Test Optional Policy At American University: What Undergraduates Need To Know

American University, Washington, DC, offers prospective students the option to apply through any of its decision plans without submitting standardized test scores. This means that applicants can choose not to submit their SAT or ACT scores. However, most applicants to American University still take the SAT or ACT and submit their scores. International students are not required to submit SAT or ACT scores but must submit English language test results.

Test-optional application process

American University in Washington, DC, offers a test-optional application process for undergraduate students. This means that prospective students can choose whether or not to submit standardised test scores, such as the SAT or ACT, as part of their application. This policy is in line with many other US universities, including Harvard, Stanford, and Columbia, which have adopted test-optional policies.

The test-optional policy at American University applies to all decision plans: Early Action, Early Decision I and II, and Regular Decision. Students who do not submit test scores will not be penalised and will still be considered for merit awards and admission to the AU Honors Program. However, it is important to note that not submitting test scores may result in one fewer dimension to demonstrate your strengths as an applicant. Therefore, it is recommended that students consider taking the SAT or ACT and aim to achieve a strong score.

If students choose to include their test scores, they may self-report these on their admissions application. However, if they are admitted to AU and enrol, they will be required to submit official scores. Additionally, international students and US Global Nomad applicants graduating from high school outside the US are not required to submit SAT or ACT scores. However, they must still meet English language requirements and submit English proficiency exam results directly to the university.

Aside from test scores, American University considers various other factors when reviewing applications. These include academic performance in the classroom, essays, letters of recommendation, extracurricular activities, and personal statements. For international students, official academic records from each secondary school attended must be submitted, along with any relevant examination results, such as IB, GCSE, or GCE. Undergraduate admission to American University is also need-aware, meaning the university considers the student's ability to cover all costs when making admissions decisions.

English proficiency exam requirements

American University in Washington, DC allows prospective students to apply through any of its decision plans—Early Action, Early Decision I and II, or Regular Decision—without submitting standardized test scores. This means that applicants are not required to submit their SAT or ACT test results to support their undergraduate application. However, it is important to note that not submitting test scores may result in one fewer dimension to showcase your capabilities compared to other applicants.

American University requires international applicants to submit English proficiency exam results as part of their application. Students cannot self-report these results and must ask the testing agency to send their official score reports directly to the university. The university accepts the following English proficiency exams:

• TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language): A minimum internet-based test (iBT) score of 85 or higher is required, with sub-scores for each section being 20 or higher. A score of 90 or above is recommended to be considered competitive. The TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition is accepted, but the university does not accept the "MyBest" combined scores or the "TOEFL Essentials Test." For the TOEFL ITP Plus for China, a minimum total score of 627 is required, with sub-scores of 64 for listening comprehension and structure and writing.
• IELTS
• Duolingo

Additionally, international applicants are required to submit their official academic records from each secondary school they attended for the US equivalent of grades 9 through 12. These records should be submitted in their original language and accompanied by notarized English translations. Any available predicted or final examination results, such as IB, GCSE, GCE, etc., should also be included.

International students who need a student visa (F or J) must submit the AU Declaration of Finances Form (AU DFF) by the application deadline, reflecting at least US$81,620 for the first year of study and living expenses. Undergraduate admission to American University is need-aware for international students, meaning their ability to cover all costs is considered during admissions decisions. The university does not provide need-based financial aid, need-based grants, or federal financial aid to international students.

Application requirements for international students

American University in Washington, D.C., is home to more than 1,100 international students. The university offers a variety of special academic programs to which prospective first-year international students can apply.

• International students can apply online using the Common Application or Coalition Application.
• Official academic records from each secondary school attended for the US equivalent of 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th grades must be sent directly to the university. Students who studied in a 3-year secondary school system need to provide transcripts for those three years. These records should be in their original language and accompanied by notarized English translations.
• Any predicted or final examination results from exams such as IB, GCSE, GCE, Bagrut, French Baccalaureate, or CAPE Units should be included. Certain exam results, such as IB, WAEC, GCE, GCSE, and CAPE, must come directly from the examination board or authority.
• International students are required to submit official results of one of the following English proficiency exams: International English Language Testing System (IELTS), Duolingo, TOEFL, or IELTS. In rare cases, a waiver may be considered if the student meets specific criteria, such as having earned a bachelor's degree from a university where English was the primary language of instruction.
• A copy of the student's passport information page, AU CFIS form, and supporting financial documents are required.
• An official bank letter and a copy of the student's passport will be required if the student is accepted and decides to enroll.
• Students may be eligible for advanced credit for exams passed during secondary school, such as IB, A Level, AP, OIB English, or CAPE Unit Two exams.
• First-year applicants following the US educational system should have completed at least 16 college preparatory secondary school units, including specific requirements in English, mathematics, laboratory science, social science, and foreign language.
• American University is test-optional, meaning students can choose whether or not to submit standardized test scores as part of their application. However, applicants who choose to self-report their scores will be required to submit official scores if admitted and enrolled.
• International students interested in financial aid must complete the FAFSA and CSS Profile by the appropriate deadlines.

Average test scores of applicants

American University in Washington, DC, is a test-optional university. This means that prospective students can choose whether or not to submit their SAT or ACT scores as part of their application. However, it is important to note that not submitting test scores may put applicants at a disadvantage compared to other applicants who choose to submit their scores. Additionally, while test scores are not required, American University does publish data on the average SAT scores of its students, which can be used as a guideline for prospective applicants. The average SAT score composite at American University is 1368 on the 1600 SAT scale. This score falls within the range of 1300 (25th percentile) and 1440 (75th percentile).

For students who wish to submit their SAT scores, it is important to note that the SAT used to have an optional essay section. However, since June 2021, this has been discontinued unless you are taking the test as part of school-day testing in a few states. American University considers the SAT Essay/ACT Writing section optional and may not include it in their admissions consideration. Therefore, applicants should not worry too much about the writing section for this particular university.

In addition to test scores, American University considers various other factors when evaluating applications. These include academic performance in the classroom, qualitative factors such as essays, letters of recommendation, and extracurricular activities, and personal statements. For international students, English language proficiency exams, such as TOEFL, Duolingo, or IELTS, are required, and official scores must be sent directly to the university by the testing agency. Furthermore, international students must submit their official academic records from each secondary school attended and may need to provide notarized English translations.

American University also has specific requirements for first-year applicants, such as completing a minimum of 16 college preparatory secondary school units, including English, academic mathematics, laboratory science, social science, and a foreign language. Applicants should refer to the university's website for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding application requirements and guidelines.

Special Academic Programs

American University in Washington, DC offers a test-optional plan for undergraduate students. This means that prospective students can apply to AU through any decision plan without submitting standardized test scores. While tests can help predict a student's potential for success in college, AU considers academic performance in the classroom to be the most important factor in the review of applications.

American University offers a variety of special academic programs to which prospective first-year students can apply to tailor their AU experience. The application deadline for these programs is December 1.

First-year applicants who follow the US educational system should have completed at least 16 college preparatory secondary school units. AU requires that you have 4 units in English, 3 units in academic mathematics (including the equivalent of 2 units in algebra and 1 unit of geometry), at least 2 units of laboratory science, at least 2 units of social science, and 2 units of foreign language. Successful candidates for admission have usually completed a rigorous college preparatory course of study that goes beyond these minimum requirements.

International students must submit their official academic records from each secondary school they attended for the US equivalent of 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th grades. These records should be submitted in their original language and be accompanied by notarized English translations. Additionally, international students are required to submit English proficiency exam results, such as the TOEFL, directly from the testing agency to American University.

All first-year applicants are automatically considered for academic/merit scholarships for which they are eligible. To be considered for need-based financial aid, students must complete the FAFSA and CSS Profile by the appropriate deadlines.

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