About American University
Location: Washington, D.C.
Undergraduate Population: 7,817
Most Popular Majors: Political Science, International Studies, Business Administration, Communication Studies, Journalism, Public Relations
Demographics:
White 55.7%
Latinx 12.6%
Asian/Asian American 7%
Black/African American 7.8%
Multiracial 5.7%
Native American less than 1%
History:
American University was established by an Act of Congress on December 5, 1892. After over three decades that were dedicated mainly towards securing financial support, the university was officially dedicated on May 15, 1914. Classes began in October 1914 with 28 students, including five women. The university admitted women and Black students, a rare feat for universities at the time. Until 1925, the university offered only graduate degrees.
In 1925, the College of Liberal Arts (subsequently named the College of Arts and Sciences), was established. This school offered undergraduate degrees and programs. What is currently the School of Public Affairs was founded in 1934. The post-World War II period saw significant growth and restructuring at AU. In 1947, the Washington Semester Program was established, modeling the concept of semester-long internships in the nation’s capital. Shortly after a merge with the Washington College of Law saw the university’s first law school in 1949, three departments were reorganized as schools: the School of Business Administration in 1955 (subsequently named the Robert P. and Arlene R. Kogod College of Business Administration and in 1999, renamed the Kogod School of Business); the School of Government and Public Administration in 1957; and the School of International Service in 1958.
In 1988, the College of Public and International Affairs was reorganized to create two free-standing schools: the School of International Service and the School of Public Affairs, incorporating the School of Government and Public Administration and the School of Justice. The School of Communication became independent from the College of Arts and Sciences in 1993. In 2019, the School of Education (SOE) split from the College of Arts and Sciences.
Today, American University offers 81 majors across five colleges.
Notable American University alumni include actress America Ferrera, Queen Rania of Jordan, attorney and media personality Judith Susan Sheindlin—better known as Judge Judy, author Max Brooks and filmmaker Nancy Meyers.
Traditions:
- Every Wednesday, mascot Clawed the Eagle inspires students, staff, faculty, and alumni to show their AU pride by wearing the school colors—Red, White, and Blue.
- During Acapalooza every spring semester, all of AU’s talented a cappella groups, as well as a select few from nearby schools, come together to deliver an evening full of performances.
- Held every April, Ampalooza is a Coachella-inspired annual arts and music festival.
Noteworthy Features:
- AU has five schools for undergraduates: School of International Service, College of Arts and Sciences, Kogod School of Business, School of Communication, Professional Studies and Executive Education, School of Public Affairs, and the School of Education.
- As part of the Core Curriculum, first-years begin by taking Complex Problems, a small-group seminar focused on analyzing a special topic, and a yearlong AU Experience sequence that acclimates them to university life.
- The Cornerstone program, new in 2021, offers internships and a UK study-abroad for freshmen
Admissions Profile
Average GPA: Not reported
Test Scores (mid-50% range): 1300-1440 SAT/ 29-32 ACT
Admit Rate: 47.4%
Test-optional? Yes
Offers Early Admissions? Yes–Early Decision I and II
Supplemental Essays
American University students identify as changemakers and describe themselves as passionate. Describe a belief, hobby, idea, issue, or topic about which you’re excited. (250 words max.)
You can take this essay in many different directions. You could talk about a hobby which occupies your mind and time, or you could elaborate on a topic that you could speak about endlessly. Think about your biggest time commitments. Consider your interests and goals, as well as experiences that have been the most meaningful. Don’t just describe the hobby, issue, or idea. Focus your essay on how it has impacted you and shaped your perspective. If you’re specifically writing about a hobby, describe how you’ve developed your interest and involvement and any impact you’ve made on any community that’s also involved in this hobby.
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