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Admission Policy and Procedures
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.
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.
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. Applicants must provide proof, in the form of a first-year primary certificate or Idadia Certificate followed by three years of study as proof that they have completed at least eleven years of education.
All undergraduate degree-seeking admission applicants are required to 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 Proficiency 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.
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.
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.
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 satisfactory TOEFL/ELPET scores and 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.
English Language Proficiency
All new undergraduate students who apply as degree students and non-degree students 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
- Recent TOEFL scores are required of an applicant who does not attend an English Language university or who has attended less than three semesters at a university where the language of instruction 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 Writing Program the opportunity to enroll in AUC's Intensive English Program (IEP) or Academic English for Freshmen (ENGL 100). ENGL 100 is the University's bridge course between the IEP and the Writing Program. IEP students must complete the program in one calendar year (two semesters and the summer session). ENGL 100 students must complete the course within two semesters.
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.
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. Because of the large number of qualified applicants, those offered admission generally score well above the following minimums:
- Egyptian 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 the Thanawiya Amma. Applicants must earn at least 70 percent on the final sitting to be considered for admission.
- Thanawiya Amma from Arab countries—Arts, Math or Science (General Secondary Certificate of Education). Submit the results of both the first and the final sitting of the Thanawiya Amma Applicants must earn at least 75 percent on the final sitting to be considered for admission.
- British Certificate: Submit eight GCE/GCSE/IGCSE subjects. Applicants who have completed Advanced/Advanced Supplementary level subjects and have earned excellent grades are given preference. Grades 'A to C' are accepted at the Ordinary and Advanced Supplementary levels. Grade 'D' is accepted at the Advanced level only. Subjects completed at the Advanced and Advanced Supplementary level are not double counted. Applicants must submit all certificates to the University. However, AUC utilizes only the best eight subjects 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. The estimated SAT-I composite cut-off score for Fall 2001 and spring 2002 is 900 or comparable ACT-E scores. Students are encouraged to complete a well balanced university preparatory program that includes:
- Three years of mathematics including algebra, geometry and trigonometry.
- Two years of a second modern language.
- Two years of a laboratory science.
- Three years of social sciences.
- One year of fine arts course work and training.
- A program of physical and health education.
Applicants who have attended 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.
Students who have taken Advanced Placement (AP) courses and exams (results issued by the College Board) may be granted transfer credit. However, students will not receive additional points added to their high school grade point average (GPA).
- International Baccalaureate. Complete the International Baccalaureate Diploma program.
- Zeugnis der Allgemeinen Hochschulreife (German Secondary Certificate). 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 passable.
- Canadian Certificates, College d'Enseignement General et Professionel (CEGEP) and the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD).
- Other Programs and Certificates—complete a rigorous university preparatory secondary education program.
The criteria for acceptance into some majors are set by the departments concerned based on the student's achievement at the end of the freshmen year. Acceptance in the Engineering department is normally determined at the time of admission based on the student's secondary school record.
Transfer Admission
Applicants who have attempted post-secondary school studies of an advanced-level subjects or at a university level during or following their secondary school program are transfer applicants. These students are classified as follows:
Lower Division Transfer Student (LDTS)
A lover division transfer student is an applicant with less than 60 transferable units. A transfer applicant will be held to the same standards as a "first time freshman." In addition, applicants must be in good academic standing at all previously attended universities and have an overall university grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 or higher. Admission is based on the available places and the student academic performance.
Upper Division Transfer Student (UDTS)
An upper division transfer student is an applicant with 60.1 or more transferable units. A student who has earned 60.1 or more transfer units at recognized and accredited college or university will be evaluated as a "Transfer Junior." Applicants must also have a 2.00 average or higher in all transferable college course work in order to be admitted. Although each applicant in this category is required to have earned a secondary school certificate, the grade point average (GPA) of this certificate will not be considered a factor in the admissions process.
A transfer student is not guaranteed acceptance into his/her current major. Admission to the same major is ultimately decided upon by the School Dean.
Transfer Credit Award
The University awards transfer credit for coursework completed at post secondary institution and/or advanced level subjects completed within the certificates mentioned below. Transfer credit is granted for coursework that is comparable in nature, scope, content, and depth; in addition to the appropriateness and applicability of the credit earned to the courses at AUC. The University awards transfer credit to two categories of students:
1.Students who are transferring from accredited institutions and have taken courses at the university level. The university awards transfer credit to students who complete coursework with a grade that is comparable to at least a "C" at AUC in acceptable fields of study. Grades earned outside the university do not transfer. The determination of transfer credit award occurs following the submission of an official academic transcript, the university catalog, as well as required course-related materials. Studies completed more than five years prior to matriculation into the university are not transferable. Internships, Occupational, vocational, remedial coursework, and studies classified as less than first-year (Freshman) level by the sending institution or AUC are not transferable.
The transferable coursework must have been completed at Post secondary institutions that are accredited by "Institution Accredited Bodies" in the United States, or at Institutions that are recognized by the Ministry of Higher Education, and/or the Supreme Council of Universities, depending on the country in which the institution is operating.
2.Students who have completed collegiate-level studies with a grade that is comparable to at least a "B" at AUC.
The following is the policy applied in relation to the different certificates:
International Baccalaureate Diploma
The University grants 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). AUC does not grant transfer credit for subsidiary level subjects.
The College Board Advanced Placement (AP) Examinations.
The University grants up to 30 transfer credits for academic subjects with scores of four or five (out of five).
German Secondary School Certificate-Abitur
The University grants up to 30 transfer credits for academic subjects with scores of ten or more (out of 15).
French Baccalaureat II
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)
The University grants up to 30 transfer credits for A-level subjects with grades of "A" or "B". The University does not grant transfer credit for subjects completed at the AS, AO, or O' level.
Canadian certificates, College D'Enseignement General et Professionel (CEGEP) and the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD).
The University grants up to 30 transfer credits for academic subjects completed at the higher level with grades of 70 percent or more. The University does not grant transfer credit in the absence of the CEGEP Diploma, or if the student completed fewer than six OAC subjects in the OSSD.
Transfer Credit 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.
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