|
Admission Policy
The American University in Cairo admits undergraduate and graduate degree-seeking applicants for the fall and spring semesters. The University welcomes the applications of Arabic Language Institute, Study Abroad and non-degree applicants for the summer session, as well as the fall and spring semesters.
The University, in keeping with the long-standing protocol with the Egyptian government, maintains an enrollment of undergraduate degree-seeking students that is at least seventy-five percent Egyptian. Accordingly, AUC establishes quotas regarding the offer of admission and enrollment of non-Egyptian students.
Academic Preparation
The University seeks highly qualified applicants who complete the most demanding courses available in secondary school. Excellent grades in honors classes indicate the applicant's ability and willingness to meet the academic challenges of university study. The University's most capable first-year applicants have achieved excellent grades while completing a well-balanced university preparatory program that includes:
- A modern language with an emphasis on great literary works and expository writing
- Mathematics including algebra, geometry, and trigonometry
- A second modern language
- Physical and/or biological science
- Humanities, social science and the fine arts
- Physical and health education
In addition, AUC considers the personal qualities of applicants—how well they have taken advantage of available resources, whether they have faced and withstood unusual adversity, and the extent to which they show promise as a contributing member of the AUC community. The University also considers applicants' personal achievements outside the classroom as demonstrated by sustained participation, commitment, and leadership in school and community activities.
The University and the Egyptian Ministry of Education require that all students entering AUC complete a minimum of eleven years of primary and secondary education prior to enrollment in University courses. Egyptian applicants must provide proof, in the form of a first-year primary certificate or Idadia Certificate that they have completed at least eleven years of education, including three years of study following the Idadia or the equivalent. Non-Egyptian applicants must provide comparable proof of a minimum of eleven years of combined primary and secondary education.
Admission Procedure
Applicants may apply for admission up to one year in advance of their anticipated date of first enrollment. The University reviews completed admission applications on a rolling basis. AUC cannot determine the admissibility of candidates with incomplete applications.
All undergraduate degree-seeking admission applicants must submit official secondary school academic transcripts, mark sheets, and/or certificates. Applicants who have attempted post-secondary studies must also submit official academic transcripts, mark sheets, and/or certificates from each post-secondary school attended regardless of whether they have earned credit or seek transfer credit. All academic records not in English or Arabic must be accompanied by certified English translations. All academic records submitted by applicants become the property of the University and replaceable documents may not be returned.
All undergraduate degree applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English by submitting recent AUC English Language Placement Entrance Test (ELPET), TOEFL and/or SAT results, or completed college-level English coursework. Non-Egyptian applicants and/or their sponsors must provide official evidence indicating that a minimum of $16,000 is available to cover the tuition, fees, travel, and living expenses for the first year of study at the University.
The Admission Decision
The most important criterion for admission to AUC is demonstrated sustained academic achievement. The undergraduate admission application review process at the University requires evidence of successful completion of an accredited secondary school program, as well as success in collegiate studies (if applicants have enrolled in a post-secondary program). The quality of work, appropriateness of program, and academic standing among peers are also important considerations. Applicants who have selected a rigorous academic program and who have achieved distinction in a range of academic courses are the most likely candidates to receive an offer of admission.
The University's most qualified candidates have earned excellent grades in their courses. However, the University has witnessed that from time to time students with lower grade averages and/or test scores perform better than those with higher grades or scores. Because of this, when determining admission, the University considers a combination of factors including academic program, grades and test scores, as well as geographic origin, and participation in extracurricular activities. The vast majority of those applying to AUC are capable of succeeding scholastically at the University. Many more academically qualified students apply for admission than there is room available. The University's task is not simply to select those who are qualified, but to identify those who have distinguished themselves.
All applicants offered admission must submit the nonrefundable tuition and fee confirmation deposit of US$250 (or the equivalent in Egyptian pounds) on or before the confirmation deposit deadline. The non-refundable deposit is credited toward the first academic term tuition payment. Full tuition and fee payment must be made at least 30 days before the beginning of classes or immediately if the admission offer is sent within 30 days of the beginning of classes.
Admission to an Undergraduate Degree Program
Admission applicants must submit all required application materials to be considered for admission. The current Undergraduate Admission Application booklet lists the specific documents that applicants must submit to complete the application. The information is also available on the World Wide Web at http://www.aucegypt.edu/students/admiss/.
Minimum requirements for first-year applicants. AUC's minimum requirements for first-year applicants vary by the type of secondary program. In recent years, the University has received as many as four applications for each freshman class opening. Because of the large number of qualified applicants, those offered admission generally score well above the following minimums:
- Thanawiya Amma—Arts, Math or Science (General Secondary Certificate of Education). Submit the results of both the first sitting (completed at the end of the tenth year) and the final sitting (completed at the end of the eleventh year) of theThanawiya Amma. Applicants must earn at least 70 percent on the final sitting to be considered for admission.
- Tawjihi—Arts, Math or Science (General Secondary Certificate of Education). Submit the results of both the first and the final sitting of the Tajihi. Applicants must earn at least 70 percent on the final sitting to be considered for admission.
- British Certificate. Submit at least eight subject GCE, GCSE, and/or IGCSE certificates with the grade of C to be considered for admission. The grade of D in Advanced Level subjects will be counted toward the minimum of eight required subjects. Applicants that have completed advanced (A-Level and AS- Level) subjects and have earned excellent grades are given preference. Appli cants must submit all certificates to the University. However, AUC utilizes only the best eight certificates during the admission evaluation process.
- American High School. Complete a college preparatory program of courses with at least a 2.0 (on a four-point scale) grade point average in academic courses, and submit combined math and verbal SAT scores of at least 900 (math and verbal combined) or comparable ACT scores. Applicants who have at tended an accredited high school for less than three semesters must also submit official results of two SAT II subject tests with minimum scores of 550.
- International Baccalaureate. Complete the International Baccalaureate Diploma program. Applicants who successfully complete one or more higher level subjects in combination with the American high school diploma or British General Certificates of Education (GCE, GCSE, or IGCSE) must present the credentials required for admission from those programs in addition to their higher level IB subject grades.
- Zeugnis der Allgemeinen Hochschulreife/Abitur (German Secondary Certifi cate). Complete Gymnasium or high school and submit Abitur results. The academic average is a minimum of four.
- Baccalaureate de l'Enseignement Secondaire (French Secondary School series L, S or ES). Complete the French Baccalaureate with an academic average of at least 12.
- Canadian Certificates, College d'Enseignement General et Professionel (CEGEP) and the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD). Complete the diploma with a minimum of 70 percent.
- Other Programs and Certificates—complete a rigorous university preparatory secondary education program.
Early Admission
AUC considers the most academically qualified fall applicants for Early Conditional Admission. This offer is extended in the spring of the final year of secondary study. The current Undergraduate Admission Application booklet lists the specific requirements for Early Admission. The information is also available on the World Wide Web at http://www.aucegypt.edu/students/admiss/.
Applicants offered Early Conditional Admission must complete all secondary school graduation requirements, achieve a level of academic performance comparable with the performance on which the offer of admission was based, and submit all required documents prior to enrolling in the University. In addition, those currently enrolled in post-secondary studies must successfully complete those courses and provide the University with final official records. If the final academic results are not comparable to those on which the offer of Early Conditional Admission was based, the University reserves the right to withdraw the offer of admission.
Advanced Placement
Applicants who complete university-level studies as part of their secondary school program with the equivalent of a grade of "B" are eligible for transfer credit as follows:
- International Baccalaureate Diploma. AUC awards 15 credits of lower-division general elective transfer credit for the completion of the IB Diploma with a minimum point total of 30. In addition, the University grants up to 15 transfer credits for higher level academic subjects with grades of five, six, or seven (out of seven).
- The College Board Advanced Placement (AP) Examinations. The University grants up to 30 transfer credits for subjects with scores of four or five (out of five).
- Zeugnis der Allgemeinen Hochschulreife/Abitur (German Secondary Certifi cate). AUC awards up to 30 transfer credits for academic subjects with the final combined two-year scores of ten or more (out of 15).
- Baccalaureate de l'Enseignement Secondaire (French Secondary School series L, S or ES). The University grants up to 30 transfer credits for academic subjects with advanced level scores of 14 or more (out of 20).
- British Certificates (GCE Advanced Level). AUC grants up to 30 transfer credits for A-level subjects with grades of A or B.
- Canadian Certificates, College d'Enseignement General et Professionel (CEGEP) and the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD). The University awards up to 30 transfer credits for academic subjects completed at the higher level with grades of 70 percent of more. AUC does not grant transfer credit in the absence of the CEGEP Diploma, or if students complete fewer than six OAC subjects in the OSSD.
Study Abroad/Non-Degree Admission
Degree-seeking students at other recognized institutions who wish to augment their education by completing coursework at the American University in Cairo apply for admission as study abroad/non-degree students. Study abroad/non-degree applicants must satisfy the requirements for undergraduate admission, and may attend AUC for no more than two semesters and one summer session. Study abroad/non-degree applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate competency in English. Study abroad/non-degree students attend AUC with the permission of their home institutions.
Study abroad/non-degree applicants must submit application materials including post-secondary school transcripts, letters of reference, and a study plan approved by their home university. The current Undergraduate Admission Application booklet lists the specific documents that applicants must submit to complete the application. The information is also available on the World Wide Web at http://www.aucegypt.edu/students/sap/.
The Arabic Language Institute
The Arabic Language Institute is one of the most respected Arabic language study programs in the world. The Institute offers intensive programs beginning three times each year that range in length from eight weeks to one or more years. The Institute's world-class faculty teaches classes in Modern Standard Arabic, Classical Arabic, and Egyptian Colloquial Arabic at the elementary, intermediate, and advanced levels. The Institute's programs culminate in certificates of achievement recognized around the world.
Arabic Language Institute applicants submit completed application forms, as well as other materials specified in the current Undergraduate Admission Application booklet. The information is also available on the World Wide Web at http://www.aucegypt.edu/students/.
Transfer Admission
Admission Standards. Applicants who have attempted post-secondary studies at a college or university either during or following their secondary school program are transfer applicants. The primary criterion for transfer admission is the quality of the academic record. The number of transfer credits, prerequisite coursework, type of completed courses, and consistency of grades are also important considerations. In addition to university coursework, AUC evaluates the secondary school records and standardized test scores of applicants who have completed fewer than 60 semester credits that are transferable to AUC. The University selectively offers admission to the most qualified candidates. The minimum cumulative grade point average required for consideration is 2.00 (on a four point scale). Admission to the University does not constitute a guarantee of admission to a particular major or field of study. Students who are not eligible to continue at another institution are not eligible for admission to the American University in Cairo.
Transfer applicants must submit all required application materials including official post-secondary school academic transcripts, mark sheets, and certificates from each school they have attended. The current Undergraduate Admission Application booklet lists the specific documents that transfer applicants must submit to complete the application. The information is also available on the World Wide Web at http://www.aucegypt.edu/students/admiss/.
Auditors
Individuals who wish to attend individual classes without credit may apply as auditors. Auditors are not eligible to sit for final examinations, receive academic credit, or enrollment certification from the University. Permission to audit is granted on a space-available basis. Auditors generally enroll during the late registration period after other students have had an opportunity to register.
English Language Proficiency
All new undergraduate students who apply as degree students, study abroad/non-degree students, special students, and auditors must provide evidence of academic English proficiency with the admission application. The University does not exempt applicants from this requirement solely on the basis of citizenship or graduation from an English-medium secondary school.
Applicants that satisfy one or more of the following criteria qualify for exemption:
- Satisfactory scores on appropriate standardized tests including the SAT, the ACT, and College Board Advanced Placement tests
- Successful completion of one or more non-remedial, university level English courses
- Successful completion of English-medium secondary school coursework and examinations that qualify for advanced placement including the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program, the 13th year of Canadian education, and the GCE A-Level Certificate in English
Students in the following programs are exempt from the English language proficiency requirement:
- Study abroad applicants from English-medium universities
- Center for Arabic Study Abroad (CASA) students
- Arabic Language Institute (ALI) students. While the submission of English proficiency test results are not required, you must be able to read and write in English to study at the Arabic Language Institute.
Applicants not exempted must submit recent official test results from the AUC English Language Proficiency Entrance Test (ELPET) and/or the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Tests must be completed no more than one year prior to the first day of the term for which applicants are applying for admission. Applicants cannot take the ELPET more than once every six months.
The University determines English language placement using applicants' highest score on either or both the ELPET and the TOEFL. AUC may offer applicants that do not qualify for the Freshman Writing Program (ECLT 112 or 113) the opportunity to enroll in AUC's Intensive English Program (IEP) or Academic English for Freshmen (ENGL 111). ENGL 111 is the University's bridge course between the IEP and the Freshman Writing Program. IEP students must complete the program in one calendar year (two semesters and the summer session). ENGL 111 students must complete the course within two semesters.
Arabic Language Placement
Applicants that are citizens of or permanent residents in Arab countries, and that have completed the Thanawiya Amma, the Tawjihi or passed the Egyptian Ministry of Education-approved Arabic examination are not required to take AUC's Arabic language placement test. Information about the test is available from the AUC Arabic Language Unit.
Transfer Credit
Prior to Matriculation.
The University awards transfer credit for coursework that is comparable in nature, scope, content, depth and level to courses offered by AUC, and that has been completed with a grade that is comparable to at least a C at AUC. In addition, transferable coursework must have been completed at institutions of higher education that are accredited by one of the six regional accrediting associations in the United States, or by the Ministry of Higher Education and/or the Supreme Council of Universities of the country in which the courses were conducted. Internships, co-ops, and technical, vocational, remedial and pre-university courses are generally not accepted for transfer credit. Faculty narrative evaluations must be submitted as part of the official transcript in support of nontraditional grading systems. Specific letter grades earned outside the University do not transfer. The application of course credit toward specific program requirements is the responsibility of the academic administrators within the programs and schools into which applicants enroll. Studies completed more than five years prior to matriculation at AUC are not transferable. Transfer students who place in English 98 through English 111 do not receive transfer credit for completed English coursework.
After Matriculation.
The University transfers a maximum of 36 hours of semester credit from other institutions after students enroll at AUC. The University awards a maximum of 12 credit hours for coursework completed in any one summer. (Students may not enroll in more than 12 credits in any one summer, AUC summer courses included.) The University transfers a maximum of nine credits for courses completed through correspondence and/or distance learning following matriculation. Students may not enroll in correspondence courses offered by other institutions during academic terms in which they are registered for courses at AUC.
Readmission
AUC students who withdraw from the University in good standing and subsequently wish to return after an absence of one or more semesters may apply for readmission. Readmission is offered on a space-available basis and is not guaranteed. The University does not consider TOEFL results for the purpose of placing readmission applicants in English. Selected applicants must submit recent AUC ELPET results with their readmission application.
| 
