I am a senior this year and would like to see my chances of getting into American, and seeing if I should apply test optional or not. I have taken advanced and AP classes through highschool and studied Spanish 3 years before spending my junior year abroad with Rotary in Germany ( I now take Dual Enrollment (basically AP) German 4). I was able to learn German and participate in many activities there such as an Economy camp, retreat in Tazie, France, played on a soccer team, and many other things. I now know how to speak German and participate in Interact Club (I am the President this year) as well as Rotex (organization for ex-exchange students). I have played sports (volleyball, basketball, cross country, soccer in Germany) throughout highschool and also participated in the Science Club and Model UN. I also work a part-time job at a local restaurant. My GPA is 4.1 and so far this year I have straight As. I got a 26 on the ACT my first time and a 25 my second time. I will take it again on the October Date and hope it improves after being tutored. I also have good letters of rec (one from my AP US History teacher, a good guidance counselor and a teacher of mine in Germany) My dad is a lawyer and my mom has yet to obtain a bachelors degree. I was wondering what my chances for American are? and if it is better if I apply with or without my test-scores.
I think you have a pretty good chance whether you go test optional or not.
I applied test optional last year and my stats weren’t as good as yours but I got in, but was accepted for spring 2016, don’t know if it was because I applied test optional or it was random.You have things that AU loves; experience abroad, a second language, and good amount of extra curricular. You just have to have a very good essay and show that you have interest in the school and I don’t see any problems with you getting in.
Since your act scores are in the average range for AU, in my opinion you should apply with your scores so you have a better chance at getting some merit aid.