American University Top Questions

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The worst thing about AU is the cost.

Administration is obnoxious and loves giving students a hard time. It's poorly organized and people's scholarships and aid have gotten lost and failed to process. Some jobs on-campus don't pay students either because of administrative difficulties.

The worst thing about American University is the cost. One year (room and board plus tuition) is around $52,000.

I think the worst thing about my school is the lack of political diversity. The population leans so far left but everyone also enjoys debating so things often end up with people debating about things they actually agree upon and usually simple misunderstandings are blown out of proportion in order to get some debates going. There are some conservatives but they're still fairly left-wing as well. I may be almost as leftist as they come but I don't think the population should be that homogenous.

The school invests heavily to match the appearance of a top-tier institution, but does not invest enough in resources to support students.

The school overcharges for meal swipes. My meal plan costs $17 a meal swipe, but paying out of pocket for dinner at the dining hall would only cost $13.50.

No school spirit or community. The campus could be a lot more friendly and we dont have a strong athletic department to rally around

The Housing and Dining administration is a major problem at American University. They do suit your most important and basic housing needs, however the hours of opperation and food variety for on campus food could be vastly improved to fit with student's dietary and budget restrictions. As for the housing department, they are not as responsive to students' needs as they could be. There was a mice infestation in my dorm suite last year and it persisted for the entire year before the department would do anything about it.

There is nothing that I would classify as completely negative at American University. The only "bad" thing about American University; like many schools, is the price of housing and the kind of housing as well as the price of the meal plan. Both are incredibly overpriced, however this is a problem that most come in contact with at most universities. That is not to say that the University is perfect, however in comparison with other Universities it is by far the best experience I have had.

The walls between rooms are somewhat thin, which is especially noticeable if there are noisy neighbors. Also, the cafeteria, TDR can get pretty boring after a few months. It has mostly unhealthy, fatty foods, but a great salad bar.

The teaching staff is fantastic, but the university administration is far less than ideal. The departmentalization and physical separation of different administrative offices makes it difficult and repetative when you need to get anything done. I've also had significant problems with financing and found that the University offered no assistance. This was anything but the case in the smaller school I transferred from. Be ready to be an advocate for yourself.

It is a very expensive school. Where the funds go is not exactly clear. For example, classes are often canceled, and food services are not extremely convienient but are very expensive.

This school is not diverse at all.

Our student conduct system. It is designed to get students in trouble, and it is extremely difficult to challenge an RA.

I think my school is great and wish the new construction was finished.

It has a multicultural evironment and international standard., especiallty school of internatioanal service. Besides, its location in Washington, DC so it is an ideal school for learning international affairs and relations.

The food and the price.

The worst thing about American University is the lack of grass and field space to spend leisure time and for teams to practice. Some teams have to practice on a painful field hockey turf field and there is only one quadrangle on the campus for students to spend their time.

The Student body can be a bit rude at times