlin
• NBA player Kermit Washington
• Burberry CEO Marco Gobbetti
• President and CEO of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting Patricia Harrison
• Actor Danny Glover

And this is only a partial list!

Remember!

Getting into American University is very competitive. Don’t despair if you get a no. If you have a strong GPA and high test scores, you have a great chance of getting into at least one of the more competitive schools. And if you don’t, remember: where you go is NOT who you are. If you work hard, you’ll end up at a school that’s right for you, and still get a great education.

If you need to boost your GPA or test scores before application time rolls around, you should consider signing up for a course with Prep Expert. We offer one-on-one tutoring and classes, both in-person and online, at locations throughout the United States.

Our expert teachers and tutors will not only share with you tried and true methods for improving your score, but also help you correct deficiencies in any subject that you’re having difficulty with—English, Writing, Mathematics or Science.

Additionally, online classes can be watched On Demand, so if you miss a class due to your busy schedule, you can catch it online later. We have helped hundreds of students get the scores they need to attend the school of their dreams.

For more test strategy, college admissions, and scholarship application tips sign up for our FREE class happening right now!