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Is Howard University on your list of top colleges? Read on to learn more about how to increase your chances of admission if it is, or to be convinced to add it if it isn’t!
Howard University prepares diverse and ambitious students to learn and embody excellence in truth and service - Veritas et Utilitas. Using these guiding principles, Howard provides students with the resources and support to become scholars that drive change and provide solutions to contemporary challenges.
With a particular commitment to providing opportunities for Black students, this school is known as a historically Black university that aims to solve problems that impact the African Diaspora.
If you’re interested in upholding these values and contributing to Howard’s mission, this guide will go into further depth about how to get into Howard University, its acceptance rate, application requirements, and more!
As you learn more about everything this university has to offer, you may be asking: “how hard is it to get into Howard University? With an acceptance rate of 35%, this school is moderately difficult to get into.
While it accepts more students into its programs than top-ranking schools, it still reviews applicants using rigorous standards.
Considering our previous statement about Howard’s high standards, you may want to know how you compare to successful applicants. Here are the GPA and SAT/ACT scores previous admitted applicants had:
Your GPA is arguably one of the most important parts of your application and can make or break your chances of admission. The average GPA of the most recent class was 3.66.
If your GPA doesn’t quite match this median, don’t lose all hope of getting into Howard! While your lower GPA may call your academic excellence into question, you can convince the admissions committee of your potential through the other parts of your application.
One way to demonstrate your intellect despite a low GPA is by acing the SAT or ACT. Students should receive an SAT score of around 1184 or an ACT score of around 24 to meet the median of previous successful students.
Howard has adopted a test-optional policy for the 2022-2023 admission cycle and will consider applying it to future cycles. If your GPA is within the competitive range, submitting your SAT or ACT score will not provide you with any advantage. Review your application carefully before deciding whether or not to tackle one of these tests!
Howard University looks for students that can demonstrate strong personal motivation and have backgrounds of consistent academic growth and achievement. Your GPA and standardized test scores only give the committee a glimpse into these traits.
To gain a comprehensive understanding of your candidacy, you’ll have to submit several other application materials:
Your transcripts will be used to assess more than just your GPA. The difficulty of the courses you pursued will also be reviewed. Students are strongly encouraged to complete the following courses during their high school career:
If your high school transcripts do not include all of these prerequisites, or you do not have the recommended number of years in one subject, Howard encourages you to still apply. Overall, your transcripts should just display a well-balanced and challenging curriculum.
Students are required to submit two letters of recommendation with their application. One of these letters should be written by a counselor at your school and one must be written by a teacher.
Depending on the program you’re applying to, you may need to submit additional materials to be considered for admission.
All prospective studio art majors must submit a slide portfolio of 12-15 images or videos of their proudest creative work.
For all your theatre buffs hoping to join Howard’s theatre arts major, you’ll have to complete an audition, portfolio, and/or interview as part of the admissions process.
Students applying to the dance program in particular will only be considered for admission if they’re invited for an audition and interview. These applicants will have to complete an extensive dance placement during their audition.
Aspiring music majors will have to complete a singing or instrument audition. The majority of these auditions will take place in-person, but students who are unable to visit campus may submit DVDs or CDs instead.
For students interested in majoring in Howard’s architecture or design programs, you must submit a portfolio of creative works to the committee. It should include one to three examples of creative expression in graphic, audiovisual, or written form.
As part of the Common Application process, students must pay a non-refundable fee of $45. Students who are facing unusual financial hardship may request a fee waiver through the Common App.
Students applying through the Common App will have to submit a personal statement as part of their application. Since personal essays often provide little direction on content, students find this application material to be the most challenging.
To help you craft a compelling personal statement, Howard offers the following suggestions:
Students will also have several optional supplemental essays to answer on the Common App and one prompt that is specific to Howard University. These will be discussed in more detail next!
But, before we delve into the essay prompts, it’s important you’re aware of the following key deadlines. If you miss these, all of the hard work you put into gathering your admission materials and perfecting them could be for nothing!
The document deadline refers to the final date you can submit your test scores, letters of recommendation, and academic records.
If you’re curious about the difference between early action and early decision, here’s a quick summary for you:
Early action applications are non-binding, meaning students are not required to attend Howard if they’re accepted. High achieving students can use an early action application to receive notification of a decision earlier.
These students will also be granted scholarships early, which can help them make a more informed decision on their top choice.
Early decision applications are binding. It is designed for students whose first choice is Howard University. While early decision students may apply to other schools using regular decision applications, they must withdraw these applications if they’re granted admission to Howard.
The only exception to this agreement is if Howard is unable to meet students’ financial need.
As stated, a large part of learning how to get into Howard University is knowing how to write well. There are several supplemental essays you’ll have the option to answer on your application. You’ll be required to choose one essay topic to write about for your Common App:
1. Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.
2. The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?
3. Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?
4. Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you?
5. Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.
6. Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?
6. Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you've already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.
Howard also has an optional essay prompt for students to consider:
Please briefly elaborate on one of your extracurricular activities or work experiences. You may express why this activity is important to you, lessons learned from said activity, or any related details that give us more information on your passions, goals and/or experiences.
While the Howard essay is not required for admission, you are implored to answer it. It will shed more light on your experiences and interests outside of the classroom!
The core values Howard looks for in its students are academic excellence, intellectual curiosity, diversity, and strong personal motivation. To ensure you display all of your traits through your application, follow these tips:
Aside from maintaining a high GPA to get into Howard University, you should try to develop your academic skills through extracurriculars.
Consider joining challenging organizations such as Deca, Mathletes, debate club or other subject-based extracurriculars at your school. Having these activities on your application will prove your intellectual curiosity and academic drive.
Howard University aims to admit students that can bring different perspectives and experiences to their education. If you feel you’ve overcome significant challenges, have faced circumstantial obstacles, or can otherwise contribute to Howard’s diversity, make sure you discuss it in one of your essays.
Write compelling, poised, and clear essays. Ensure your voice shines through and you only share information that is relevant to your chosen topic.
Using simple language that you feel comfortable with will assure your essay’s message comes across as intended! Do not try to use extravagant language because you think it will make you sound more intelligent! It will have the opposite effect if used incorrectly.
This guide has covered the major admission details regarding how to get into Howard University, including the Howard University acceptance rate, application materials, and key deadlines.
In case you have any remaining inquiries, here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions about this school.
Howard can offer you an exceptional education. It is known for its academic excellence and has produced thousands of influential alumni. If you have a GPA in the competitive range of previous successful applicants, or are able to make up for a lower GPA with the rest of your application, you should definitely apply to Howard!
It is moderately difficult to get into Howard, as it has an acceptance rate of 35%.
It’s suggested that students have a GPA of 3.66 to be considered competitive candidates.
While students have gotten into Howard with a 3.3 GPA, you will need to put extra effort into the other parts of your application to convince the committee of your candidacy.
It will be difficult to get into Howard with a 3.0 GPA as it is considerably lower than the median GPA of past admitted students.
Tuition and fees cost $33,344 a year at Howard University.
While there are many pieces that make up your Howard application, ensuring each one is completed with the utmost care and effort will give you the best chance of getting into this renowned university! Remember to demonstrate Howard’s core values throughout your application and highlight what makes you unique!
Is Howard University on your list of top colleges? Read on to learn more about how to increase your chances of admission if it is, or to be convinced to add it if it isn’t!
Howard University prepares diverse and ambitious students to learn and embody excellence in truth and service - Veritas et Utilitas. Using these guiding principles, Howard provides students with the resources and support to become scholars that drive change and provide solutions to contemporary challenges.
With a particular commitment to providing opportunities for Black students, this school is known as a historically Black university that aims to solve problems that impact the African Diaspora.
If you’re interested in upholding these values and contributing to Howard’s mission, this guide will go into further depth about how to get into Howard University, its acceptance rate, application requirements, and more!
As you learn more about everything this university has to offer, you may be asking: “how hard is it to get into Howard University? With an acceptance rate of 35%, this school is moderately difficult to get into.
While it accepts more students into its programs than top-ranking schools, it still reviews applicants using rigorous standards.
Considering our previous statement about Howard’s high standards, you may want to know how you compare to successful applicants. Here are the GPA and SAT/ACT scores previous admitted applicants had:
Your GPA is arguably one of the most important parts of your application and can make or break your chances of admission. The average GPA of the most recent class was 3.66.
If your GPA doesn’t quite match this median, don’t lose all hope of getting into Howard! While your lower GPA may call your academic excellence into question, you can convince the admissions committee of your potential through the other parts of your application.
One way to demonstrate your intellect despite a low GPA is by acing the SAT or ACT. Students should receive an SAT score of around 1184 or an ACT score of around 24 to meet the median of previous successful students.
Howard has adopted a test-optional policy for the 2022-2023 admission cycle and will consider applying it to future cycles. If your GPA is within the competitive range, submitting your SAT or ACT score will not provide you with any advantage. Review your application carefully before deciding whether or not to tackle one of these tests!
Howard University looks for students that can demonstrate strong personal motivation and have backgrounds of consistent academic growth and achievement. Your GPA and standardized test scores only give the committee a glimpse into these traits.
To gain a comprehensive understanding of your candidacy, you’ll have to submit several other application materials:
Your transcripts will be used to assess more than just your GPA. The difficulty of the courses you pursued will also be reviewed. Students are strongly encouraged to complete the following courses during their high school career:
If your high school transcripts do not include all of these prerequisites, or you do not have the recommended number of years in one subject, Howard encourages you to still apply. Overall, your transcripts should just display a well-balanced and challenging curriculum.
Students are required to submit two letters of recommendation with their application. One of these letters should be written by a counselor at your school and one must be written by a teacher.
Depending on the program you’re applying to, you may need to submit additional materials to be considered for admission.
All prospective studio art majors must submit a slide portfolio of 12-15 images or videos of their proudest creative work.
For all your theatre buffs hoping to join Howard’s theatre arts major, you’ll have to complete an audition, portfolio, and/or interview as part of the admissions process.
Students applying to the dance program in particular will only be considered for admission if they’re invited for an audition and interview. These applicants will have to complete an extensive dance placement during their audition.
Aspiring music majors will have to complete a singing or instrument audition. The majority of these auditions will take place in-person, but students who are unable to visit campus may submit DVDs or CDs instead.
For students interested in majoring in Howard’s architecture or design programs, you must submit a portfolio of creative works to the committee. It should include one to three examples of creative expression in graphic, audiovisual, or written form.
As part of the Common Application process, students must pay a non-refundable fee of $45. Students who are facing unusual financial hardship may request a fee waiver through the Common App.
Students applying through the Common App will have to submit a personal statement as part of their application. Since personal essays often provide little direction on content, students find this application material to be the most challenging.
To help you craft a compelling personal statement, Howard offers the following suggestions:
Students will also have several optional supplemental essays to answer on the Common App and one prompt that is specific to Howard University. These will be discussed in more detail next!
But, before we delve into the essay prompts, it’s important you’re aware of the following key deadlines. If you miss these, all of the hard work you put into gathering your admission materials and perfecting them could be for nothing!
The document deadline refers to the final date you can submit your test scores, letters of recommendation, and academic records.
If you’re curious about the difference between early action and early decision, here’s a quick summary for you:
Early action applications are non-binding, meaning students are not required to attend Howard if they’re accepted. High achieving students can use an early action application to receive notification of a decision earlier.
These students will also be granted scholarships early, which can help them make a more informed decision on their top choice.
Early decision applications are binding. It is designed for students whose first choice is Howard University. While early decision students may apply to other schools using regular decision applications, they must withdraw these applications if they’re granted admission to Howard.
The only exception to this agreement is if Howard is unable to meet students’ financial need.
As stated, a large part of learning how to get into Howard University is knowing how to write well. There are several supplemental essays you’ll have the option to answer on your application. You’ll be required to choose one essay topic to write about for your Common App:
1. Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.
2. The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?
3. Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?
4. Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you?
5. Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.
6. Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?
6. Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you've already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.
Howard also has an optional essay prompt for students to consider:
Please briefly elaborate on one of your extracurricular activities or work experiences. You may express why this activity is important to you, lessons learned from said activity, or any related details that give us more information on your passions, goals and/or experiences.
While the Howard essay is not required for admission, you are implored to answer it. It will shed more light on your experiences and interests outside of the classroom!
The core values Howard looks for in its students are academic excellence, intellectual curiosity, diversity, and strong personal motivation. To ensure you display all of your traits through your application, follow these tips:
Aside from maintaining a high GPA to get into Howard University, you should try to develop your academic skills through extracurriculars.
Consider joining challenging organizations such as Deca, Mathletes, debate club or other subject-based extracurriculars at your school. Having these activities on your application will prove your intellectual curiosity and academic drive.
Howard University aims to admit students that can bring different perspectives and experiences to their education. If you feel you’ve overcome significant challenges, have faced circumstantial obstacles, or can otherwise contribute to Howard’s diversity, make sure you discuss it in one of your essays.
Write compelling, poised, and clear essays. Ensure your voice shines through and you only share information that is relevant to your chosen topic.
Using simple language that you feel comfortable with will assure your essay’s message comes across as intended! Do not try to use extravagant language because you think it will make you sound more intelligent! It will have the opposite effect if used incorrectly.
This guide has covered the major admission details regarding how to get into Howard University, including the Howard University acceptance rate, application materials, and key deadlines.
In case you have any remaining inquiries, here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions about this school.
Howard can offer you an exceptional education. It is known for its academic excellence and has produced thousands of influential alumni. If you have a GPA in the competitive range of previous successful applicants, or are able to make up for a lower GPA with the rest of your application, you should definitely apply to Howard!
It is moderately difficult to get into Howard, as it has an acceptance rate of 35%.
It’s suggested that students have a GPA of 3.66 to be considered competitive candidates.
While students have gotten into Howard with a 3.3 GPA, you will need to put extra effort into the other parts of your application to convince the committee of your candidacy.
It will be difficult to get into Howard with a 3.0 GPA as it is considerably lower than the median GPA of past admitted students.
Tuition and fees cost $33,344 a year at Howard University.
While there are many pieces that make up your Howard application, ensuring each one is completed with the utmost care and effort will give you the best chance of getting into this renowned university! Remember to demonstrate Howard’s core values throughout your application and highlight what makes you unique!
