![American University main campus on a sunny day.](/admissions/first-year/images/Quad-Frisbee_640x366.jpg)
Applying to AU
American University is a diverse body of students, who represent all 50 states and 123 countries. Many of our students join us from other institutions, and bring a unique perspective to our community of changemakers. If you're looking for a school that will challenge you intellectually and provide you with access to one of the most international cities in the world, look no further.
This Is American University>
American University, Washington, DC
For families in need, we offer application fee waivers. Visit our application fee waiver page for instructions on how to apply to AU without paying the $75 application fee.
How to Apply
![American University main campus on a sunny day.](/admissions/first-year/images/Quad-Frisbee_640x366.jpg)
![Three girls on a bench using their laptop computers.](/admissions/first-year/images/Campus_3-Girls-with-Computers_640x366_Web.jpg)
Decision Plans & Deadlines
To provide students with the greatest flexibility, we offer four decision plans by which first-year applicants can apply for fall enrollment.
![Students sitting on bench in front of AU's Bender Library.](/admissions/first-year/images/Students-in-front-of-Library_640X366.jpg)
Early Decision
The Early Decision Plan at American University is an application option for first-year students for whom American University is their first choice.
![SIS Building in Spring](/admissions/experience-au/images/Dual-Banner-SIS-Web.jpg)
Test Optional
Prospective students may apply to AU through our Early or Regular Decision Plan without submitting standardized test scores.
First-Year Student Resources
![Students participating in a science experiment in the quad.](/admissions/images/D15_201_010_2.jpg)
Future Eagle Portal
Check the status of your application, register for events, and receive more information about AU.
![Students walking in front of SIS building and Bender Library](/admissions/first-year/images/SIS_Library_Students_640x366.jpg)
Special Academic Programs
AU offers a variety of special academic programs to which prospective first-year students can apply to.
![Students Studying at desks in hallway of Katzen](/admissions/first-year/images/Students-Studying-in-Katzen_640x366.jpg)
Credit By Exam
AU will accept a maximum of 30 credit hours from one or a combination of specific tests.
![Group of Students before 2017 Commencement](/admissions/first-year/images/Group-of-Students-before-Commencement_640x366.jpg)
Scholarships
All first-year applicants are automatically considered for academic/merit scholarships for which they are eligible.
![AU Glover Gate on Sunny Day](/admissions/first-year/images/AU-Glover-Gate_640x366.jpg)
Financial Aid
In order to be considered for need-based financial aid, students must complete the FAFSA and CSS Profile by the appropriate deadlines.
![Kay Labyrinth on Fall Day](/admissions/first-year/images/Kay-Labyrinth_640x366.jpg)
First-Year Deferral Policy
Students interested in deferring their admission for an intentional occasion must request a deferral by July 1.
Additional Resources
![Students on quad in front of Battelle Building](/admissions/first-year/images/Students-in-Front-of-Battelle-Building.jpg)
School Counselors
Our resource pages provides high school counselors the tools and information they need when assisting students considering AU.
![Students Study in Circle on Quad](/admissions/first-year/images/Students-Study-in-Circle-on-Quad.jpg)
Home-Schooled Applicants
American University welcomes applications from home-schooled students.
![AU Flag among trees](/admissions/first-year/images/AU-Flag_640x366-Web.jpg)
Undocumented Students
AU welcomes students from around the world. Citizenship has never been a condition for admission to AU.