Savanna Hoffman
American University, Washington, DC, is a test-optional institution, meaning prospective undergraduate students do not need to submit standardized test scores when applying. However, applicants who choose to include their ACT and/or SAT scores may self-report these on their applications. American University is one of a growing number of institutions that have adopted test-optional or test-blind policies, which aim to level the playing field by judging students on academic performance, extracurricular activities, and personal qualities, rather than test scores.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Test-optional policy | Students may apply to American University without submitting standardized test scores |
| Application plans | Early Action, Early Decision I and II, or Regular Decision |
| Impact on merit awards or AU Honors Program | None |
| Submission of SAT or ACT scores | Not required for international students graduating from a secondary school outside the US |
| Self-reporting of test scores | Allowed, but official scores must be submitted if admitted and enrolled |
| Superscore policy | AU will superscore the Math, Reading, and English sections of the ACT for exams taken after March 2025 |
| Science section of the ACT | Not required for admission |
| SAT and ACT scores | 42% of admitted students submitted test scores |
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What You'll Learn
American University's test-optional policy
American University in Washington, DC, has a test-optional policy for undergraduate students. This means that applicants can choose whether or not to include their ACT and/or SAT scores in their application. If applicants do choose to include test scores, they will be required to submit official scores if they are accepted to AU and decide to enrol.
AU's test-optional policy applies to all decision plans: Early Action, Early Decision I and II, or Regular Decision. The university states that while tests can help predict a student's potential for success in college, academic performance in the classroom is the most important factor in the application review process. AU also considers qualitative factors, such as essays, letters of recommendation, and extracurricular activities.
The test-optional policy does not affect a student's consideration for merit awards or admission to the AU Honors Program. Additionally, international applicants graduating from a secondary school outside the United States are not required to submit SAT or ACT scores.
The test-optional approach has been gaining traction among colleges and universities. This trend was accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted standardized testing. However, even before the pandemic, there was a movement towards test-optional policies, particularly among smaller liberal arts colleges and progressive universities. This shift aims to address the limitations and biases of standardized testing, such as the correlation between test scores and family income, and to provide more opportunities for students from underrepresented and lower-income backgrounds.
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Self-reporting test scores
American University in Washington, DC, is a test-optional institution, meaning that prospective students may apply through any decision plan without submitting standardized test scores. Applicants who do not submit test scores will not be affected in their consideration for merit awards or admission to the AU Honors Program.
However, applicants who wish to include their ACT and/or SAT scores may self-report their scores on their admissions application. If admitted to AU and choosing to enrol, these applicants will then be required to submit their official scores. For ACT exams taken after March 2025, AU will superscore the Math, Reading, and English sections. The Science section is not required for admission, but students may submit their scores for this section and Writing, which will be considered separately from the three required sections.
It is important to note that while American University does not require standardized test scores for admission, they are still considered an essential factor in predicting a student's potential for success in college. American University recognizes that academic performance in the classroom is the most important factor in the admissions review process, and qualitative factors such as essays, letters of recommendation, and extracurricular activities are also given significant weight.
The test-optional policy at American University is in line with a broader movement towards test-optional, test-flexible, and test-blind policies in colleges and universities. This shift has been influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted standardized testing, and a growing recognition of the limitations and biases inherent in standardized testing, including the impact of socioeconomic factors on test scores. By offering a test-optional path to admission, American University ensures that its admissions process is more accessible and equitable for students from diverse backgrounds.
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Application process for international students
American University in Washington, DC, offers a test-optional admissions process for prospective students. Applicants who do not believe their test scores reflect their abilities may choose to apply without submitting their SAT or ACT scores. However, students who have taken the tests and wish to include their scores may self-report them on their application.
International students applying to American University should follow the steps outlined below to ensure a complete application:
Visit the International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) website:
The ISSS website provides a comprehensive list of required documents and steps for the application process. It is important to carefully review this information to avoid any delays in the I-20 preparation process.
Prepare required documents:
The list of required documents includes the AU CFIS form, passport information page, and supporting financial documents. Additionally, international students must provide proof of English proficiency through exams such as Duolingo, TOEFL, or IELTS. Official score reports must be sent directly to American University by the testing agency. TOEFL scores are valid for two years from the exam date, with a minimum required score of 85 on the internet-based test (iBT).
Complete the AU Declaration of Finances Form (AU DFF):
This form is required for students who need an F-1 student visa or J-1 exchange visa. It must be submitted by the application deadline, reflecting a minimum of US$81,620 for the first year of study and living expenses. The form should be uploaded as a signed PDF document to the AU applicant portal.
Choose an application plan:
American University offers several application plans: Early Action, Early Decision I and II, and Regular Decision. International students can choose the plan that best suits their needs and preferences. It is important to note that American University has a need-aware admissions policy for international students, considering their ability to cover all costs.
Submit the application and supporting documents by the deadline:
Both the application and all supporting documents must be received by the respective deadlines. American University offers a diverse and global community, attracting students from 110 countries. The university provides various resources and events for international students to navigate the admissions process and enhance their experience.
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Standardized testing's limitations and biases
American University in Washington, DC, offers test-optional admissions for undergraduate students. Applicants may choose whether or not to include their ACT and/or SAT scores in their application. However, if they do choose to self-report their scores, they will be required to submit official scores if they are admitted and enrol.
Standardized testing has been a part of the United States' education system for over 150 years. While some educators argue that these tests provide an objective measure of education standards, critics highlight the inherent biases and inaccuracies that harm students. Here are some limitations and biases of standardized testing:
Limitations
- Inaccurate results: Standardized tests do not measure a student's knowledge on specific subjects or their intelligence. A Brookings Institute study found that 50-80% of test score fluctuations were only temporary improvements caused by external factors rather than knowledge.
- Inadequate assessment of student learning: Multiple-choice or short-answer tests are poor indicators of student learning. Cognitive and developmental psychologists understand that knowledge is not separable into distinct bits, and that learning occurs by connecting new information to what one already knows.
- Distortion of the education system: Standardized tests often result in a narrow focus on teaching only the tested material, leading to the neglect of other subjects such as social studies, art, and music.
- Adverse impact on students: High-stakes testing can negatively affect students' perceptions of learning. Students may believe that the sole purpose of learning is to perform well on tests, and those who struggle with tests may internalize a sense of being deficient learners.
- Subjectivity and bias: Standardized tests are subjective in nature, from the questions asked to the determination of "correct" answers. Test designers may rely on questions that assume background knowledge more commonly held by certain demographic groups, leading to biased outcomes.
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Biases
- Racial bias: Standardized tests often include questions that assume background knowledge more commonly held by White, middle-class students. This creates an unfair advantage for certain racial groups and contributes to the spread of scores, allowing colleges to differentiate among applicants.
- Historical bias against minority groups: Standardized tests were historically used as tools by eugenicists to exclude people of color from predominantly White institutions. The tests were designed with explicit racist intentions and continue to disadvantage marginalized racial groups today.
- Predictive bias: Standardized tests have been shown to have predictive biases, influencing the scores and outcomes for various subgroups.
- Stereotype threat: Black and Latinx students often face stereotype threats, which can impact their performance and contribute to the racial bias inherent in these tests.
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AU's admissions process
American University (AU) in Washington, DC, has a test-optional admissions process. This means that prospective students can choose whether or not to include their ACT and/or SAT scores in their application. If applicants do choose to self-report their scores, they will be required to submit official scores if they are accepted to AU and decide to enrol. AU will superscore the Math, Reading, and English sections of the ACT for exams taken after March 2025. The Science section is not required for admission.
AU's test-optional policy is in line with a growing movement towards test-optional and test-blind admissions processes at colleges and universities. This movement was accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted standardized testing. However, it was already underway before the pandemic, driven by concerns about the limitations and biases of standardized testing, such as the correlation between test scores and family income.
All first-year applicants to AU are automatically considered for academic/merit scholarships, and no separate scholarship application is required except for the United Methodist Scholarship and Tuition Exchange. To be considered for need-based financial aid, students must complete the FAFSA and CSS Profile by the appropriate deadlines. AU admits a limited number of students each year and may offer a waitlist decision to some applicants.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, American University has adopted a test-optional policy for undergraduate students. This means that prospective students can choose whether or not to submit their ACT and/or SAT scores as part of their application.
While tests can help predict a student's potential for success, American University considers academic performance in the classroom to be the most important factor in its admissions decisions. The university also takes into account qualitative factors, such as essays, letters of recommendation, and extracurricular activities.
Submitting test scores is not a requirement for admission to the AU Honors Program or for merit awards consideration. However, applicants who choose to self-report their test scores will be required to submit official scores if they are admitted to AU and decide to enrol.
