Hey guys, I really want to go to American University and I am going to apply ED 1 next year. I have gotten straight As, in all Honor classes with the exception of Math. I have gotten 1220 on SAT and 29 on ACT and 800 on my US and World History Subject Tests. I am president of my schools Model UN and political science club and am part of various clubs within my school. I am just worried that I won’t get in because I had a C in Honor Physics last semester, but throughout my high school years, I have gotten straight As and I got straight As last semester with the exception of Physics. Will I be able to get into American University ED even with that one C??? I have volunteered at political campaigns and help my community through organizing cultural events and participating in my local food pantry. Please help a prospective student out!!!
I doubt one C would keep you out, especially since it’s not in an area you want to pursue. Check out the common data set on their website to see where your stats place you. American cares A LOT about demonstrated interest, so make to sure to register and visit the campus, attend an Information session, and watch some of their webinars. Good luck!
ED acceptance rates for both ED1 & ED2 were 85%. I believe ED1 was 90% the year my son applied. So I think you will be fine as an ED applicant.
What year did your son apply?
There were two F’s on my transcript in bio and chem (although I had a strong explanation for those) and I was accepted ED2 this year. But don’t worry too much about it. Just let your passion shine.
@uyutea how did financial aid work out for you?
Last year - he’s a freshman.
What was your explanation? And what were your other stats (grades, SAT/ACT, Extracurriculars)
My reasons were genuine extenuating circumstances in my personal life. I’m not comfortable sharing them here but they were definitely drastic. I have a 3.4 GPA (because of those F’s), got a 1310 on my SAT, and 28 on my ACT. Regarding my ECs, I come from a rural, low socioeconomic community where there are very few opportunities to do anything so a lot of my ECs were either created by me or I had to go and find them myself. I’m the founder and director of an organization for disadvantaged youth to become leaders and activists within my community, am a scholar/member of a selective leadership program, am the president of Interact Club, was in cheerleading for three years, and organized several sustainability projects for my campus. I’m very active in my community and have done tons of volunteering as well. I also believe I had strong letters of recommendation to aid my app.
@pswillia I haven’t received my financial aid yet due to the need for additional documentation. It’s definitely a process.
What was your explanation? And what were your other stats (grades, SAT/ACT, Extracurriculars)
How did you notify the school of those circumstances? My son failed a class when we were moving from overseas to stateside and I would like for him to be able to address that.
On the Common App there is an optional supplemental essay students can write to address low grades. My daughter fractured her back sophomore year. She did not want to take painkillers while it healed. She had trouble concentrating in class given her pain level. That impacted her grades. Once her back healed, her grades went back up.