American University Admission Rate?

Hey, I'm a junior considering American University for college, but I'm kind of worried about its competitiveness. Can anyone provide some insights on its admission rate, and what they really look for? I'm super nervous, thanks in advance!

American University's admission rate tends to fluctuate each year, but for the most recent admissions cycle, it was around 47%. This means that American University accepts approximately a third of its applicants, so it's competitive, but certainly not impossible to be admitted.

The university uses a holistic evaluation process, meaning they assess not just your academics, but also your activities, leadership experiences, and personal character. This allows the admissions team to get a full picture of who you are as a student and individual.

Now, speaking of academics, having strong grades and a challenging course load works in any applicant's favor, as this shows your ability to handle rigorous coursework. Furthermore, as much as test scores are not the be-all-end-all, they can supplement your academic profile. American University is test-optional for the years to come, but if you have strong test scores, it can't hurt to include them!

Now, moving on to the non-academic side of things, American University values community involvement and leadership. This can be demonstrated through your extracurricular activities. Don't worry about having a laundry list of activities - it’s better to showcase a few activities where you've had significant involvement, leadership roles, or shown any sort of initiative. Quality outweighs quantity in this case.

Lastly, writing a compelling essay that highlights your personality, values, or goals can help. You can include personal anecdotes, talk about experiences that shaped you, or discuss a cause that's very important to you. This helps the admissions team get to know you beyond the grades and test scores.

Ultimately, be authentic and lean into what makes you unique as an applicant. Those unique qualities can set you apart from other candidates. Good luck!