American University in Bulgaria AUBG

How to apply

If you are a high school senior or a student who has completed high school and has not yet enrolled at another college or university after graduation, you should apply as a first-year student.

1. Online Application Form

Complete AUBG's application form or submit the CommonApp.

2. Essay

Write an essay which will help the AUBG Admissions Committee become acquainted with you, understand your motivation for attending AUBG, and determine how well you can express yourself.

Your essay should be around 650 words. It will be evaluated for its clarity, creativity, completeness of response, sentence structure, paragraphing, spelling, grammar, and style.

The essay should be on one of the following topics:

• Which historic event would you change and why?
• Share an example of a leadership experience or a passion project, which helped you better understand your interests and future aspirations.
• Reflect on your personal understanding of democracy, its significance in your life, and how you believe it should function in a society.

3. Letter of Recommendation

Submit one letter of recommendation from a teacher, a professor, a college counselor, or an academic advisor familiar with your academic performance.

You can share this template with your recommender.

4. Transcript

Submit an official transcript from the last three years of high school.

If you have already completed high school, submit an official copy of your high school diploma with the final grades. Transcripts may be submitted in English, Bulgarian, or Russian. Translations must be completed by a certified translator and verified by a notary.

The recommended minimum GPA for applicants is 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (4.5 out of six 6 on the Bulgarian scale).

Your transcript should include:

• a list of all courses taken
• grades earned
• a calculated annual grade point average (GPA)

5. Proof of English Proficiency

Submit your official English proficiency test scores. AUBG does not accept personal score reports or photocopies.

Proof of English proficiency may be waived if you are a citizen of the US, UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, or Canada and were primarily educated in those countries or if you completed at least three years of full-time study at an English language accredited high school. Request a waiver from your Admissions Counselor.

You can register for the Free Institutional English Proficiency Test offered annually.

English Proficiency Qualifications:

• Duolingo English Test | 110
• IELTS | 6.5
• TOEFL | 80

6. CV or Portfolio

Your achievements and awards help us get a better picture of your skills, interests and strengths. Submit copies of the awards you are most proud of, show us your most impressive work, or send a CV that summarizes your story.

7. Admissions Interview

The Admissions interview is your chance to show your motivation, showcase your achievements, and ask a question to a representative of AUBG!

The interview may be in-person or scheduled online. Your Admissions Counselor will invite you to the interview after you upload your high school transcript and English proficiency test score.

8. (Optional) SAT or ACT Scores

AUBG does not require SAT or ACT results for admissions or financial aid purposes. However, scores may help you waive two AUBG introductory courses, MAT 100 and ENG 100.

You can submit your official scores through CollegeBoard or ACT sites.

9. (Optional) Application for Financial Aid

In order to be considered for need-based financial aid and need-based scholarships, you must submit an Application for Financial Aid and all necessary supporting documents. You and your parents should read all instructions carefully and be as thorough as possible.