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American

American University

One optional 250-word "changemaker" essay that quietly carries a lot of weight at AU.

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Required supplemental essays

0 (1 optional, strongly recommended)

Word limit

250 words

Common App personal statement

Required, up to 650 words

Testing policy

Test-optional

What American rewards

American University asks for one optional supplemental essay of 250 words, on top of your Common App personal statement (up to 650 words). There are no other required essays for general first-year applicants, though several scholars and honors programs add their own prompts. AU is test-optional, and only about a third of admitted students submit scores, so your writing does real work here.

The single supplement asks you to describe something you are excited about, framed around AU's idea of students as "changemakers." The core challenge is compression: you have 250 words to make a reader feel your genuine enthusiasm and see that you actually do something with it. Calling the essay "optional" is a trap. At a school built around passion and action, leaving it blank reads as a shrug.

01Genuine, specific passion. AU literally puts the words 'passionate' and 'changemaker' in the prompt. They want to feel that your excitement is real, not performed for admissions. A narrow, slightly unusual obsession beats a broad noble cause described in the abstract.
02Action, not just opinion. The strongest answers show you doing something with your interest: organizing, building, researching, volunteering, teaching yourself. AU is a school of internships and engagement in DC, so evidence that you act on what excites you signals fit.
03Awareness of impact. 'Changemaker' implies effect on people beyond yourself. You do not need to have changed the world, but showing how your interest connects to others, a community, or a problem reads as AU-shaped.
04A clear, lively voice. At 250 words, personality has nowhere to hide. AU rewards writing that sounds like a specific teenager talking about something they love, with concrete detail and a little wit, not a five-paragraph thesis.

Essay prompts for 2026-2027

1 prompt for American, each broken down with annotated examples.

The "Changemaker" Passion Essay250 words

American University students identify as changemakers and describe themselves as passionate. Describe a belief, hobby, idea, issue, or topic about which you're excited.

See all 1 prompt and get a read

Your chance

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Add your GPA, test scores, and profile to estimate your odds at American and build a balanced list.

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Deadlines

Early ActionNovember 1
Early Decision INovember 1
Early Decision IIJanuary 15
Regular DecisionJanuary 15

Cost

Sticker price$79,000
Avg net after aid$37,000
Meets full needPartial
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Explore American
How to get inAcceptance rate, the GPA and SAT profile, and what American weighs most Supplemental essays1 prompt, each broken down with annotated examples Cost & financial aidAverage $37,000/yr after aid · net price by income + calculator InterviewDoes American interview? Format, tips, and practice The American Reader ProScore your draft against American's exact prompts
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American FAQ

What is American's acceptance rate?

American University reviews applications holistically. With an acceptance rate around 62%, AU is moderately selective, and essays matter as a way to show fit and energy rather than to clear a numeric bar. The supplemental essay is technically optional, but skipping it at a school that prizes "changemakers" and demonstrated passion is a missed chance to stand out. AU is test-optional, so for many applicants the Common App essay plus this one short supplement carry most of the personal weight in the file. At American, a strong application essay and a well-balanced school list matter alongside your grades and test scores.

What supplemental essays does American require?

American requires 1 supplemental essay on its application. On EssayLens each prompt is broken down with annotated examples, and you can get a free admissions-style read of your draft against the exact prompt.

How much does American cost?

American's published sticker price is about $79,000 per year, but the average family pays $37,000 after financial aid. Your net price depends on your family income; use the calculator to estimate yours.

Does American require SAT or ACT scores?

American is test-optional: you can apply without SAT or ACT scores, and strong scores are just one factor among many when you do submit them.

When are American's application deadlines?

American's application deadlines are Early Action November 1; Early Decision I November 1; Early Decision II January 15; Regular Decision January 15. Add American to your plan on EssayLens to track its deadlines automatically.

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