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
Africa
China
Latin America
Middle East/North Africa
North America
North Asia
Russia/Central Asia/Eastern Europe
South Asia
Southeast Asia
UK and Western Europe
Your Pre-Arrival Checklist
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:
Other links that international students find useful:
All official academic credentials must be submitted accordingly:
Special Instructions for Fall 2020:
Students must submit their final official academic credentials prior to orientation.
Final official transcripts in stamped and sealed school envelopes (and corresponding English translations, if applicable) are required for all international schools attended (international schools are defined as all schools outside the continental US).
A notarized copy of graduation certificate/diploma (and corresponding English translations, if applicable) will now be accepted.
All academic credentials and corresponding translations, once submitted, become the property of American University and cannot be returned.
Please send your documents to this address for Fall 2020:
American University
Office of Enrollment
3201 New Mexico Ave, NW
STE- B2
Washington DC 20016
Tel. 202-885-2575
Standard Operating Procedure:
| Term | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Fall | July 15th |
| Spring | December 1st |
| Summer | March 30th |
All official/original academic credentials (original official final transcripts for last four years of secondary education in sealed envelopes as provided by issuing institution and original certificate of graduation/diploma) along with certified English translations (if applicable) should be sent via courier* to the IAP office. Documents should arrive to our office by one of the three dates listed above, depending on application term, in order to be able to enroll in classes at American University. See below for address:
Office of Enrollment
3201 New Mexico Ave, NW
STE- B2
Washington DC 20016
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).
* recommended for tracking purposes.
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.
For all application and payment deadlines as well as move-in and program start dates, please visit the Important Dates page.
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.
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 |
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.
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).
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.