In recent years, the allure of Washington, DC, as a vibrant hub teeming with cultural, recreational, and professional prospects has propelled American University into the spotlight. Consequently, AU’s acceptance rate has witnessed a significant decline, plummeting to as low as 26% in recent years. This marks a stark contrast from the mid-2010s, when admission rates stood nearly 20 points higher.
A deeper dive into AU’s admissions archives unveils a compelling narrative of the university’s evolving selectivity over time:
- 1994: 77%
- 2003: 60%
- 2012: 44%
These historical acceptance rates underscore AU’s journey towards heightened selectivity, reflecting its growing prominence and appeal among discerning applicants seeking a dynamic academic experience in the heart of the nation’s capital.
What is The American University Early Decision Acceptance Rate?
American University places significant value on applicants who commit to them through binding Early Decision, offering substantial rewards for such dedication. This is particularly advantageous for borderline applicants, as demonstrated by the impressive 83% Early Decision acceptance rate for the Class of 2024. Out of 962 applicants who applied through Early Decision, a remarkable 803 received acceptance offers.
Prospective students have the opportunity to apply through two rounds of Early Decision at AU. The Early Decision I deadline falls on November 15, while the Early Decision II deadline is on January 15.
What is The American University Acceptance Rate?
American University received 19,675 applications for the Class of 2025, with an enrollment target of approximately 2,300 students. However, official acceptance rate figures for this cycle have not yet been released. Looking back at the Class of 2024, there were 20,036 applicants and a 39% acceptance rate. The previous year, for the Class of 2023, the acceptance rate stood at only 33%.
What is The American University SAT, ACT, GPA, and Class Rank?
The academic statistics for the admitted Class of 2025 (note: these numbers may differ from those of enrolled students). The mid-50% SAT range for admitted first-year students in the 2021-22 academic year was 1310-1460, while the ACT range fell between 29-33. Regarding weighted GPA, the mid-50% range stood at 3.63-4.15.
For those who ultimately enrolled in the Class of 2024 (based on the most recent data available), the average high school GPA was 3.79. Thirty-five percent ranked in the top decile of their high school class, with 68% landing in the top 25%, and 95% securing a spot in the top 50%. The median SAT score for enrolled students was 1310, and the median ACT composite score was 30.
What is The Admission Insights at The American University?
Here are the key trends and notes regarding admissions at American University:
- American University has maintained a test-optional policy for over a decade, reflecting its longstanding commitment to holistic admissions practices.
- The Early Decision (ED) acceptance rate at AU stood significantly higher, by 47 points, compared to the regular decision rate.
- Approximately 42% of the incoming class was admitted through the Early Decision round, demonstrating its substantial impact on AU’s admissions outcomes.
- Despite a sizable waitlist of 1,657 individuals, only 133 students were ultimately accepted from it.
- Half of enrolled freshmen chose to submit SAT results, while 31% included ACT scores with their applications, indicating the varied testing preferences among AU applicants.
What is The American University Demographics?
Let’s explore the demographics of current American University undergraduates:
- Students at American University come from all 50 states, creating a diverse representation across the nation.
- Additionally, they originate from 123 countries worldwide, showcasing AU’s global appeal and multicultural campus environment.
- As with any selective institution, competition is fiercest among applicants from densely populated states such as those in the Northeast and West Coast. Conversely, applicants from less populated states like Hawaii, the Dakotas, or Montana may have a slightly enhanced chance of admission.
- Examining ethnic diversity, the breakdown of current undergraduates is as follows:
- Asian American: 7%
- Hispanic: 12%
- African American: 8%
- White: 53%
- Two or more races: 5%
- In terms of gender distribution, the current undergraduate population at AU leans significantly towards women:
- Male: 37%
- Female: 63%
- Despite the male population being in the minority, the acceptance rates for male and female applicants from out-of-state were identical at 42% for the Class of 2024.
- International students comprise 12% of the degree-seeking population at AU, with significant representation from countries such as China, Panama, India, Vietnam, Spain, and the United Kingdom.
What is The American University Yield Rate?
Let’s delve into American University’s yield rate—the percentage of accepted students who choose to enroll, divided by the total number of admitted students—which stood at a remarkably low 21% last year. This figure reflects AU’s stiff competition with elite institutions in the Northeast, contributing to its rigorous admissions standards. Notably, the university places significant emphasis on “demonstrated interest,” a factor that weighs heavily in its admissions decisions. For context, consider the yield rates of other private institutions: George Washington University (20%), Georgetown (44%), and Boston University (24%).
What is The Admission Criteria at The American University?
American University places considerable weight on three key factors deemed “very important” in their admissions process: the rigor of the secondary school record, GPA, and surprisingly, the level of an applicant’s interest. This emphasis on demonstrated interest aligns with AU’s efforts to gauge the likelihood of enrollment, given its notably low yield rate. Additionally, the university evaluates six other factors as “important”: the application essay, recommendations, talent/ability, extracurricular activities, character/personal qualities, and volunteer work. Moreover, AU considers test scores, first-generation status, legacy status, geographic residence, racial/ethnic background, and paid work experience. In the words of the American University admissions staff, their holistic approach aims to identify candidates who exhibit intellectual curiosity and a passion for effecting meaningful change.
The American University Application Process Key Tips
If you’re considering applying to American University among the 20,000+ applicants for the next admissions cycle, here’s what you should know:
- Demonstrated Interest Matters: American University considers “demonstrated interest” as “very important” in the admissions process. This includes factors like campus visits (in non-pandemic times) and interactions with admissions officers.
- Teacher Recommendation Required: A teacher recommendation is a required component of your application.
- Mid-Year Report: American University will request a mid-year report, so it’s essential to maintain strong grades throughout your senior year of high school.
- Supplemental Essay: Dedicate sufficient time and effort to the supplemental essay required by AU. In the 2021-22 cycle, there was one prompt that every applicant must address: “Why are you interested in American University?” (150 words)
Conclusion
As you navigate the admissions process for American University, keep in mind the importance of demonstrating your interest, securing a teacher recommendation, maintaining strong grades, and crafting a compelling supplemental essay. By understanding these key components, you’ll be better equipped to present yourself as a strong candidate for admission to AU. Good luck with your application journey!