What GPA do you need to get into American University?

Among 133 applicants who posted a American University admission on r/collegeresults, the median unweighted GPA was 3.83 and the middle half reported 3.64 to 3.97 (96 reported a GPA). American University sets no minimum GPA; these are what admitted posters reported.

What SAT score do you need for American University?

Among 133 applicants who posted a American University admission on r/collegeresults, the median SAT was 1,460 and the middle half scored 1,383 to 1,518 (86 reported an SAT). The median ACT was 34.

Does applying early help at American University?

In these posts, 100% of early applicants who reported a result were admitted (35 of 35), against 68% in regular decision (46 of 68). Early pools differ in who applies, so this is a description, not a promise.

What extracurriculars do American University admits have?

The most common activity types among admitted posters were nonprofit/service (63%), athletics (49%), work/job (46%), debate/mun/speech (44%). 83% held at least one leadership role and 57% listed a national or international award.

What is the American University acceptance rate?

The official rate is published by American University in its Common Data Set. These pages do not compute one: people who post results are a self-selected group, so the share of admits among them is far higher than the real rate.

College admissions data

How to get into American University

What 133 admitted applicants actually had: their grades, test scores, activities, awards and intended majors, counted from 189 American University results that students posted for the 2016 to 2026 cycles. Every number below is counted, not estimated.

Applying to American University? Book a free call with a Specialist to see how your student’s file compares.

American University admits by the numbers

Median unweighted GPA

3.83

Middle half 3.64 to 3.97

Median SAT

1,460

Middle half 1,383 to 1,518

Median ACT

Middle half 31 to 34

Median weighted GPA

4.28

Middle half 4.06 to 4.49

Results posted: 133 admitted, 2 rejected, 54 waitlisted. People who post results are a self-selected group, so this is not the American University acceptance rate; the official rate is in American University’s Common Data Set.

What American University admits did outside class

Share of admitted applicants listing at least one activity of each type.

Nonprofit/Service63%
Athletics49%
Work/Job46%
Debate/MUN/Speech44%
Advocacy/Politics42%
Tutoring/Teaching37%
Journalism/Writing35%
Student government29%

Held a leadership role

83%

Founded something

40%

National or intl. award

57%

Did research

12%

Early vs. regular decision at American University

Early (35 results)100%
Regular (68 results)68%

Share of posters in each round who were admitted. Early applicants are a different group (often stronger and more certain), so read this as a description of these posts, not as odds.

Intended majors of American University admits

Political Science35%
International Relations14%
Business8%
Biology6%
Public Policy5%
English/Writing5%

Who got in

Of the admitted posters, 14% first-generation, 8% low income, 21% underrepresented minority, 14% legacy, 0% recruited athlete and 5% international. Of those who said where they enrolled, 9% chose American University.

Three recent American University admits

2026 cycle · EA · Political Science
Feminist magazine founder and policy-minded student who combined writing, mock trial, and a Senate internship.
GPA 3.82 UW · ACT 34 · Original post
2026 cycle · EA · Political Science
First-gen rural yearbook editor and golf-tournament fundraiser with strong AP credentials and a Carson Scholar honor.
GPA 4.00 UW · SAT 1320 · Original post
2026 cycle · EA · Political Science
Mock trial captain and legal-nonprofit advocate with dance, journalism, and bipartisan-dialogue leadership.
GPA 3.95 UW · SAT 1470 · Original post

Where else American University admits got in

American University admissions questions

What GPA do you need to get into American University?: Among 133 applicants who posted a American University admission on r/collegeresults, the median unweighted GPA was 3.83 and the middle half reported 3.64 to 3.97 (96 reported a GPA). American University sets no minimum GPA; these are what admitted posters reported.
What SAT score do you need for American University?: Among 133 applicants who posted a American University admission on r/collegeresults, the median SAT was 1,460 and the middle half scored 1,383 to 1,518 (86 reported an SAT). The median ACT was 34.
Does applying early help at American University?: In these posts, 100% of early applicants who reported a result were admitted (35 of 35), against 68% in regular decision (46 of 68). Early pools differ in who applies, so this is a description, not a promise.
What extracurriculars do American University admits have?: The most common activity types among admitted posters were nonprofit/service (63%), athletics (49%), work/job (46%), debate/mun/speech (44%). 83% held at least one leadership role and 57% listed a national or international award.
What is the American University acceptance rate?: The official rate is published by American University in its Common Data Set. These pages do not compute one: people who post results are a self-selected group, so the share of admits among them is far higher than the real rate.

Applying to American University?

A Specialist who got into a school like American University can read your student’s file against these numbers and say where it stands out and where it doesn’t.

Book a free call

Source: self-reported results posts on r/collegeresults, each linked from our Database, counted across the 2016 to 2026 cycles with transfer applicants excluded. Aristo Scholars is not affiliated with American University. All colleges