Insider tips from our admissions staff, plus their answers to the golden question: Why AU?

Happy 2026! We’re excited to see what this new year brings after an engaging, connected, and busy fall in recruitment. 

This past fall, we started an AU Admissions staff spotlight series #TeamTuesday on our Instagram page @auadmissions, hoping to pull back the curtain for our prospective students and introduce them to the individual admissions recruiters and specialists that make up our dedicated staff. Along the way, we’ve gathered some helpful advice for you—directly from our admissions experts—as we approach the final first-year application deadline for our next class of future Eagles, January 15 for Early Decision II and Regular Decision applicants.

1. Interact with the school(s) you’re applying for at different touchpoints.

This can look like: Attending an open house event, tuning in for a webinar or virtual event, exploring through an information session and campus tour, and connecting with current students, faculty, and staff from the school of interest. It’s also a good idea to follow the college or university—and any affiliated accounts that interest you—on social media so you can observe student and campus life through the seasons; get real-time updates on important deadlines, resources, events, and other information you need during the search and application process; and build connections with current students or future college peers (you might even meet your future roommate!). Our AU Ambassadors are a great resource for the student perspective at AU.

2. Consider additional specialty programs that may require separate applications. 

Many schools offer special academic programs for first-year students and beyond. These programs—some of which require a separate application from the Common Application or a university’s admissions application—provide a rich and personalized experience as well as valuable benefits beyond your degree. From smaller classes, tight-knit communities, and closer faculty mentorship to exclusive access to research, internship, and study abroad opportunities, these are supportive environments that offer deeper engagement with your passions and interests. 

3. Narrow down your interests and then use them to narrow down your choices. 

Thinking ahead to your college experience may feel overwhelming at times... There’s so much to explore! So much you can do! While those sentiments are true, you already most likely have an idea of the things that interest you and spark joy, and the environments that you tend to thrive within (or don’t). So, think of what matters most to you and start there—just be careful not to box yourself in too much. Our lives are always evolving, our interests change, and you don’t need to figure out now what you're going to do for the rest of your life right now.

4. Don’t be afraid to reach out to your designated admissions representative and ask questions.

Our admissions representatives are here to help you and serve as your human interface to the process of choosing and deciding on the right college for you. Connecting with your assigned counselor can be very valuable in the application process, as they bring diverse perspectives, deep expertise, and a genuine passion for helping students find their path. Whether you're seeking advice on crafting your application, learning about academic opportunities, or exploring life in Washington, D.C., our team is excited to support your journey and share what makes American University a place to grow and thrive.

5. Utilize the college search process as a tool for self-discovery and, ultimately, be yourself.

An undervalued outcome of the college search is that it drives self-discovery through forcing you to reflect on your values, interests, and goals. When you’re moving through exploring majors, campus cultures and settings, extracurriculars, and your future aspirations, it becomes an exercise in puzzling together the pieces of your identity, your motivations, and your priorities; trusting in your own judgement as you advocate for your unique needs and find the environment that aligns closely with those.

As readers of your college application and essay, our admissions representatives want this sense of self-reflection, as well as your genuine personality, to shine through.

Just as our admissions staff are experts on the college application and enrollment process, they are also intimately familiar with American University as a campus and community. 

We asked our representatives a simple question—the one that every prospective student eventually comes to in their search: Why this school?