Before You Arrive

Welcome to American University!

We are excited to welcome you to our beautiful campus. There is a lot to consider and to do before you arrive. Moving to a new country can be intimidating, but we are here to help you through every step of the process. Follow the steps below to make sure you have everything in place before you board the plane.

Contact Your Advisor

We have a team of dedicated enrollment advisors whose job it is to make sure all your questions are answered and to ensure you have a smooth transition to the university.
Before you start on any of the steps below, contact your local enrollment advisor. Simply select your region of the world below, and send your advisor an email, Skype, WhatsApp, or WeChat message. We look forward to meeting you very soon!
    Selecting one of these links will replace the list of links with a combobox offering the same options presented in this list.
  • Africa
    Africa
  • China
    China
  • Latin America
    Latin America
  • Middle East/North Africa
  • North America
    North America
  • North Asia
  • Russia/Central Asia/Eastern Europe
  • South Asia
    South Asia
  • Southeast Asia
    Southeast Asia
  • UK and Western Europe

Your Pre-Arrival Checklist

1. Apply for Your Visa

After you receive your I-20, complete the following steps before booking your visa appointment:

  • Schedule a free visa information and preparation session with your personal Enrollment Advisor.
  • Check that the details on your I-20 are correct (including your date of birth) and make sure your name is the same as it appears on your passport.
  • Prepare the documents you will need to take to the embassy when attending your visa interview.

After you complete the above steps, you should apply for your visa as soon as possible. It requires an interview with the U.S. Embassy and can sometimes take several weeks to schedule.

  • Complete your Visa Application.
  • Pay your I-901 (SEVIS) fee.
  • Visit usembassy.gov to learn more about scheduling your visa appointment, what to expect when you arrive, and the documentation you need to take with you.
  • Notify your personal Enrollment Advisor of the date and Embassy of your visa appointment.
  • Watch these videos to help you apply for your visa and prepare for your interview:

Can’t see the video? Look on Youku.

Can’t see the video? Look on Youku.

Other links that international students find useful:

2. Submit Your Academic Documents

Undergraduate Non-US High Schools

Please request from your high school counselor(s) all final official transcripts from Grade 9 to Grade 12 in sealed and stamped school envelopes, and a copy of your original certificate of high school graduation/diploma along with certified or notarized English translations. Once you collect all documents, please notify your enrollment counselor for next steps.

If the English translation of the high school diploma is not provided by any of your schools, a notary attesting the English translation that matches exactly the original high school diploma in original language is required. Note: For countries other than China, a Certified English translation suffices.

Undergraduate US High Schools

Please request that your high school counselors email scanned final official transcripts to acosta@american.edu cc finalofficials@auaccelerator.com.

A-Level or IB official results (if applicable) must be sent to American University directly by the testing agency.

If you attended multiple high schools, the original transcripts with translation (if applicable) will need to be submitted individually following the above-mentioned ways.

If you have any transcripts from post-secondary institute(s), original college transcript(s) will also need to be submitted following the above-mentioned ways – non-US scanned copies of official transcripts and of school’s sealed envelopes (front and back) and US schools’ transcripts should be submitted to via email to acosta@american.edu cc finalofficials@auaccelerator.com directly by the school counselor.
Graduate (MAP) students must provide their enrollment counselor with scanned copies of their official academic transcripts of undergraduate studies (bachelor’s degree), certificate/diploma of graduation (both original certificate and a certified English translation if applicable).

3. Complete Your Pre-arrival Advising Session

Trained by U.S. News Global Education, your American Collegiate advisor provides personalized one-on-one sessions to ensure you are ready to begin your journey here in Washington, DC. This session will include:

  • A welcome and overview of the American Collegiate program outlining what to expect over the following semesters.
  • Discussion of your academic goals, including your intended major and course interests. You will also be registered for courses for your upcoming semester.

This is an opportunity to have your questions about the program and city answered as you prepare to live and learn in Washington, DC. Click here to sign up for your session.

4. Submit Your Arrival Details

Once you book your travel, visit our Arrival page to enter your travel itinerary and confirm your free airport pickup if required. Airport transfer is available at both Dulles International Airport (IAD) and Reagan National Airport (DCA) airports. These important details will help the campus team prepare for your arrival and make your big day go as smoothly as possible.

 

For all application and payment deadlines as well as move-in and program start dates, please visit the Important Dates page.

5. Pay Your Tuition and Fees

Making your payment in full two weeks before you arrive will help avoid delays with enrollment. Before you begin, please make sure you have your offer letter in front of you, as you will need to refer to the information in the letter.

Flywire is the preferred method to submit payment for tuition and fees:

  • Flywire by Peer Transfer: Please visit American Collegiate’s flywire portal to complete the transfer process. Please note that you can not use a U.S. credit card or U.S. bank account.
  • Please be aware that if you do not pay your balance as indicated on your statement of fees by the payment deadline, the following may occur:
    •  Late payment fees may be charged.
    • You may have your scholarship and/or waivers rescinded. In such cases, you will be responsible for the full cost of your program.
    • You may encounter delays or other issues enrolling and registering for classes.

6. Create Your MyAU Portal Account

Please visit the Create MyAU Account page to claim your MyAU account. Accessing your MyAU Portal will allow you to complete the remaining steps on this list, including submitting your immunization forms and submitting your photo ID.

7. Submit your COVID-19 proof of vaccination

Submit your COVID-19 proof of vaccination

Submit your proof of vaccination by following these instructions. Upload your documentation as soon as you receive your final dose. Please remember that it takes two weeks after the final dose to be fully immunized. Receiving your final dose and uploading documentation by August 1 ensures that you will be in compliance by August 15 and approved for campus presence.

8. Complete These Required Forms

You will need to complete and submit the following forms before your arrival.

Term Immunization Form FERPA Disclosure Form
Spring December 15th December 15th
Summer  May 15th May 15th 
Fall July 15th July 15th

 

9. Take Math Placement Test

Incoming American Collegiate students are required to take a math placement test before they arrive on campus. You will need to complete this before you leave your home country. Here are the instructions on how to take the exam.

Please note: this is not required of incoming Pre-Sessional English program students.

10. Submit Your ID Photo

All students are required to submit an ID photo below one month before your move-in date.

See here for the photo requirement.

Important note: Any student who does not submit their ID photo before arrival will not be able to have their ID preprinted and will likely not be able to use your meal plan during welcome week (the meal plan is linked to the ID card).

 

*

indicates a required field






Found on your Statement of Fees


If you are having issues with form submit your ID photo to studentservices@americanaccess.org

Helpful Resources

Next Steps Guide

This useful brochure is full of information on your I-20 paperwork required for your visa, what you should pack, and other tips to prepare you for your arrival to the American University campus.

Immigration Guide

This guide will help you learn more about the process for getting your F-1 visa and arriving in Washington, DC.

Pre-Arrival Checklist

Check off everything on this list to ensure you have completed all the steps before you arrive and bring everything you need to the American University campus.

Orientation Schedule

Here’s an example of what your orientation schedule might look like. During orientation, you will receive a full campus tour, see the sights around Washington, DC, and get to know your fellow international students!

Academic Calendar

Plan ahead! This calendar tells you when class starts and ends, and when holidays and exams are happening.