AU Admission Requirements

Admission Rate & Difficulty

Acceptance Rate

The acceptance rate at AU is 64.1%.  Its admission rate is the 6th lowest in District Of Columbia.

Admission Selectivity

How hard is it to get into AU and can you get accepted?

AU is a moderately competitive school to get into. You have a strong chance of acceptance if you meet the criteria. Last year, 12,594 out of the 19,650 who applied were admitted.

The school has extremely high admission requirements, generally admitting students who can score in the top 12 percent on standardized admission tests. American University typically accepts and attracts "A-" average high school students with an average GPA around 3.7. 19% of those admitted chose to enroll in the school.

Can you get into AU?

64% are accepted, can you get in? Use the admission calculator to see if you have the grades and test scores needed to get in. See your admission chances based on your extracurriculars, intended major, background, and more.

Admission Requirements in Brief

To have the best chance of getting into to American University you should:

• Have a high school GPA of 3.7 or better
• Earn A- grades in high school
• Score 1360 on the SAT
• Score 31 on the ACT
• Submit letters of recommendation from your teachers

GPA Requirements & Average GPA

What GPA do you need to get into American University?

GPA Requirements

The GPA requirements for getting into AU are to have around a 3.7 high school GPA. You are required to have very good grades in high school.

If your high school GPA meets these requirements, there is a good chance you will be accepted as AU accepts 64% of students who apply.

Average GPA

The average unweighted GPA at AU is 3.7 on the 4.0 scale. To achieve the average GPA for admission, you need to earn A- letter grades and regularly score around 90-92 percent on tests and assignments in high school.  The school ranks #3 in District Of Columbia for highest average GPA.

Importance of GPA

Since AU is a test optional college, extra focus will be placed on your GPA when the school considers your application. As a result, it is very important that you meet the GPA requirements.

See additional colleges accepting applicants in the 3.7 GPA range.

*This school has not published high school GPA data for its incoming freshman class. In these cases, CollegeSimply uses an algorithm to predict GPA based on this school's test scores and a large sample of college GPA data. 3.7 is a prediction of the school's average incoming freshman GPA.

Test Optional

Submission of SAT or ACT scores is not required for admission to American University. If you submit test scores, they will be considered with your application, but they are not mandatory. 28% of students submitted SAT scores and 18% submitted ACT scores for admission for the most recent academic year..

SAT Requirements & Average SAT Score

SAT Scores you need to get in

What are the SAT requirements for you to be admitted to American University?

Average Score & Range

The average SAT score at AU is 1360 out of 1600 and the range for the middle 50% of accepted students is 1280-1440. Students who get into American University score in the top 14 percent of all SAT test takers..  AU ranks #3 in District Of Columbia and #102 in the nation for highest average SAT composite score.

Score for Acceptance

You should target scoring 1360 or above to be most competitive with other applicants. AU regularly admits students with SAT scores down to 1280 on a 1600 scale. However, three quarter of admitted students score higher. If you score below a 1280, admission should be considered a reach. Some students may be accepted with minimum SAT's as low as 1200, but scores this low are outside the normal range.

Score Submission Requirements

American University is a test optional school meaning do not have to submit SAT scores with your application. The position on SAT scores from the college is "considered but not required".

View other colleges which accept students in the 1360 SAT score range.

Chance of Acceptance by SAT Score

The table below outlines your predicted admission chances based on SAT score alone. If you are an average applicant with a score of 1360, you have around a 64% chance of being admitted. A 1440 places you well ahead of most other applicants and gives you about a 77% chance of getting in.

ACT Requirements & Average ACT Score

ACT Scores needed to get accepted

What are the ACT requirements for students to get into AU?

Score Range

The average ACT score for admitted students to AU is 31, while the middle 50% of students (25th to 75th percentile) score between a 29 and 33.  The school ranks #3 in District Of Columbia and #78 in the U.S. for highest average ACT composite score.

Score for Acceptance

For the best chance of admission, you should have an ACT of 31. This will place you in solid competition against other applicants. At a minimum, you should aim for a 29 and score in the score in the top 9 percent nationally. The lowest ACT score likely to be admitted is a 27.

18 percent of applicants submit ACT scores to American University.

Score Submission Requirements

You do not have to to submit ACT scores with your application as American University is test optional. The policy from the school on ACT scores is "considered but not required".

Find other colleges with similar ACT score requirements

Chance of Acceptance by ACT Score

Here are your predicted chances of getting into AU for different ACT score ranges. A typical applicant with a 31 score has around 64% chance of getting in. Your odds increase to about 77% with a 33 ACT score.

Admission Statistics

Admission and enrollment rates by gender are detailed the the table below.

Fall 2024 Application Deadline

Application Fee

The cost for prospective students to apply to American University is $75.

Application Requirements

What are the requirements for admission to American University and what student information is used for admission decisions?

Credits Accepted

Admission Requirements Summary

Because AU is moderately competitive, you have a strong chance of acceptance with the right GPA and test scores. If you have a 3.7 GPA, you have a very good likelihood of getting in. A 1360 on the SAT and 31 on the ACT will further lock in your application.