Changemaking/hobbies Short Response

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

Honors Program Short Response 1

AU Honors students are distinguished by their sense of intellectual curiosity, both inside and outside of the classroom. Tell us what you are most curious about, and how that curiosity has influenced your life thus far.

Honors Program Short Response 2

What aspect of the AU Honors Program piques your interest the most?

Honors Program Short Response 3

We all have meaningful experiences that shape us and inform our worldview. What aspect of your background would you most like to share with other students in the Honors Program?

Lincoln Scholars Essay 1

Tell us about a morally complicated text that you think would lead to good discussion for first year college students. In what way is the text morally complicated and why do you recommend it?

Lincoln Scholars Essay 2

One goal of the Lincoln Scholars program is to encourage intellectual and political diversity on campus. What does this goal mean to you and why does a program with this goal interest you?

Lincoln Scholars Short Response

List five texts, magazines, movies, websites, podcasts, music, or other media (no social media apps or platforms) that are important to you and explain briefly why you like each one. Please list a variety of types of media.

Sakura Scholars Essay 1

The Sakura Scholars program requires students to study in both the United States and Japan, learn the Japanese language, focus on regional topics in East Asia and the Pacific, and complete a capstone for the joint bachelor’s degree in Global International Relations. Why are you interested in this program? What are your personal and/or professional goals and how will this program help you to reach them?

Sakura Scholars Essay 2

In this joint degree program, you will gain first-hand comparative international experience as you spend two years at American University and two years at Ritsumeikan University. Think of a time when you faced a challenge or found yourself in an unexpected situation. Explain what happened, what you learned, and how this experience might help you adapt to different intercultural situations, and work through future challenges as a Sakura Scholar.

Global Leader Scholarship Short Response 1

Discuss a significant issue in your home country about which you are passionate and describe how you would use the education you obtain at our institution, American University (AU), Washington, DC, to create positive civic and social change once you return home.

Global Leader Scholarship Short Response 2

Discuss your current involvement in community service projects and volunteer activities. Describe what you have learned about yourself as a result of these activities.

Global Leader Scholarship Short Response 3

Describe an obstacle or challenge you have faced in your life. How have you overcome this challenge and grown from this experience?

Global Leader Scholarship Short Response 4

The AU Diplomats are a diverse group of current AU international students and US Global Nomads who have been selected by the AU Admissions team to form and maintain connections with new and prospective American University (AU) students, and to represent AU to the international community.

Our Emerging Global Leader Scholar is expected to play an impactful role in the work of our AU Diplomats group. What outreach, communication, and/or intake strategies would you employ to inform and welcome new and prospective students to American University, Washington, DC?

Global Leader Scholarship Short Response 5

What are the characteristics of leadership that you most admire? Who is a leader that exemplifies those qualities, and why?

Global Scholars Program Essay 1

In your view, what is the greatest challenge facing humanity today and how do you envision yourself being part of the solution?

Global Scholars Program Essay 2

Describe a situation in which you had to work harder than you expected. When and how did you know that your current efforts were not enough? How did you adjust?

Politics, Policy and Law Scholars Essay

You have been hired to advise a member of Congress or a state legislator (you can choose which one, but you should pick one) about the issues that affect Americans aged 18-26. You have been asked to identify one legal, political, or policy issue that will resonate with this group of Americans and recommend a policy proposal that he or she should support and promote. Explain the issue, explain why the elected official should highlight it, and propose a specific original policy solution. Provide support for your proposed solution. Your proposal should not simply be to support another individual’s already created policy.

Politics, Policy and Law Scholars Short Response 1

The Politics, Policy, and Law Scholars Program is an intensive course of study in which students from diverse backgrounds live and learn together. Given its intense and unique nature, why do you want to be a part of the program? Why do you think you would be a good fit for the Politics, Policy and Law Scholars Program?

Politics, Policy and Law Scholars Short Response 2

The Living Learning Community and cohort aspects are integral parts of the of the Politics, Policy & Law Scholars Program. Describe a specific project, course, or other experience that required you to work with others toward a shared goal or to resolve conflict and build consensus. How did you contribute to accomplishing the goal or resolving conflict? How did you engage with others? How has this experience prepared you for the PPL program? Be specific.

Public Health Scholars Essay

Statement of Interest and Qualifications: Explain what you hope to gain from joining a 3-year program majoring in public health. Explain how your academic and extracurricular experiences have prepared you for this special academic program.

Public Health Scholars Short Response

Reflective Essay: Explain how your personal background will bring a unique perspective to the Public Health Scholars program and contribute to the collective of public health students and faculty at American University.