How to apply as a Transfer Student
Our Admissions Committee is interested in knowing about you, including your academic interests and life outside of the classroom. The application is used for this purpose. Additional information from your transcripts, essays and letter of recommendation helps them evaluate you on your own academic merits. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
Students may apply online through the Common Application. A nonrefundable $75 application fee or fee waiver is required of all applicants.
Transfer Application Deadlines
Fall Semester
- Priority Deadline: May 1
Your application will be reviewed only after your file is complete. Applicants who complete their application for admission by May 1 will be notified of their admission decision by early June.
Please note that fall transfer applications will not begin to be reviewed until early April.
Spring Semester
- Priority Deadline: October 1
Spring transfer applicants will be notified of their decision by mid-November.
Financial Aid
Complete both the the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and CSS Profile if you wish to be considered for need-based aid. As financial aid is limited, transfers are encouraged to submit the FAFSA and CSS Profile well before the May 1 and November 1 deadlines.
Transfer Application Checklist
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Common Application, including the application essay
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Submit the nonrefundable $75 application fee or application fee waiver
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Official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended
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High school transcripts only if you have less than 24 semester hours
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Interruption of study. If you have been out of school for a semester or longer, excluding summers and school-designated breaks, you must provide us with a statement describing your activities during the period(s) you were out of school. You may submit a resume instead of a statement if the resume explains the interruption.
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Send your application materials. Supporting documents may be sent electronically via the Common Application or you may mail supporting documents to the following address:
American University
Undergraduate Admissions
4400 Massachusetts Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20016-8001
Additional Documents
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One letter of recommendation is optional for transfer students. You can select and assign at least one Academic Evaluator within the Common Application.
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Submit the College Report. All enrolling transfer students must submit the College Report. Please have a college official from your current or most recent institution complete the College Report as soon as you submit your enrollment deposit. This form ensures that you are in good academic standing at your current or most recent institution.
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Keep your course syllabi. We strongly encourage you to maintain a copy of college course syllabi as course syllabi may be required as part of the transfer credit evaluation. You may learn more about how your courses will transfer to AU on our Credit Guidelines website.
Minimum Admissions Requirements
Students who wish to be considered for transfer admission must be in good academic and disciplinary standing at all previously attended schools. Competitive transfer applicants have a GPA of at least 2.5/4.0 at their current institution.
English Proficiency
AU requires strong English language skills. All transfer applicants for whom English is not the first language (including US Citizens) or international students who will require an F-1 or J-1 visa to study at AU can prove English proficiency by following the instructions on our International Transfer web page.
When Will I Hear?
Your application will be reviewed only after your file is complete. You will be notified via email of missing documents, however, you should also check your application status through the Future Eagle Portal. Applicants who complete their application for admission will be notified of their admission decision by early June. Notification of your financial aid package (if applicable) will be included with your admission notification if you submit your FAFSA and CSS Profile by the May 1 deadline.
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