Preview Day is American University’s premier open house event for good reason—it’s your one-stop shop for the full AU experience.

Today we’re going over the top reasons why you should attend AU’s on-campus Preview Day as you embark on your college search and selection process and consider American University.

1. Get a feel for campus life and the student experience.

Since AU’s Preview Day follows the open house format, you’ll have the chance to explore American University’s campus and see what your life as a student would look like here. In addition to the program’s schedule—which is optimized for you to get that holistic view of the university’s offerings—you’ll have the chance to tour a residence hall, take a guided campus tour with an AU Ambassador, chat one-on-one with admissions and financial aid experts, and tour labs, studios, and other facilities.

2. Meet faculty, staff, and current students (and, yes, even Clawed).

Our campus partners and community love to show up and show out for Preview Days, even Clawed, our spirited AU mascot. During the day, you’ll cross paths and connect directly with representatives from the different academic departments, scholars programs, student services offices, and student organizations at AU. Whether you have questions about the coursework or curricula in your major of interest, or want to know more about how to get involved on campus, you’re guaranteed to leave our Preview Day with answers! 

3. Learn about the application process. 

Not only can attending our Preview Day help you understand what American University is looking for in its applicants; it’s also an ideal time to learn about required application materials, important deadlines, special programs that require separate applications, and more checklist items you’ll need to be aware of from now through Decision Day. 

4. Discover unique opportunities. 

AU has a breadth of special programs and experiential learning opportunities that personalize your educational experience in alignment with your passions and professional goals. From our Living-Learning Communities to robust internship programs, to how the university leverages its optimal location in the nation’s capital, you'll discover how your purpose has endless possibilities at American University. 

5. Make connections. 

This is an important aspect of open house events that is often overlooked. You get to meet other students who might be applying to AU right alongside you! Try to strike up a conversation with other attendees who are sitting next to you or touring campus tour with you, and you can exchange contact info to keep in touch throughout the application and decision process. Who knows—they may even end up being your future roommate at AU! Expanding your support system can make the college search less overwhelming and isolating, and more fun. 

Can’t make it to our Fall Preview Day? Save the date for our Sunday at AU event on November 9, which packs everything you need to know before applying into just a few hours. There are also lots of different ways to experience AU on your own schedule, and even from the comforts of home.