A successful statement will illustrate a candidate's goals, highlight their research interests, and explain how their experience is relevant to the academic research conducted by faculty in their program of interest. Please try to limit your statement of purpose to 500-1,000 words.

The resume should list a candidate's relevant work experience, internships, research, awards, and/or publications, as well as educational history.
A curriculum vitae (CV) is also accepted.

All applications require transcripts from degree-seeking college institutions. A bachelor's degree (or its equivalent) earned at an accredited college or university is required. AU standards ask for a minimum 3.0 GPA for undergraduate work. For students who received under a 3.0 GPA, a supplemental statement will be required during application.

A transcript uploaded by a student is considered unofficial. Departments use these during their review period. Official transcripts are required only after the applicant has accepted admission to American University. Official transcripts must be sent and received by a university representative and should confirm the earned degree when applicable.

International transcripts will need to be evaluated and show equivalency of the US 4-year degree. Please include a WES evaluation with your transcript.

Recommenders will evaluate a candidate based on academic performance, motivation for program of study, intellectual capacity and/or research and writing ability.

Fill out the Recommendations page on the application to send your recommender a notification. Your recommender will receive a form to fill out asking specific questions and have a change to upload a letter of recommendation, if they wish.

If you experience any errors with the Recommendation Request form or if you need to submit a new request to a new recommender, contact education@american.edu.

GRE - Not required for any programs but students may upload scores if they wish.
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): You must achieve a required score of at least 100 on the Internet-based test (IBT).
International English Language Testing System (IELTS). You must achieve a minimum score of a 7.0 or higher, combined scores will not be accepted. The test cannot be more than two years old.

All applications require transcripts from degree-seeking college institutions. A bachelor's degree (or its equivalent) earned at an accredited college or university is required. AU standards ask for a minimum 3.0 GPA for undergraduate work. For students who received under a 3.0 GPA, a supplemental statement will be required during application.