I've been looking into American University for a while now, and I was wondering if anyone knew what they typically look for in terms of GPA? I don't have the best grades but I have strong ECs. Thanks in advance!
American University targets applicants with a rigorous academic background. Based on the most recent data, the middle 50% of admitted students had high school GPAs ranging from 3.56 to 3.89 on a 4.0 scale. That said, American University utilizes a holistic review process, meaning they consider several factors beyond GPA in admissions, and strong extracurriculars that demonstrate leadership can have a positive impact.
It's worth noting that the university also considers grade trends. Improvement over your high school career can suggest resilience and growth. While achieving a GPA within the published range increases the odds of admission, it's by no means a guarantee, and conversely, a GPA below that range doesn't rule out your chances.
Bear in mind, however, grades and test scores will always be a critical part of your application since they form the basis of your Academic Index, a quantitative measure many universities, including American University, use for initial sorting of applications.
No matter your academic performance, it's essential for these elements to be paired with compelling essays, glowing letters of recommendation, and strong extracurricular involvement. Moreover, if you can illustrate a unique spike, or a profound depth of commitment in one particular area, that can make your application stand out just as well, if not more so, than high grades alone.
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