American / Interview
The American interview
Optional interview, and it carries minor weight in the decision. Here is how it works and how to prepare.
Optional interview
Optional alumni interview, ~30-45 min, virtual or in your area; conducted by AU alumni volunteers through the Alumni Admissions Program
How to prepare for American
- AU interviews are informational and low-pressure , the alumnus is not scoring you against a rubric, so treat it as a conversation about why AU fits your goals, not a gatekeeping event.
- AU defines itself around civic engagement and social change; be ready to speak concretely about a cause or issue you care about and why Washington DC is the right place to pursue it.
- Not all applicants are contacted for an interview , if you are offered one, accept it, as declining signals low interest at a school that weighs demonstrated enthusiasm.
- Follow up with a brief thank-you note to your interviewer; AU's culture prizes professionalism and community, and it reinforces the genuine interest you want to project.
Practice before the real thing
Rehearse real admissions-interview questions and get an honest read on your answers, what an interviewer hears, where you sound generic, and what to sharpen. We coach you; we never script you.
Practice interview questionsStill building your American application?
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