Please pardon our appearance as we rebrand from American Access to American Collegiate at American University. 
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!
Please meet our team:
Please meet our team:
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-90 (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:
| 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:
International Accelerator Program
4801 Massachusetts Ave NW Suite 532
Washington, DC 20016, USA
+1-202-885-6986
* recommended for tracking purposes.
Trained by U.S. News Global Education, your American Access 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 Access 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.
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.
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
When purchasing your ticket to Washington, DC, plan to arrive on or before your scheduled move-in day. Once you book your flight, visit the Arrival Page to enter your arrival information and confirm if you need your free airport pickup. These important details will help the campus team prepare for your arrival and make your big day go as smoothly as possible.
| First year, Advanced / First Year | Extended First Year | Pre-sessional English | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summer 2019 | N/A | N/A | June 1, 2019 |
| Fall 2019 | August 18, 2019 | August 18, 2019 | August 21, 2019 |
| Spring 2020 | January 8, 2020 | January 8, 2020 | January 8, 2020 |
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.
Choose between two ways to submit payment for tuition and fees:
- Flywire by Peer Transfer: Please visit American Collegiate DC flywire portal to complete the transfer process. Please note that you can not use a U.S. credit card or U.S. bank account.
- Wire Transfer: Find the wire transfer information on your offer letter. When making the transaction, be sure to include the student’s name and birthday.
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.
You will need to complete and submit the following forms before your arrival.
| Immunization Form | FERPA Disclosure Form | |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | December 15th | December 15th |
| Summer | May 15th | May 15th |
| Fall | July 15th | July 15th |
Incoming American Access students are required to take a math placement test before they arrive on campus. You will need to complete this before 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.
Helpful Resources
Next Step Brochure
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.