no problem lol, I dont think you were being insensitive at all 
are honors programs really that much more work?? I assumed you just kind of had access to more resources and professors
I applied, but I have no idea when decisions are released for specialized programs. Is your daughter able to see if she got in?
Exactly! Thank you for saying that.
She did get in… but with zero financial aid.
Acceptance into the Sakura Scholar program was in the admission letter. It was identified in the second paragraph of her letter and reads:
“We are also pleased to notify you that you have been admitted into the Global International Relations program as a Sakura Scholar, our dual-degree program with Ritsumeikan University in Kyoto, Japan. This program, the first between a U.S. and Japanese university, allows you to spend two years at each institution, giving you a truly global degree with a focus on East Asia and the United States. The Sakura Scholars is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that we are excited for you to join.”
I did apply to honors, and got the email, but my admissions letter said I got into CBRS and I also received that email. Should I still assume it was a mistake?
I attended AU decades ago. After changing my focus in IR, AU’s program conflicted with my goals (Adnan Kashoggi years); I transferred across town. Otherwise, I loved AU and have mostly fond memories of my time there. I was so excited when my student applied.
This week has been a bit of a disaster for their Admissions office. My student could not access the portal for 2 hours. The merit aid was nice, but award amounts seem capricious. Said student received the three contradictory emails regarding honors acceptance. Student had applied so this was a salt-wound situation.
For context, student was admitted with a Dean’s Scholarship. 3.98 unweighted GPA, and a 5.34 weighted. 33 high school credits, of which just 2.5 were standard level (things like Driver’s Ed). Regional-international awards for writing and filmmaking. Varsity athlete/Captain. Multiple, longterm ECs focused on journalism, social justice, and leadership development. We have seen some of the rec letters; they are flattering and round out the application. Student is a writer, so essays are engaging, well-written, and received very positive feedback from a variety of readers. Of course, this part of the app is the wild card. Who knows what AU AO thought.
AU is the lowest-ranked school to which student applied, but it was still student’s #1 choice. 
The experience this week may be a bad sign of things to come.
A side note on what became a de facto litmus test. After attack on the Capitol, student searched for the presidents’ statements at all of the schools to which student applied. Schools who made statements rose in student’s rankings. Student wrote each of those presidents personal emails discussing their statements. Half wrote back amazing emails. Half did not write back. Student reworked rankings. Campus culture is important. AU’s Sylvia Burwell made statement, did not respond to email.
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Email was just sent out about the Honors program. It was a mistake in the database. I know this caused confusion and frustration but with so many things happening digitally, tech troubles are just part of our new way of life.
Also emailed regional rep about Cornerstone program. It is different then the historical mentorship program. Students are fully admitted degree seeking students in the fall. They are also awarded merit and need based awards. They take AU Core Classes and are on track to graduate on time.
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AU’s honors program has extra classes that make it up, as well as special honors sections of regular classes. At least at AU, the only extra resources are the professors that only teach honors classes and other students in the honors program. Honors Curriculum | American University, Washington, DC
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You should be in for CBRS. Congrats!
Qualified applicants get rejected all the time. It’s not a testament to the student’s merit or disqualification of AU’s admissions process. Also, univeristy admins probably get hundreds of emails each day and it’s unreasonable to penalize those who didn’t respond.
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Man, I just got the best AU acceptance package in the mail! They are so far winning with best stuff given ;).
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Be careful, in 6 hours or so they may apologize and take it back.
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My daughter’s came yesterday. Loved everything about it!!
lol there goes all my desire to go to au
That is so funny, wouldn’t doubt it!
May I ask what was inside of it? I live abroad so it’s gonna take a while before it comes!
It was so hard to get on the portal the other day and then that acceptance letter to the honors program that was then a mistake, I wish this didn’t make me dislike American but it does.
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Its like a string bag, a nice one! And then a bunch of stickers and info.
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I’m a bit confused. My HS senior was accepted to honors and your earlier comment seemingly discounted the program. We know there is an LLC and other events, activities, and what appears to be advising. Are you saying there are profswho teach only honors classes?
Two other DC schools have offered acceptance, merit, and honors with a lesser OOP cost. Trying to compare the offerings outside of the regular degree program. Thanks!
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