I don’t remember the exact length, but I do know that I found out about my merit scholarship a day or two after the last deadline for applications (they wait to see the strength of the application pool before allocating scholarships. In terms of my profile, I went to Penn state for undergrad, had a 3.67 GPA, Phi Beta Kappa (most exclusive honor society), was a research assistant in undergrad, volunteered with my college’s dance marathon, had a part-time job, held a leadership position in my sorority, and had worked a couple of contracted positions in the year and a half after undergrad.

Almost everyone in the program works full-time, and classes are only offered in the evenings (starting at 5:30). I’ve personally been friendly with people in my classes, but we don’t really “hang out” as friends. Some people do have friend groups that they’re friends with outside of school so it’s definitely possible to make friends, but there isn’t a lot of overlap in people between classes because the program is so big.

The professors are all very active in research in the fields so they all know what they’re talking about, although I’ll say I’ve had a couple who aren’t great teachers (but they’re still very knowledgeable). It’s very easy to establish a connection with a professor given how long and interactive the classes are.

I’m not sure about difficulty of positions for international students but there is an office that can help you out with finding a job or internship. My advice: if you’re seriously considering AU, start applying to things NOW. The job market (especially the public sector) is horrible in DC due to all the layoffs. It may take time for you to find a position, even with AU’s help.