<p>Well, American University is my first choice, and I’m going to apply regardless, just wondering what I can expect.</p>
<p>GPA: 3.5-3.6 unweighted, 3.6-3.65 weighted
Course load: 4 Honors Classes, 5 AP classes, 3 AP self-study tests
Rigorous college prep school</p>
<p>ACT: Currently 26 composite (weak math, high English/Reading), but I’m retaking it and shooting for 28 at least. </p>
<p>Average-Good extracurriculars.
Good recommendations.</p>
<p>From Nebraska, so not well-represented.</p>
<p>i would say in...........</p>
<p>in the ballpark. how's your commitment to community service/activism?</p>
<p>My community service is dismal (in comparison to some of the other candidates on CC).</p>
<p>Roughly 150 hours of volunteering at a local homeless shelter
100 hours of service for a small town parks and recreation
50 hours with Habitat for Humanity
75 hours as a Youth Wrestling Coach
Participated in a week-long service trip to Rosebud Indian Reservation</p>
<p>Volunteered for the odd events (service days, fundraisers, etc.), but nothing too big.</p>
<p>I'm looking to get more involved in political activism though - as it's my true passion. I've worked 50 hours as the campaign manager for a small town councilwoman (only 5000 people and the candidate was a family friend), and I'm trying to get more involved in the senatorial and presidential races that are coming up.</p>
<p>i don't think your community service sounds dismal...and don't compare yourself to others on CC ( many are 'over the top' ) :) yes, go for all that political activism. AU is huge on service to others and politics..duh, DC!! be sure you present all your good stuff cohesively and passionately. good luck.yes, and NEBRASKA'S a GREAT THING, demographics-wise!</p>
<p>Hey Walt,</p>
<p>Nice to see a fellow Nebraskan apply to AU. If you have questions just PM me or just post some more and I will gladly answer them to the best of my knowledge :)</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>
<p>Thanks for the input everyone!
And swmass, I don't see very many fellow Nebraskans on this board, it certainly is a rarity.</p>
<p>Just out of curiosity, does anyone know how good American University is at awarding financial aid? As even if I were admitted, cost would definitely be a concern.</p>
<p>walt,</p>
<p>AU has great merit-based awards generally granted to Honors Program acceptees and other top-of-the-pool acceptees. However be sure to note that in past two years merit-based awards at AU have become less lucrative than before. There are not as many full-tuition scholarships granted and most students now have their scholarship capped at $25k a year. With annual 6% tuition increase, the difference between $25k scholarship and full-tuition scholarship is currently about $5~6K per year. Merit aid decisions are based primarily on your SAT scores and high school GPA.</p>
<p>If you are from DC metro area, MD, and VA, AU gives out some more regional scholarships. Also, the school gives out some scholarship for underepresented racial minorities. I have a friend who falls into all three categories (underrepresented minority Honors student from DC metro area) and she is not paying a dime to go to AU.</p>
<p>That being said, I have to say that AU's need-based financial aid is not at all great. Unfortunately, it seems to me that many students end up attending institutions elsewhere because of the lack of competitive financial aid and soaring price tag that currently stands at $45k a year. Unless your parents are very wealthy and are able to self-finance your college education you have three options: 1. prep hard for SAT/ACT and get above 2100/30 and hope for the best from there; 2. get loans, loans, and more loans and bury yourself in debt; or 3. just go to a school elsewhere that is cheaper (and sometimes even better).</p>
<p>Let me know if you have more questions :).</p>
<p>swmass -
I wish someone had given my D your advice before she got her heart set on AU and couldn't go because of financial aid. A few of the best students get the top merit scholarships. But other good students will have to pay quite a bit - low percentages of students are having their full demonstrated financial aid met. (I think average % of need met is around 50%). That means - lots of students & families are sacrificing or taking big loans. Not a good thing in today's unstable credit environment. I'm concerned about the high number of students accepted and the small number enrolling - I think it may have to do with the "gap" even for good students.</p>
<p>AU is such a great school - it's worth the try. But have a back up plan unless you're wealthy or top candidate or some other exceptional candidate.</p>
<p>by now many of you know of my devotion to AU. for the right student, there's no comparison. however, in memory of my mom, i want to thank her for all her savings for my kids since their births. it allowed my d to go to AU as her hands-down first choice.</p>