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howard university essay

A Strong Howard University Essay Example

Located near the nation’s capital, Howard University is one of the best-known HBCUs in the country. As a school with a competitive admissions process, Howard places significant importance on student essays, so it’s important to write a strong one to help your application stand out.

This post will go over a real applicant’s essay and highlight what it did well, plus what could be improved.

Please note: Looking at examples of real essays students have submitted to colleges can be very beneficial to get inspiration for your essays. You should never copy or plagiarize from these examples when writing your own essays. Colleges can tell when an essay isn’t genuine and will not view students favorably if they plagiarized. 

Read our Howard University essay breakdown to get a comprehensive overview of this year’s supplemental prompts.

Howard University Essay Example: Why Business? 

Prompt:  The School of Business has been a model for higher education since its founding in 1970. With dynamic academic departments, ground breaking centers of excellence, esteemed faculty, award winning programs, and over 8,000 alumni across the globe, the Howard University School of Business continues to be ranked among the top business programs in the nation. Describe why you are interested in studying business, and how the program that you have selected will support your particular interests. (750 Words)

Ever since I was a child, I have always loved to travel. Travel has always been a new opportunity for me to learn outside the classroom. At just twelve years old, I marveled at the Eiffel Tower, learning about the different cultural aspects present around Paris and comparing the vibrant city of Paris to the sleepless city of New York. At seventeen, I was able to visit Senegal for the fifth time. Finally, I was mature enough to see the struggle faced by those that live there. 

I’ve always wanted to make an impact that would last. So during Junior year, I struggled to find a major that would work for me. I never liked to be locked down to one area as my mind has always loved to travel. So I was ecstatic when I discovered that international business was a major. Not only was I able to study business, but I was able to study business from a global perspective, which is what business is to me. Business is not regional or national. It is international. With the help of Howard, I will be able to learn what it takes to join and thrive in a global atmosphere. 

At Howards Business school, I plan to study international business with a regional sequence with concentration in Europe. Given the emphasis on the world around me. I chose to participate in the regional series rather than the functional sequence. I also liked that the regional sequence was more tailored for history nerds; like myself. I have always loved history because of the many topics that seem to intertwine. Furthermore, I will be immersed in Europe’s vast diversity through my studies.

I cannot wait for the opportunity to study alongside Masoud Kavoossi, who has done so much work around the world. His extensive work worldwide will allow me to learn so much from him. Kavoossi will give me insights into issues on many topics around the world, and I cannot wait to hear more about his time with the world bank. With professors like Masoud Kavoossi, I will be given the opportunity to learn what it takes to be a global leader from a global leader. 

A big part of international business is studying abroad. At Howard, I will take on the many opportunities to study abroad. Like the IFSA program in Scotland. I plan to spend at least a semester abroad at the University of Edinburgh. My love of Mary Queen of Scots and her life prompted this. I was lucky enough to visit Edinburgh in the summer of my senior year in middle school. I fell in love with the city. It was nothing like New York, which made me fall in love with it more. The castles that date back centuries and the adventurous morning walks excited me to experience IFSA in Edinburgh at Howard. I plan to continue my studies in business while at Edinburgh. In Scotland, I will be in a new environment that will allow me to understand what it means to do business internationally. 

Though I am very excited to be shipped off to Edinburgh, I also can’t wait to participate in various clubs at Howard. One club I am excited to join is the African Business club, which promotes business to a worldwide audience, something I would like to continue far into the future. 

In high school, I started a “Mentoring For All” club. This project aimed to provide students with the opportunities they need to succeed in high school and after high school. I realized that there was a lack of resources surrounding success after high school at my school. I plan to continue this in college by helping students through Matriculate. A mentoring program that helped many students like me get through the admissions process. I hope to bring this to Howard, possibly starting a club that will allow Howard students to help high school students with their college apps. 

I am excited about what’s to come. I cannot wait to start my journey at Howard’s School of Business. First, Howard’s world-class courses will offer me the needed skills to become a global leader. Its revolutionary professors will give me tips that can help me in the future. Lastly, their excellent study abroad programs will allow me to explore the world around me. Every journey starts somewhere, and mine will begin at Howard!

What the Essay Did Well

This essay fits the classic “Why This Major?” archetype , which asks you to detail your interest in the field and your professional goals. By sharing her past experiences and future opportunities she looks forward to at Howard, the writer elaborates on her academic passions and motivation to pursue a major in business through international studies.

It’s clear that the author has a passion for travel, and we can easily see through her experiences in Europe and Senegal that she’s using travel to learn about the culture and circumstances of the world around her. We can understand why she’s drawn to international business specifically.

The author also does a good job specifying her program and how it will support her interests. which is international business with a regional sequence focused on Europe. She briefly outlines her decision to choose the regional sequence (which includes studying emerging countries, Latin America, Europe, Middle East/Northern Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa etc.) over the functional sequence (which includes courses in finance, risk management, marketing, accounting, etc.) emphasizing her love for history and the interconnectivity of various topics.

The author also points out specific resources and faculty at Howard, showing that she’s done her research. She mentions her excitement of studying alongside Masoud Kavoossi, a professor with extensive work around the world. She also indicated interest in the IFSA study abroad program in Scotland. She expresses her love for the city of Edinburgh by sharing a personal anecdote and her desire to experience business in a new international environment.

Both of these specific details demonstrate the author’s enthusiasm for learning through different types of opportunities and reveals to readers that she has a concrete plan to obtain a world-class education at Howard.

What Could Be Improved 

While this essay shows the author’s enthusiasm for international business and Howard in general, it’s very general and lacks the “why” behind her plans. Some of the language is also repetitive (there are a lot of “I cannot wait”s), and there are some grammatical errors.

Adding more detail to the first paragraph would greatly improve the essay by clarifying why the author is interested in studying international business. The author only generally describes how her perspective on international affairs has developed throughout her childhood, going from enjoying the leisure in Paris to noticing the struggles of those living in Senegal. This would’ve been a great spot to tell a specific story and share how these experiences changed the author’s perspective on international affairs.

For example, it would have been great for the author to discuss the “different cultural aspects” of Paris that excited her and what specifically in her fifth trip to Senegal she noticed that required her to be “mature enough to see the struggles faced” in the country. Providing these details would allow the reader to better understand the student’s “love of travel” and unique perspectives she could bring to Howard.

This same line of thinking can be applied to the specific opportunities the author looks forward to at Howard. As it stands, the paragraph about her interest in studying alongside Professor Kvoossi is very vague and repetitive, and leaves the reader unsure of what specifically the author hopes to study alongside this global leader. The author should include specific examples of the work that Professor Kavoossi has conducted and how this work is intriguing to the student. More specifically, the student could provide an example of a past experience that directly relates to this professor’s ongoing work.

Additionally, when describing Howard’s IFSA program in Scotland, the author mainly focuses on how charmed she was during her recent trip to the country. A better approach would be to highlight more substantial details related to how the culture and history of Scotland will enhance her college experience, and pick out particular features of Howard’s program that she looks forward to.

The details about the African Business Club and “Mentoring For All” club also feel dropped in, and they break the flow of the essay. The author could’ve removed the section on the mentorship club to expand upon why she wants to join the African Business Club and how it would support her goals. She currently only says the club “promotes business to a worldwide audience,” which doesn’t tell us much about its specific resources or activities.

Overall, by providing more specific examples, discussing her past and future engagement in international business, and further elaborating on her goals and aspirations, the essay would offer a more comprehensive and compelling case for why the author is interested in studying at Howard’s School of Business.

Where to Get Feedback on Your Essay

Want feedback on your Howard essay before you submit? That’s why we created our free Peer Essay Review tool , where you can get a free review of your essay from another student. You can also improve your own writing skills by reviewing other students’ essays. 

If you want a college admissions expert to review your essay, advisors on CollegeVine have helped students refine their writing and submit successful applications to top schools.  Find the right advisor for you  to improve your chances of getting into your dream school!

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How to Respond to the 2023/2024 Howard University Supplemental Questions

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Varonika Ware is a content writer at Scholarships360. Varonika earned her undergraduate degree in Mass Communications at Louisiana State University. During her time at LSU, she worked with the Center of Academic Success to create the weekly Success Sunday newsletter. Varonika also interned at the Louisiana Department of Insurance in the Public Affairs office with some of her graphics appearing in local news articles.

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Bill Jack has over a decade of experience in college admissions and financial aid. Since 2008, he has worked at Colby College, Wesleyan University, University of Maine at Farmington, and Bates College.

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How to Respond to the 2023/2024 Howard University Supplemental Questions

Attending a historically Black college or university (HBCU) offers the opportunity to experience a unique learning environment that promotes diversity. One of the most well-known HBCUs in the United States is Howard University. With a competitive 35% acceptance rate , students applying to Howard need compelling supplemental essays and the grades to match to gain admission. 

Keep reading to learn how to wow the admissions office with the best essay possible!

First, a little about Howard University

Established in 1867, Howard University is located in Washington, DC. Since its founding, Howard has awarded over 100,000 degrees in a broad range of fields. Known as a “ comprehensive predominantly Black university ,” Howard University graduates top Black professionals who major in architecture , dentistry, education , engineering , law, medicine, music , nursing , pharmacy, religion, and social work . 

In addition to its impressive academic reputation, Howard university competes in a total of 19 varsity sports. Before diving into the prompt below, take some time to read about the unique history of Howard University. 

“Diversity of all kinds is important to enriching the educational experience at Howard University. Please share with us anything in your background or lived experience that has shaped your perspectives and how that would contribute to the classroom and community at Howard.” (500 words max)

As an HBCU, approaching this prompt from a perspective of a person of color can be extremely helpful as that’s a shared experience on campus. However, this can become a popular focus for an essay, so you might want to pick other experiences that have shaped you such as a treasured mentorship or a unique hardship you hope to overcome or have already overcome.  

Try to relate this experience to Howard, whether by connecting a value you’ve learned or an activity that Howard currently has. Don’t forget to be creative and add your own personal flair to your essay. Remember, the reader probably already read your resume, so this essay is a chance to show what makes you the unique person you are!

Questions to consider:

  • How does this experience relate to what you hope to achieve at Howard?
  • What does your experience say about you?
  • Is this experience unique to you or can other people relate?

“Please describe the major you intend to study and how you hope to use your Howard education to support you in achieving your passions and goals. Please address your first-choice and second-choice major selections.” (500 words max)

This prompt is relatively straightforward. Howard is looking for the reasoning behind your passion for a certain major, and what you hope to achieve after graduation. The admissions office uses this prompt to get to know you and how you’ll fit into the degree program you’re applying for. 

Be sure to include how Howard is instrumental in those pursuits and unique characteristics about the desired degree program. You can even include sentences about your interests in specific classes Howard offers or other student resources. 

  • What career field do you want to work in?
  • What major would interest you the most and why?
  • What’s unique about Howard that makes you want to study your desired major there?

Final thoughts for applicants

Now that you’re finishing up your application, it’s important to keep some things in mind. Your supplemental essay is significant, even if it’s optional, so you should take time to edit it. Ask your peers or teachers to look over your essay to help pinpoint run-on sentences or errors in grammar and spelling. 

Also, while you’re waiting for your notification date , you should make sure all your financial aid forms are submitted to your schools of choice. Ideally, you should get your FAFSA and CSS Profile in as soon as possible to maximize your financial aid package. 

Additional resources

Now you’ve got some great tools to write your Howard University supplemental essay! Just in case you need a few more tips, learning about the impact of extracurricular activities might help you with the Howard University prompt. 

Need to learn some tips on how to start your college admissions essay ? We have you covered! Check out our supplemental essay guides for any other schools you might be applying to. Best of luck with your applications, and don’t forget to apply for all the scholarships you qualify for!

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Howard University Requirements for Admission

Choose your test.

What are Howard University's admission requirements? While there are a lot of pieces that go into a college application, you should focus on only a few critical things:

  • GPA requirements
  • Testing requirements, including SAT and ACT requirements
  • Application requirements

In this guide we'll cover what you need to get into Howard University and build a strong application.

School location: Washington, DC

This school is also known as: HU

Admissions Rate: 35.2%

If you want to get in, the first thing to look at is the acceptance rate. This tells you how competitive the school is and how serious their requirements are.

The acceptance rate at Howard University is 35.2% . For every 100 applicants, 35 are admitted.

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This means the school is very selective . If you meet Howard University's requirements for GPA, SAT/ACT scores, and other components of the application, you have a great shot at getting in. But if you fall short on GPA or your SAT/ACT scores, you'll have a very low chance of being admitted, even if you meet the other admissions requirements.

image description

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We know what kinds of students colleges want to admit. We want to get you admitted to your dream schools.

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Howard University GPA Requirements

Many schools specify a minimum GPA requirement, but this is often just the bare minimum to submit an application without immediately getting rejected.

The GPA requirement that really matters is the GPA you need for a real chance of getting in. For this, we look at the school's average GPA for its current students.

Average GPA: 3.66

The average GPA at Howard University is 3.66 .

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(Most schools use a weighted GPA out of 4.0, though some report an unweighted GPA.

With a GPA of 3.66, Howard University requires you to be above average in your high school class. You'll need at least a mix of A's and B's, with more A's than B's. You can compensate for a lower GPA with harder classes, like AP or IB classes. This will show that you're able to handle more difficult academics than the average high school student.

If you're currently a junior or senior, your GPA is hard to change in time for college applications. If your GPA is at or below the school average of 3.66, you'll need a higher SAT or ACT score to compensate . This will help you compete effectively against other applicants who have higher GPAs than you.

SAT and ACT Requirements

Each school has different requirements for standardized testing. Only a few schools require the SAT or ACT, but many consider your scores if you choose to submit them.

Howard University hasn't explicitly named a policy on SAT/ACT requirements, but because it's published average SAT or ACT scores (we'll cover this next), it's likely test flexible. Typically, these schools say, "if you feel your SAT or ACT score represents you well as a student, submit them. Otherwise, don't."

Despite this policy, the truth is that most students still take the SAT or ACT, and most applicants to Howard University will submit their scores. If you don't submit scores, you'll have one fewer dimension to show that you're worthy of being admitted, compared to other students. We therefore recommend that you consider taking the SAT or ACT, and doing well.

Howard University SAT Requirements

Many schools say they have no SAT score cutoff, but the truth is that there is a hidden SAT requirement. This is based on the school's average score.

Average SAT: 1204

The average SAT score composite at Howard University is a 1204 on the 1600 SAT scale.

This score makes Howard University Competitive for SAT test scores.

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Howard University SAT Score Analysis (New 1600 SAT)

The 25th percentile SAT score is 1100, and the 75th percentile SAT score is 1270. In other words, a 1100 on the SAT places you below average, while a 1270 will move you up to above average .

Here's the breakdown of SAT scores by section:

SAT Score Choice Policy

The Score Choice policy at your school is an important part of your testing strategy.

Howard University has the Score Choice policy of "All Scores."

This means that Howard University requires you to send all SAT scores you've ever taken to their office.

This sounds daunting, but most schools don't actually consider all your scores equally. For example, if you scored an 1300 on one test and a 1500 on another, they won't actually average the two tests.

More commonly, the school will take your highest score on a single test date. Even better, some schools form a Superscore - that is, they take your highest section score across all your test dates and combine them.

Some students are still worried about submitting too many test scores. They're afraid that Howard University will look down on too many attempts to raise your score. But how many is too many?

From our research and talking to admissions officers, we've learned that 4-6 tests is a safe number to submit . The college understands that you want to have the best chance of admission, and retaking the test is a good way to do this. Within a reasonable number of tests, they honestly don't care how many times you've taken it. They'll just focus on your score.

If you take it more than 6 times, colleges start wondering why you're not improving with each test. They'll question your study skills and ability to improve.

But below 6 tests, we strongly encourage retaking the test to maximize your chances. If your SAT score is currently below a 1270, we strongly recommend that you consider prepping for the SAT and retaking it . You don't have much to lose, and you can potentially raise your score and significantly boost your chances of getting in.

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Download our free guide on the top 5 strategies you must be using to improve your score. This guide was written by Harvard graduates and SAT perfect scorers. If you apply the strategies in this guide, you'll study smarter and make huge score improvements.

Get eBook: 5 Tips for 160+ Points

Howard University ACT Requirements

Just like for the SAT, Howard University likely doesn't have a hard ACT cutoff, but if you score too low, your application will get tossed in the trash.

Average ACT: 25

The average ACT score at Howard University is 25. This score makes Howard University Moderately Competitive for ACT scores.

The 25th percentile ACT score is 21, and the 75th percentile ACT score is 26.

Even though Howard University likely says they have no minimum ACT requirement, if you apply with a 21 or below, you'll have a very hard time getting in, unless you have something else very impressive in your application. There are so many applicants scoring 25 and above that a 21 will look academically weak.

ACT Score Sending Policy

If you're taking the ACT as opposed to the SAT, you have a huge advantage in how you send scores, and this dramatically affects your testing strategy.

Here it is: when you send ACT scores to colleges, you have absolute control over which tests you send. You could take 10 tests, and only send your highest one. This is unlike the SAT, where many schools require you to send all your tests ever taken.

This means that you have more chances than you think to improve your ACT score. To try to aim for the school's ACT requirement of 26 and above, you should try to take the ACT as many times as you can. When you have the final score that you're happy with, you can then send only that score to all your schools.

ACT Superscore Policy

By and large, most colleges do not superscore the ACT. (Superscore means that the school takes your best section scores from all the test dates you submit, and then combines them into the best possible composite score). Thus, most schools will just take your highest ACT score from a single sitting.

We weren't able to find the school's exact ACT policy, which most likely means that it does not Superscore. Regardless, you can choose your single best ACT score to send in to Howard University, so you should prep until you reach our recommended target ACT score of 26.

image description

Download our free guide on the top 5 strategies you must be using to improve your score. This guide was written by Harvard graduates and ACT perfect scorers. If you apply the strategies in this guide, you'll study smarter and make huge score improvements.

Free eBook: 5 Tips to 4+ Points on the ACT

SAT/ACT Writing Section Requirements

Currently, only the ACT has an optional essay section that all students can take. The SAT used to also have an optional Essay section, but since June 2021, this has been discontinued unless you are taking the test as part of school-day testing in a few states. Because of this, no school requires the SAT Essay or ACT Writing section, but some schools do recommend certain students submit their results if they have them.

Howard University considers the SAT Essay/ACT Writing section optional and may not include it as part of their admissions consideration. You don't need to worry too much about Writing for this school, but other schools you're applying to may require it.

Final Admissions Verdict

Because this school is very selective, strong academic scores are critical to improving your chances of admission . If you're able to score a 1270 SAT or a 26 ACT or above, you'll have a very strong chance at getting in.

For a school as selective as Howard University, rounding out the rest of your application will also help. We'll cover those details next.

But if you apply with a score below a 1270 SAT or a 26 ACT, you unfortunately have a low chance of getting in. There are just too many other applicants with high SAT/ACT scores and strong applications, and you need to compete against them.

Admissions Calculator

Here's our custom admissions calculator. Plug in your numbers to see what your chances of getting in are. Pick your test: SAT ACT

  • 80-100%: Safety school: Strong chance of getting in
  • 50-80%: More likely than not getting in
  • 20-50%: Lower but still good chance of getting in
  • 5-20%: Reach school: Unlikely to get in, but still have a shot
  • 0-5%: Hard reach school: Very difficult to get in

How would your chances improve with a better score?

Take your current SAT score and add 160 points (or take your ACT score and add 4 points) to the calculator above. See how much your chances improve?

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  • Our team is made of national SAT/ACT experts . PrepScholar's founders are Harvard graduates and SAT perfect scorers . You'll be studying using the strategies that actually worked for them.
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There's a lot more to PrepScholar that makes it the best SAT/ACT prep program. Click to learn more about our program , or sign up for our 5-day free trial to check out PrepScholar for yourself:

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Application Requirements

Every school requires an application with the bare essentials - high school transcript and GPA, application form, and other core information. Many schools, as explained above, also require SAT and ACT scores, as well as letters of recommendation, application essays, and interviews. We'll cover the exact requirements of Howard University here.

Application Requirements Overview

  • Common Application Accepted, supplemental forms required
  • Electronic Application Available
  • Essay or Personal Statement Required for all freshmen
  • Letters of Recommendation 2
  • Interview Not required
  • Application Fee $45
  • Fee Waiver Available? Not available
  • Other Notes

Testing Requirements

  • SAT or ACT Considered if submitted
  • SAT Essay or ACT Writing Optional
  • SAT Subject Tests
  • Scores Due in Office March 1

Coursework Requirements

  • Subject Required Years
  • Foreign Language 2
  • Social Studies 2
  • Electives 4

Deadlines and Early Admissions

  • Offered? Deadline Notification
  • Yes February 15 April 15
  • Yes November 1 December 18

Admissions Office Information

  • Address: 2400 Washington, DC 20059-0002
  • Phone: (202) 806-2763
  • Email: [email protected]

Other Schools For You

If you're interested in Howard University, you'll probably be interested in these schools as well. We've divided them into 3 categories depending on how hard they are to get into, relative to Howard University.

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Reach Schools: Harder to Get Into

These schools are have higher average SAT scores than Howard University. If you improve your SAT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.

image description

Same Level: Equally Hard to Get Into

If you're competitive for Howard University, these schools will offer you a similar chance of admission.

image description

Safety Schools: Easier to Get Into

If you're currently competitive for Howard University, you should have no problem getting into these schools. If Howard University is currently out of your reach, you might already be competitive for these schools.

Data on this page is sourced from Peterson's Databases © 2023 (Peterson's LLC. All rights reserved.) as well as additional publicly available sources.

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Howard University 2020-21 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide

Regular Decision: 

Howard University 2020-21 Application Essay Question Explanation

The Requirements:   1 essay of 250 words

Supplemental Essay Type(s):   Activity

Please briefly elaborate on one of your extracurricular activities or work experiences. (250 words)

Activity essays like this one are quite common and really are as straightforward as they seem. The most difficult part is usually selecting the activity you want to talk about. So, we return to our favorite mantra: tell the admissions department at Howard something they couldn’t glean from anywhere else in your application. If you wrote your personal statement about your time managing the most popular taqueria in your town you should focus, this time, on a different activity or work experience that reveals a new aspect of your personality, character, drive, etc. This can be a great opportunity to highlight your leadership skills and any accolades you may have received as a result of participating in a particular activity. Did you win any awards? Receive any promotions? Make any significant connections? No matter what you choose, it should probably be something you’ve been involved in for a while, so you can demonstrate your growth to admissions!

Howard also has one additional essay (max 750 words) in which the prompt changes depending on which academic program you are planning on pursue. Just remember to do your research, use your narrative voice, and present your most unique self to admissions!

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howard university essay

How to Get Into Howard University - Admission Requirements

Student in a park excited about getting into Howard University

Reviewed by:

Former Admissions Committee Member, Columbia University

Reviewed: 11/16/23

Is Howard University on your list of top colleges? Read on to learn more about how to increase your admission chances or be convinced to add it if it isn’t!

Howard University was founded in Washington, DC, in 1867. It is a private research university comprising 14 schools and colleges. 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 contributing to Howard’s community, this guide will go into further depth about how to get into the school, its acceptance rate, application requirements, and more!

Howard University Acceptance Rate: 51.9%

Howard University’s acceptance rate is 51.9% . For context, 19537 applied to Howard University, 10140 were admitted, and 2493 enrolled. While it accepts more students into its programs than top-ranking schools, it still reviews applicants using rigorous standards. 

Here is a detailed table of Howard University’s acceptance rate for the past few years. 

Source : Howard University

As you can see, Howard University increased its admission rate by approximately 16 percent in the past year, making it easier to get accepted. 

Howard University Early Decision Acceptance Rate: 47.2% 

The early decision acceptance rate for Howard University is 47.2%. This early decision acceptance rate comes from their 358 applications and 169 admissions.

Here is a detailed table of Howard University’s early decision acceptance rate for the past few years. 

If Howard University is your choice, it’s worth applying for an early decision because of its high acceptance rate! 

How Hard Is It to Get Into Howard University? 

With an acceptance rate of 51.9%, this school is moderately selective. Howard University has accepted 10,140 from an application pool of 19,537, which means it accepts more students into its programs than top-ranking schools. 

If you want to see what your chances are to get into Howard University, here is a helpful College Admission Chances Calculator to try out!

howard university essay

Take our interactive quiz below to find out how likely you are to get into Howard .

Howard University Admissions Statistics

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 previously admitted applicants had:

Howard University Average GPA: 3.66

Howard University’s average GPA for the most recent class was 3.66 . To be considered a competitive applicant, you should maintain a GPA of 3.6- 4.0 . 

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.

howard university essay

Howard University Average SAT Score: 1184

The average SAT score of recently admitted Howard University applicants is 1184. Those who took the SAT and scored in the 50th percentile earned a score of 1170. 

Howard University has adopted a test-optional policy for its recent admission cycle and will consider applying it to future cycles. Check the school’s website before applying to see if they require the test!

howard university essay

Howard University Average ACT Score: 24

The average ACT score of recently admitted Howard University applicants is 24. Those in the 50th percentile received a score of 23. 

Recently, Howard University has adopted a test-optional policy for its admission application. Before applying to this school, check their website to see if they require the test. 

howard university essay

What Is Howard University Looking For In Applicants?

Howard University evaluates applications by examining the rigor of an applicant’s coursework, academic GPA, application essay, and letters of recommendation.

Here’s a detailed table that shows what Howard University values in its application process. 

Now that you have a better idea of what Howard University looks for, ensure you focus on them during the application process. 

Howard University Admissions Requirements

howard university essay

To get into Howard University, you should aim for a minimum GPA of 3.66 and SAT/ACT scores of 1190 and 24, respectively. You can also give your application a boost by taking advanced courses (IB or AP) and writing a compelling supplemental essay!

Below is a list of the required materials for admission into UW . 

  • Recommended courses
  • Official high school transcript
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Application fee of $45

Ensure you have all required materials ready before the application deadline to avoid unforeseen obstacles! 

Howard University

Howard University Application Deadlines

Applicants will submit their application through the Common App . As you focus on gathering your application materials and submitting the best application possible, it can be easy to lose track of deadlines! To avoid this, here is a list of the key dates to mark on your calendar:

Source: Howard University

The document deadline refers to the final date you can submit your test scores, letters of recommendation, and academic records.

Howard University Regular Decision Deadline

Howard University’s regular decision deadline is February 1st. Decisions will be sent out in early April. Ensure you don’t miss the deadline when applying to this school! 

Howard University Early Action Deadline 

The early action deadline for Howard University is November 1st. Applicants who apply by this date will receive an admissions decision by late January.

Early action applications are non-binding, meaning students are not required to attend Howard if accepted. High-achieving students can use an early action application to receive notification of a decision earlier. 

Howard University Early Decision Deadline 

The early decision deadline for Howard University is November 1st. Applicants who apply by this date will receive an admissions decision by late January.

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 granted admission to Howard.

Howard University Essay Prompts

Knowing how to write well is a large part of learning to get into Howard University. There are several personal statement prompts 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.

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 the classroom!

Howard University Interview

Howard University doesn’t offer interviews for its undergraduate programs. However, they offer it for theater and dance program applicants. Admission decisions are primarily based on a holistic review of the application.

If you have any remaining inquiries, here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions about this school.

1. Should I Apply to Howard?

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 can make up for a lower GPA with the rest of your application, you should apply to Howard!

2. What GPA Do You Need to Get Into Howard?

It’s suggested that students have a GPA of 3.66 to be considered competitive candidates.

3. Can I Get Into Howard With a 3.3 GPA?

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.

4. Can I Get Into Howard With a 3.0 GPA?

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.

5. What Is the Minimum GPA Requirement for Howard University?

Howard University doesn’t have a minimum GPA requirement. However, you should aim to achieve a GPA similar to their average for admitted applicants, which would be a 3.66.

6. How Much Is Tuition at Howard University?

Tuition and fees cost $33,344 a year at Howard University. 

Final Thoughts

While many pieces make up your Howard application, ensuring each 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!

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howard university essay

International First Year Admission

First time in college international applicant.

Howard University welcomes applications from talented international students as freshmen; that is, students who have never matriculated into a degree program at Howard University or any other post-secondary institution of higher education. International students are advised to begin the admission process at least one year prior to the time they wish to enter the University because additional time is usually essential for submission of required tests, academic documents, evaluations and immigration-related matters. Students are encouraged to apply via the Common App during their final year (12th/13th grade depending on your education system) of secondary school. 

This page is also applicable to US citizens/nationals who have studied outside the United States. Please complete the admission requirements listed below, as well as the FAFSA for financial aid consideration. 

As part of our holistic admission process, we consider student's secondary school academic record, standardized college entrance exams (SAT or ACT), leadership in school and community activities, unique talents and skills, and educational objectives.

Once an application has been submitted via the Common App,  changes cannot generally be made . Thus, we do implore all applicants to thoroughly review their application prior to submission. 

As of August 2018, we no longer offer Spring entry for first year applicants.  The first year admission team can be reached via email at [email protected]. We can also be reached via telephone at 202-806-2755. For the latest admission updates, follow us on  Twitter  &  Instagram !

International First Year Application Details

Recommended coursework.

For admission consideration, an applicant should have a well-balanced college preparatory program that includes the following  recommended  course work: 

4 years English  

3 years mathematics 

2 years social science 

2 years science (w/lab) 

2 years foreign language

Our students come from across the globe, so we are familiar with the differences in the various curricula. We place emphasis on a well-rounded curriculum, rather than the specific years recommended above. 

Admission Plans

First Time in College (FTIC) applicants have the opportunity to submit an application for Early Decision, Early Action or Regular Decision. 

  • Early Decision (ED) is a binding admission plan that is designed for students whose first choice is Howard University. ED applicants may apply to other colleges/universities while we review their applications, but may only apply to one college/university early decision. In general, if an ED applicant is offered admission to Howard, he/she must withdraw all other college applications. However, ED applicants seeking financial aid need not withdraw other applications until they have received notification about financial aid. If we have not met the full financial need of an admitted ED applicant (based on submitted FAFSA/HU ISFAA information), enrollment would not required. ED decisions are provided to students via email in late January. For more information on how to submit the agreement, visit the Common App Support site for  Students  or  Recommenders .
  • NOTE : EA and ED applicants with incomplete applications after November 15 will be moved to the regular decision applicant pool.  
  • NOTE : RD applicants with incomplete applications after March 1 will not be rendered with a final decision. These admission files will be marked as incomplete.

Please note: Once your application has been submitted, your decision plan cannot generally be changed.  

As of August 2018, we no longer offer Spring entry for FTIC applicants.

Application Fee

A non-refundable $45 application fee is charged as part of the Common Application process. Payment is made via Common App (personal checks are not accepted). Unfortunately, the Office of Admission does not issue fee waivers.

If paying the application fee may cause you and your family to face  unusual financial hardship , we will accept the Common App fee waiver . If you will be using a fee waiver,   please ensure your counselor submits the required Common Application fee waiver affirmation via Common App or via mail (if 'Offline' submission is selected). 

No other fee waiver form (e.g. NACAC, SAT, ACT etc.) is required. Only the Common App fee waiver affirmation is required. Fee waiver forms should not be submitted via email. 

If you erroneously submitted your application with a fee waiver, please follow the below instructions:

  • Go to the Howard University section on the Common App.
  • Select "Review and Submit- Common App".
  • Click the highlighted link under "Application Fee Waiver Requested" and follow the instructions to make your payment.

Please see the Common Application's  indicators of economic need  for more information.

High School Academic Records

For admission consideration, students must submit academic records for grades nine to twelve (or thirteen). 

For students who have studied in any of  these systems (PDF) , an academic evaluation is not required. Please have your counselor submit certified copies of your  internal  high school academic transcripts (grades 9 to 12+), as well as external examination  predicted grades and/or official national standardized examination certificates . Your counselor may certify and submit these documents via  Common App  (as an Optional Report --  highly preferred ) or via  mail  (if submitting 'Offline'--  not preferred, as there may be significant delays in our receipt of mailed items ). You may  not  submit your school records via email.

Examples of national standardized examination certificates include CSEC, CAPE, BGCSE, GCE, GCSE, IGCSE, IB, and WASSCE. Statement of results, provisional notifications of results, website print out of results, and results listed on high school transcripts will ONLY be accepted via the Common App/mail if the certificate has not yet been issued by the examination body. If your official certificate is available, please ensure your counselor submits it by the given document deadline. If you have not taken your final set of exit exams, but will take them during the school year, please ensure predicted grades are submitted by your designated counselor. 

If you are an international student who will graduate with a U.S. high school diploma , or you are a Canadian high school student , please follow the  Domestic Admission  requirements. If you previously attended a non-US high school, please ensure that you also submit certified copies of your academic records from your previous institution (for grades 9 to 12+).

An academic evaluation by a  NACES member  is required from  all international students who have not met the above criteria (i.e. did not study in any of these  these systems (PDF)  or in the US/Canada). All transcripts from non-US educational institutions must be sent directly to the evaluation agency by the issuing institution. This is a requirement before admission can be granted. The academic evaluation requirement  cannot be waived . Moreover, if your transcript, exit exam, leaving certificate, or grade scale system is in a foreign language, an official English translation is required. Statement of results, provisional notifications of results, and website print out of results will not be accepted. Students are encouraged to submit their documents for evaluation well in advance of the document deadline to avoid any potential delays. Please also ensure you select an evaluation report that will provide provide a U.S. equivalent high school GPA.

We highly encourage you to select a NACES member with electronic delivery. We are currently able to receive evaluations electronically via  ECE ,  IEE ,  WES (ICAP) , and  SpanTran . Evaluations will not be accepted via email/fax. 

Please also note the below items as it relates to your counselor's Common App submissions.

  • Mid year reports are not required for admission, but may be submitted when available. Please do not make submissions of progress grades via email. 
  • For example, if grade 12/13 grades are not yet available for early applicants, grades 9 through 11/12 records will be considered. 
  • If your counselor needs to submit a corrected/updated transcript, he/she/they may submit the new transcript (if a final report has not yet been submitted) via the 'Optional Report' or 'Mid Year Report' options if available.
  • If you attended multiple high schools, please have your current counselor submit ALL your available (including prior high school) academic records. 
  • We are unable to confirm receipt of recommender submissions prior to your application being officially submitted via Common App.

Students are able to track the status of their counselor's submissions in real time via Common App's 'Recommenders & FERPA' area if their counselor submits the 'School Report' via Common App. Mail and NACES member submissions are not visible via the Common App. 

Standardized Tests

For the 2022-23 admission cycle, SAT/ACT test scores are not required to render a first year admission application complete. Students who do not submit test scores  will not  be at a disadvantage in the admission process. This policy will extend to the  Karsh STEM  program. This policy does not extend to joint degree (e.g. BS/MD, BS/DDS, BA/JD) programs.

Please also note, applicants with complete files who do not submit official test scores by the given document deadline for their desired admission plan, will be rendered with a final decision based on the credentials that are on file . As such, we do implore all students to give serious consideration into their desired admission plan, and whether they will opt into the test optional choice. 

For example, an early applicant who does not submit test scores by November 15, but has all other required credentials on file, will be notified of a  final  decision in January. There will be no subsequent opportunities to appeal this decision or submit test scores for consideration. Also note, once your application has been submitted, your decision plan cannot generally be changed . 

For students who elect to submit SAT (school code – 5297) or ACT scores (school code - 0674) ,  only official scores submitted via the testing agency will be considered . The below submissions will NOT be considered:

  • Self-reported scores.
  • Score reports from school counselors.
  • Scores on transcripts.

The essay section is not required for the SAT/ACT exam. We do not superscore the ACT exam.

October is the last test date that will be considered for early action & early decision applicants. December is the last test date that will be considered for regular decision applicants. Scores submitted after these test dates will not be considered.

TOEFL/IELTS

A score of 90 on the Internet based (IBT)   Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)  is required for applicants whose native language is not English. Howard’s school code is 5297. Only official reports from ETS will be accepted. Note: in lieu of the TOEFL, applicants may submit results from IELTS (International English Language Testing System) with an overall score of a 6.5. Only the TOEFL/IELTS exams are accepted at this time.

We will automatically waive the TOEFL/IELTS requirement for international students who are from a nation where English is an official language or who have studied in the United States for at least four years. For students whose language of instruction in secondary school is English, we may also waive this requirement provided a letter and supporting documentation be submitted from an administrator at your school stating that the official language of instruction at your school is English, and that you have taken a curriculum in which the classes you took are taught in English. These items can be uploaded to your Common Application by your counselor.

Letters of Recommendation

Howard University requires two letters of recommendation for admission consideration. While you may assign recommenders via Common App /Naviance to submit additional letters, only two will be guaranteed to be considered as part of our review.

  • One letter of recommendation from a high school counselor submitted by your counselor via Common App/Naviance ( highly preferred ) is required. If your counselor is unable to submit your letter via the application system or a (linked) third party system, he/she/they may submit it directly to us via mail ( not preferred, as there may be significant delays in our receipt of mailed items ). You may not submit your recommenders' letter(s) on their behalf. Letters are not accepted via email.
  • One letter of recommendation from a high school teacher submitted by your teacher via Common App/Naviance ( highly preferred ) is required. If your teacher is unable to submit your letter via the application system or a (linked) third party system, he/she/they may submit it directly to us via mail ( not preferred, as there may be significant delays in our receipt of mailed items ). You may not submit your recommenders' letter(s) on their behalf.  Letters are not accepted via email . 

If you would like to assign an additional recommender (note, only two letters will generally be considered) or to troubleshoot issues with non-Common App submissions, you may assign your non-counselor recommender as an 'Other Recommender' via Common App.

Students are able to track the status of their recommenders' submissions in real time via Common App's 'Recommenders & FERPA' area if their recommenders submit letters via Common App or a Common App Integration Partner (e.g. Naviance, Xello, Cialfo, BridgeU, Maia Learning, FolderWave etc.). Other service provider submissions (e.g. Parchment Exchange, SCOIR*) or mail submissions are not visible via Common App. 

* Once the item is marked as submitted, we are in receipt. Items will be periodically downloaded and added to each students' file.

Application Essays

As part of the Common Application, students must submit the main Common Application essay as part of their application. You may access the  Common App essay prompts  via the highlighted link. In addition to the main Common Application essay, Howard University has  one  optional  essay that may be accessed via the  Writing  section of the Common App. Students are not required to submit the optional essay. Essays provide us with a chance to learn more about you, including your passions, goals, and general interest in Howard University. As such, we do implore all students to place considerable effort into crafting well-written essays that accurately reflect who they are, and what they hope to achieve should they be granted admission.

All essays must be submitted with your Common Application by the application deadline. Our application deadlines are November 1 for early applicants, November 15 for Theatre Arts performance majors (Acting, Dance & Musical Theatre), and February 1 for regular decision applicants. Once your application has been submitted, changes  cannot  be made. Email submission of (corrected) essays  will not  be accepted; as such, we do encourage all students to review their essays (including formatting, spelling errors etc.) prior to making their application submission.

Applicants to the BS/MD & BS/DDS programs will also be required to submit an additional essay for the respective program via the  Writing  section of the Common App. For more information, please see our  Special Audiences  webpage.

Tracking Recommender's Submissions

As noted in the above tiles, your assigned counselor should submit your transcript, counselor letter of recommendation, and fee waiver affirmation (if eligible) via the Common App. Moreover, you should assign one teacher to submit a letter of recommendation on your behalf. Items are  NOT  accepted via email. If your school uses a Common App partner system (e.g. Naviance, Xello etc.), submissions will also appear on the Common App once your application has been linked (please contact your school counselor for assistance). Additional confirmation of receipt is  NOT  required once the items appear as submitted on  your  Common App.

To check the status of the items your  assigned recommenders  have submitted ( only  if they submit these items via Common App or a Common App partner system – highly preferred), please view your Howard University Common Application dashboard (click ‘Status’ then ‘Recommenders and FERPA’). If your recommenders will be making submissions via another system (e.g. Parchment, SCOIR etc.), items received will be marked as downloaded by our team via said system. Items submitted via mail are  not preferred, as there may be significant delays in our receipt of mailed items .

All other updates on your application status and any outstanding requirements will be sent  via email . Therefore, please add us to your email safe senders list, read all our emails carefully, and follow the outlined instructions. 

Additional Program Specific Requirements

All prospective Studio Art majors must submit a slide portfolio of 12-15 images and videos of original creative works. No more than 2-3 views of any one work should be included. To submit electronically, applicants should use the Slideroom.com portfolio submission portal. For more information, visit  art.howard.edu . 

Theatre Arts

Prospective Theatre Arts majors must fulfill an audition, portfolio, and/or interview requirement as evidence of their ability to successfully pursue college-level work in their desired concentrations. For more information, visit  theatrearts.howard.edu . Please note, all Theatre Arts applicants to performance majors (Acting, Dance & Musical Theatre) must submit their application for admission by November 15 via the Common App ( applicants who apply after Nov. 1 must select the Regular Decision admission plan ). All non-performance majors (Theatre Arts Administration & Theatre Technology) must submit an application by February 15. Admission into the Dance program at Howard is by audition and invitation only. Prospective majors must complete an intensive dance placement audition. An interview with the Dance faculty will follow the audition. For more information, visit  theatrearts.howard.edu/audition . 

All prospective Music majors must present a successful voice or instrument audition, which is scheduled by appointment only. DVDs or CDs will be accepted from applicants who are unable to audition in-person. For more information, visit music.howard.edu/admissions/undergraduate . 

NOTE : Students who apply to the above programs are granted conditional admission into Howard University pending their portfolio/audition results. To gain full admission, students must complete and receive a favorable decision from the respective Fine Arts department. Students who have not been admitted into the above programs at the department level may choose an alternate major if granted admission into the university. As such, we do implore all prospective fine arts students to give deep consideration to their second major preference. 

Architecture & Design Studies

A portfolio of creative works must be submitted to the department for consideration. The portfolio should include a minimum of one and a maximum of three examples of creative expression in graphic, written or audiovisual form. All portfolios should be submitted to  [email protected] . For more information, visit  cea.howard.edu/admissions/architecture-admissions . 

Financial Aid

International and DACA students must also submit the HU ISFAA to be considered for financial aid. Detailed instructions on how to submit the HU ISFAA, will be available in the coming weeks. Scholarship awards take into consideration students' need and merit achievements.   As such, we cannot provide specific award amounts until your completed application and FAFSA/HU ISFAA has been received and reviewed. 

Students who do not submit test scores will not be at a disadvantage in the awarding process. Students who opt into the test optional choice are eligible for scholarship consideration, as other factors (e.g. academic records) will be considered.  

Students must submit their HU ISFAA by the corresponding application deadline for priority consideration.  Our application deadlines are November 1 for Early Action/Decision, and February 15 for Regular Decision.

Please see the  Financial Support  page for more information on financial aid opportunities.

ADMISSION DATES & DEADLINES SUMMARY

School of Law

Jd application and information, the husl jd and llm applications are available. we look forward to reviewing your 2024 application. the priority deadline to be considered for scholarships is december 15, 2023. all applications must be submitted by march 15, 2024., howard university school of law is not offering any fee waivers for the 2024 application cycle., applying to the law school.

Applicants are required to submit an application online. You may apply on-line at  Click Here to Apply to Howard University School of Law as a JD

Upon receipt of your application, your initial status will show as INCOMPLETE. Once your file is processed, your online status checker will reference what items are missing, whether your file is being held for a future LSAT, etc. Otherwise, the progression of your status will show as READY FOR REVIEW, REVIEW IN PROGRESS, etc. Please send any application updates to [email protected] . Please do not send any documents or inquiries to the admissions team. Please note that this link is for JD applicants only. If you want to apply as a JD/MBA, Visitor, Transfer or LLM applicant, please select the appropriate link under the “Prospective Student” section of the website.

PLEASE READ THE ENTIRE PAGE BEFORE SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION.

Required Documents

Application.

Applications must be started by 11:59 p.m. on March 15, 2024 if the applicant is applying for the 2024 entering class. An application must be  COMPLETED  by  MARCH 15th.  The Admissions Committee no longer uses a rolling admissions system. Completed application files are considered beginning in November, and candidates are notified in either December or March. Accordingly, as an applicant, you are encouraged to submit your application as early as possible.

Law School Admissions Test (LSAT)

Howard University requires a score from Law School Admission Counsel's (LSAC) Law School Admission Test (LSAT) for every applicant. The latest test you should take to apply for an active admissions cycle is the last test date before the deadline. Howard Law does not accept the GRE as a substitute for the LSAT. Ideally candidates will take the February LSAT as the LSAT administration for the fall entering class.  Please note that you if you take the April LSAT, the number of seats and the availability of scholarships may be drastically diminished by the time your updated CAS report is received.

Personal Statement

Your personal statement assists the Admissions Committee in selecting a diverse entering class of students. It is also used to assess each applicant’s written English skills. The personal statement provides applicants with an opportunity to describe the uniqueness of his or her character, abilities, and experience and to assist us in getting to know and understand you as a person. You should discuss those aspects of your background, experience, talents, achievements, and interests that you believe would be important for us to know. Applicants are encouraged to write about issues of diversity, academic history, community service activities, and professional experience. Personal statements should also detail the applicant’s interest in Howard’s Law School and how attending Howard will allow you to realize your dreams and aspirations. Your personal statement should be typed 12 point font, double-spaced, and no longer than three pages. Your statement must be submitted with the application. 12-point font.  Double spaced.  Regular margins.  No photos.

Why Howard Essays  Please do not submit a Why Howard/HUSL essay.  Applicant should discuss the HUSL's mission in their personal statemen

Optional Essay - 500 word max

Share an example of a time when you engaged in service to your community. How has this experience prepared you to be a leader and social engineer in the legal profession?

Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit the optional essay. If you submitted your application and the optional essay exceeds the 500 word/character limit, you are encouraged to submit a new statement adhering to the word count.  This updated document can be sent to [email protected] Please follow the instructions for the prompt.  This pertains to the characters and the substance of the statement.  This statement should not be used as regurgitation of your resume.  This statement should not be used as section of your personal statement, a diversity statement, nor an adversity statement. 

Diversity Statements

Please be very thoughtful about a decision to submit a Diversity Statement to HUSL.  Review the mission of HUSL and HU and make a thoughtful and strategic decision about this specific statement.  Additionally, please be sure to not confuse adversity with diversity.

Addenda/Optional Essays/Explanations

Please note - not every applicant needs to submit an addendum.    If your cumulative LSAT score and/or highest  LSAT score fall below the median of the previous entering class, you should submit a brief, factual statement.

Additionally, if you have taken the LSAT more than once and there is a change of score (increase or decrease) of more than 2-3 points, you should a brief statement outlining what led to the change in score.

This document should not exceed 2-3 paragraphs.

Letters of Continued Interest (LOCI)

This type of letter should only be submitted if you have been waitlisted at HUSL.  Each law school has different rules, parameters, etc.

(Please visit the waitlist section below.)

Hint hint - the majority of HUSL applicants should not submit a Diversity Statement.

Two Letters of Recommendation Required; Three will be accepted

Howard University requires two letters of recommendation. Please note that you should be strategic in terms of who you select to write your letters of recommendation.  

For applicants who are currently matriculating or who have recently graduated, we prefer that faculty members or teaching assistants submit both letters. If you are currently working on a full-time basis, letters from professional colleagues, employers, and/or supervisors are acceptable. If you are self-employed, please ensure you submit letters from your clients and/or customers.  The letters should address your academic potential, work ethic, relevant skills and your character. We will only accept letters that are submitted through the Credential Assembly Service (CAS), which serves all member schools. This service is included in your CAS registration subscription.

We require an up-to-date history of all of your employment since high school graduation, including summer or military positions. Please include the dates of your employment. If a period of time has elapsed since your graduation from college, please account for your activities from graduation to present, even if you have not been employed full-time.

Please do not forget to add the hours worked per week for work experience, leadership experience, volunteer/community service/work, etc. Please do not include references. Please do not add objective.

Transcripts

We require a copy of your Transcripts from the CAS report that is submitted via the LSAC.org website.

Required Material from Foreign Educated Students

Howard University School of Law requires that your foreign transcripts be submitted through the LSAC JD Credential Assembly Service ("CAS"). If you completed any postsecondary work outside the US (including its territories) or Canada, you must use this service for the evaluation of your foreign transcripts. The one exception to this requirement is if you completed the foreign work through a study abroad, consortium, or exchange program sponsored by a US or Canadian institution, and the work is clearly indicated as such on the home campus transcript. This service is included in the CAS subscription fee. A Foreign Credential Evaluation will be completed by the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO), which will be incorporated into your CAS report. If we determine that you need to submit a TOEFL score, you must contact the Educational Testing Service (ETS) and request that your TOEFL score be sent to LSAC. LSAC’s TOEFL code for the JD Credential Assembly Service is 0058. Your score will be included in the Foreign Credential Evaluation document that will be included in your CAS law school report.

To use the JD CAS, log in to your online account and follow the instructions for registering for the service. Be sure to print out a Transcript Request Form for each institution and send it promptly to them. More time is usually required to receive foreign transcripts.

Questions about the JD Credential Assembly Service can be directed to LSAC at 215.968.1001, or  [email protected] .

Qualifications beyond Completion of Law School to Practice Law in the United States

In addition to a bar examination, there are character, fitness, and other qualifications for admission to the bar in every U.S. jurisdiction. Applicants are encouraged to determine the requirements for any jurisdiction in which they intend to seek admission by contacting the jurisdiction. Addresses for all relevant agencies are available through the National Conference of Bar Examiners.  

Scholarship Reconsideration or Negotiation

HUSL does not reconsider or negotiate scholarships. We lead with our best offer based on the scholarship budget and statistical goals for the cycle. 

All decisions are final

There is no appeal process.  All decisions rendered are final.

Admitted Students

Congratulations to our new Bisons! You will receive your formal admissions information soon.   This includes but is not limited to:  seat deposit amounts, seat deposit deadlines, merit scholarship (if eligible), information on admitted student only events, University log in information/portal information, etc.

THE FOLLOWING ARE NEW SECTIONS.  THIS INFORMATION SHOULD BE LISTED AFTER THE REQUIREMENTS FOR FOREIGN APPLICANTS)

HUSL will accept one LOCI from waitlisted candidates.

The best time to submit this statement is after the first seat deadline which is May 1. 

If you have increased your you cumulative GPA and/or LSAT score, please notify us to ensure we look for an updated CAS report from LSAC.  If you have an additional letter of recommendation but have not submitted the maximum of three letters of recommendation, ensure the letter is sent to LSAC and is added to your CAS report.  Do not have your recommender send the letter directly to HUSL.  Lastly, if you have been promoted, given increased responsibilities, obtained a new job, etc., you can submit an updated resume.  Please ensure it is labeled properly - your name, LSAC number and the title of the document.

The waitlist is not ranked. The number of applicants that may be admitted from the waitlist varies year to year.  

If you are denied, you must wait until the next admissions cycle to reapply. We cannot provide applicants with insight or information about how their application can be improved until after the class is seated. Ideally, we will host a reapplicant workshop in early September each year.

Office of Admissions Staff Tracy L. Simmons Associate Dean of Admissions and Student Affairs

Jiovanna Bryant Director of Admissions (202) 806-8009

Location 2900 Van Ness Street, N.W. 219 Holy Cross Hall Washington, DC 20008

Hours of Operation Monday through Friday 9am-5pm

Contact Us (202) 806-8009

Virtual Office Hours April 2024 ---------------------

Tuesday, April 9, 2024 12:00-1:00PM PST/3:00-4:00PM EST Monday, April 29, 2024 1:00PM PST/4:00-5:00PM EST

Howard University catalog

First Time Student Admission Requirements

First Time in College (FTIC) Students  FTICs are students who have never enrolled in a degree program at Howard University or any other post-secondary institution of higher education following their high school graduation. 

FTIC Academic Eligibility 

We consider the applicant's secondary school academic record, SAT or ACT scores (if submitted), recommendations, leadership in school and community activities, unique talents and skills, and educational objectives. For admission consideration, an applicant should have a well-balanced college preparatory program. 

FTIC Admission Requirements Package. 

A complete application package includes the following materials: 

Common Application and Howard Supplement with non-refundable US $45 application fee.  

One letter of recommendation from a school counselor, principal, head of school, or school official; 

One letter of recommendation from a teacher or professor; 

 SAT or  ACT scores (optional) 

To obtain SAT  test dates, visit www.collegeboard.org – school code 5297 

To obtain ACT test dates, visit www.act.org – school code 0674; 

High School transcript, official certified final secondary school records, or mark sheets including grades 9-12; 

Certified documentation of exit examination scores for example CXC, GCE, WAEC, BGCSE, or exit examination scores from your region or country - All course titles, and the marks earned in those courses, should be reflected. 

If your transcript, exit exam, leaving certificate, or grade scale system is in a foreign language, an official English translation by World Education Services (www.wes.org) is required. Request the International Credential Advantage Package (ICAP) (Transcript + Evaluation) Document by Document Report only. 

 Common Application  essay-  

Official scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) http://www.ets.org/toefl are required for applicants whose native language is not English.  Howard’s school code is 5297. Only official reports from ETS will be accepted.  

Score of 550 on the paper-based test (PBT) 

Score of 79 on the internet-based test(iBT) 

In lieu of the TOEFL (if not offered in your country), applicants may submit results from IELTS (International English Language Testing System) with an overall score of a 6.5. 

Statement of Financial Resources Form for non-U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or nationals; the “1st Year” column must be completed, using the “General Undergraduate” figures; it must be signed by you and your sponsor. If you are self-sponsored, you should sign on both lines. The form does not require a signature or stamp by a bank official. 

Statement of Financial Resources Form  http://www.howard.edu/enrollment/documents/admission/Statement%20of%20Financial%20Resources.pdf  

Sponsor’s letter stating the sponsor’s name, your name, relationship to the sponsor and the sponsor’s intent to be responsible for your expenses; if you are self-sponsored, you should submit a letter stating that you are sponsoring yourself 

Recent monthly bank statement; if the statement is in a foreign currency, the US dollar equivalence and conversion rate must be stated. The balance must match or exceed the total completed in the “1st Year” column on the Financial Resources Form; a letter written by a bank is not acceptable.  

School of Social Work

Application information & materials.

Image of Students and Dean

Application Open September 5th

Application deadline:, spring - november 15        , fall - april 30.

The School of Social Work Master of Social Work degree program is a program of graduate level education that requires satisfactory completion of sixty (60) credit hours, culminating with the degree of Master of Social Work (M.S.W.). The school also offers a 45 hour Advanced Standing Program for Graduates of Accredited Baccalaureate Social Work Programs. Students specialize in one of two social work practice method concentrations: Direct Practice or Community, Administration, and Policy (CAP) Practice. Students also specialize in one of the six social work field of practice concentrations that are offered: family and child welfare services; criminal justice; mental health; health; social gerontology and displaced populations. Full or part-time enrollment is available each semester (with many evening classes and some online classes offered). Applicants seeking admission to the Master's program must hold a baccalaureate degree or its equivalent from a college or university with unrestricted accreditation by an accrediting agency recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), or a recognized international organization. The admission application review process normally requires approximately four weeks following the submission of all required credentials and application materials. Prospective MSW students must complete the online application and upload the following credentials and materials.

The online application includes:

  • $100.00 Non-refundable Application Fee
  • Personal Essay Guidelines
  • Application Essay Guidlines
  • Three Letters of Recommendation
  • Letter of Recommendation Guidelines    
  • Official Transcripts (from each/every college or university attended)

As of January 1, 2016 HUSSW only accepts online applications.

Application for admission online sections  .

Scores from standardized examinations (e.g. GRE, GMAT) are not required. Applicants must submit official copies of transcripts from each college or university attended, regardless of degree status or number of courses completed when enrolled. Official copies of transcripts must be mailed directly to Howard University by the registrar or other authorized representative of the issuing institution.

Transcripts issued to and/or received and submitted by applicants will not be accepted and will delay the completion of the admission application process. Please request four individuals who may attest to your character, interest, and potential for success in the social work profession to submit recommendations on your behalf. Appropriate recommenders include college professors, employment supervisors, volunteer and community service supervisors, credentialed social work practitioners and others who are able to provide an objective professional recommendation on your behalf. Applicants who earned baccalaureate or graduate degrees within one year of application and applicants transferring from other accredited MSW degree programs must obtain at least two recommendations from faculty who taught them. Please, do not request relatives, close friends or peers to submit recommendations on your behalf.

  • Contact the Admissions Office
  • Contact the Admissions Office by phone 202-806-6450 

Sandra Gammons

Sandra Gammons, LGSW Director of Admissions & Enrollment Management

Sarah Jackson Administrative Assistant, Office of Admissions

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Why I Chose My HBCU: Howard University

A man stands in front of a white window. He wears a white turtle neck and a maroon suit jacket and clear glasses. He has his arms crossed and smiles widely at the camera.

Student Name: Laten Jordan 

Home State: Ohio  

HBCU: Howard University 

Major: Political Science, Class of 2023

Extracurriculars: I am a member of the Howard University Mock Trial Team, Howard University Speech and Debate Team, and the Young African Leadership Initiative. I have had the privilege of serving as the Director of Student Advocacy for the College of Arts and Sciences Student Council (2020-2021 Academic Year) and the Outreach Coordinator for the Coalition of Activist Students Celebrating the Acceptance of Diversity and Equality (2020-2021 Academic Year).

For the 2021-2022 Academic Year, I will have the honor to continue my advocacy work and serve the student body as the Vice President of External Affairs for the Coalition of Activist Students Celebrating the Acceptance of Diversity and Equality and as a member of the Howard University Student Association, which serves as Howard’s student body government. 

What influenced you to attend an HBCU, and why did you end up picking your specific school?

Howard University was my top choice even before I stepped foot on campus for the first time. Learning about the rich history of the institution and the long list of notable alumni, I knew that I wouldn’t have the same opportunities if I did not attend an HBCU , specifically Howard University. Standing on campus and being surrounded by students and faculty that looked like me and had similar interests, I knew that Howard was home. 

Being a Political Science major , I specifically wanted to attend Howard University because of its Washington, D.C. location. By attending college in the nation’s capital, I have been able to gain a deeper understanding of politics and the political process on a federal level. 

Was it important that you chose an HBCU, and why or why not?

Attending an Historically Black College and University has truly been a transformative experience. I believe that it is important to attend a university that values you, gives you the tools and resources you need to succeed, and makes you feel part of something greater than yourself, which I was able to find within my HBCU.

I am proud to be part of an institution that produces Black men and women to be leading members of varying professions and to truly be change agents. 

What aspects of academics, culture, social life, extracurriculars, etc. do you think it offers that other schools don’t?

Every university offers their own unique academic and social culture, especially an Historically Black College and University. 

As a Howard University student, you not only have the opportunity to contribute to an enriched HBCU culture but also be immersed in D.C. life. 

What’s one memory you’ve made or positive experience you’ve had so far at school?

Although I am only halfway through my college career, I have been able to be a part of some amazing experiences and make a positive impact on campus. I am most proud of my leadership experiences in advocating for students.

It has truly been rewarding, and I hope to continue my passion for student advocacy in the next two years I have at Howard University! 

What is one thing you didn’t know about your school or college, in general, that you know now?

Before entering college, I wish someone would have told me how to not only get good grades but also how to sustain them.

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Author: Laten Jordan

Laten Jordan is a Junior Honors Political Science student at Howard University.

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While many current college students tout the importance of being able to actually step foot onto the campus you might go to, sometimes the circumstances just do not work out.

At Niche, we know a college is more than its stats or buildings. We also know it can be hard to figure out a college’s vibe or how students feel about it from its website alone. Using our comprehensive college profiles and social media accounts, you can get a sense of what life at a college is really like. Here are three simple ways to do that.

In case you haven’t heard yet, Niche has an amazing new opportunity for high school seniors. Niche Direct Admissions is a program that allows participating colleges to accept students and offer scholarships based on their Niche Profile. That’s right — no application needed.

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STARTALK Essay

Giving makes a difference!  Your support helps students along their pathways to success.

IMAGES

  1. Howard University Essay Examples

    howard university essay

  2. ESSAY QUESTIONS

    howard university essay

  3. How to Write the Howard University Supplemental Essays: Examples

    howard university essay

  4. Howard University Essay Examples

    howard university essay

  5. Howard University Essay Examples

    howard university essay

  6. Howard University Essay Examples

    howard university essay

COMMENTS

  1. A Strong Howard University Essay Example

    A Strong Howard University Essay Example. Located near the nation's capital, Howard University is one of the best-known HBCUs in the country. As a school with a competitive admissions process, Howard places significant importance on student essays, so it's important to write a strong one to help your application stand out.

  2. The Art of the Admission Essay

    Remember that your application essay is not a list of every reason you should be admitted nor is it a history report on Howard University and our influential alumni. The essay is about you. Before you start writing your essay, take time to brainstorm people who inspire you, events that have shaped you, and issues that matter to you.

  3. How to Write the Howard University Supplemental Essays: Examples

    Prompt #1: Extracurricular activity essay. Prompt #2: "Why us" essay. Prompt #3: "Keynote speaker" essay. Prompt #4: "Why major" essay. Prompt #5: "Howard University alumni" essay. A historically Black college in the heart of Washington, D.C., Howard University is a world-renowned leader in STEM fields, as well as social work, business, and ...

  4. How to Respond to the 2023/2024 Howard University Supplemental

    With a competitive 35% acceptance rate, students applying to Howard need compelling supplemental essays and the grades to match to gain admission. Keep reading to learn how to wow the admissions office with the best essay possible! First, a little about Howard University. Established in 1867, Howard University is located in Washington, DC ...

  5. First Year Admissions

    First Time in College (FTIC) applicants have the opportunity to submit an application for Early Decision, Early Action or Regular Decision. Early Decision (ED) is a binding admission plan that is designed for students whose first choice is Howard University. ED applicants may apply to other colleges/universities while we review their applications, but may only apply to one college/university ...

  6. Undergraduate Admissions

    Your Future Starts Here. Ranked in the top 100 National Universities, Howard University promotes academic excellence through a highly selective admission process. Students who are admitted demonstrate strong personal motivation along with backgrounds of consistent academic growth and achievement.

  7. Howard University 2021-22 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide

    Howard University 2021-22 Application Essay Question Explanation. The Requirements: 4 essays of 250 words each, 1 essay of 750 words Supplemental Essay Type(s): Activity, Why, Oddball The year is 2030, and you have been invited to be the keynote speaker at an event of your choice.

  8. Howard University Admission Requirements

    Average GPA: 3.66. The average GPA at Howard University is 3.66. (Most schools use a weighted GPA out of 4.0, though some report an unweighted GPA. With a GPA of 3.66, Howard University requires you to be above average in your high school class. You'll need at least a mix of A's and B's, with more A's than B's.

  9. Undergraduate & Graduate Admissions

    Student, Class of 2021, Afro-American studies and Sports administration, Spanish minor. Undergraduate admissions are the first step for students to pursue studies in more than 120 areas leading to undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. To date, Howard has awarded more than 130,000 degrees in the arts, the sciences, and the humanities.

  10. Howard University 2020-21 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide

    Howard University 2020-21 Application Essay Question Explanation. The Requirements: 1 essay of 250 words. Supplemental Essay Type(s): Activity. Please briefly elaborate on one of your extracurricular activities or work experiences. (250 words) Activity essays like this one are quite common and really are as straightforward as they seem.

  11. How to Get Into Howard University

    To get into Howard University, you should aim for a minimum GPA of 3.66 and SAT/ACT scores of 1190 and 24, respectively. You can also give your application a boost by taking advanced courses (IB or AP) and writing a compelling supplemental essay! Below is a list of the required materials for admission into UW .

  12. International First Year Admission

    First Time in College (FTIC) applicants have the opportunity to submit an application for Early Decision, Early Action or Regular Decision. Early Decision (ED) is a binding admission plan that is designed for students whose first choice is Howard University. ED applicants may apply to other colleges/universities while we review their applications, but may only apply to one college/university ...

  13. JD Application and Information

    Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit the optional essay. If you submitted your application and the optional essay exceeds the 500 word/character limit, you are encouraged to submit a new statement adhering to the word count. This updated document can be sent to [email protected] Please follow the instructions for the prompt.

  14. General Admissions Requirements

    All students must use the Common Application to apply for admissions to the university. If a student needs assistance or accommodations, then the Office of Admission will provide a paper copy. Students should refer to the Admission Policy and Admission Process sections on the university website. Howard University requires all admitted students ...

  15. First Time Student Admission Requirements

    For admission consideration, an applicant should have a well-balanced college preparatory program. FTIC Admission Requirements Package. A complete application package includes the following materials: Common Application and Howard Supplement with non-refundable US $45 application fee. One letter of recommendation from a school counselor ...

  16. Application Information & Materials

    The online application includes: $100.00 Non-refundable Application Fee. Personal Essay Guidelines. Application Essay Guidlines. Three Letters of Recommendation. Letter of Recommendation Guidelines. Official Transcripts (from each/every college or university attended)

  17. Howard University Home

    Howard University. We prepare diverse, talented and ambitious students to learn, lead and embody excellence in truth and service. Explore Our Programs. Schedule A Tour. Our community of more than 12,000undergraduate, graduate and professional students represents 53 states and territories,and 53 nations. We Are Howard.

  18. Why I Chose My HBCU: Howard University

    Student Name: Laten Jordan Home State: Ohio HBCU: Howard University Major: Political Science, Class of 2023 Extracurriculars: I am a member of the Howard University Mock Trial Team, Howard University Speech and Debate Team, and the Young African Leadership Initiative. I have had the privilege of serving as the Director of Student Advocacy for the College of Arts and Sciences Student Council ...

  19. Howard University Essay

    1414 Words. 6 Pages. Open Document. Essay Sample Check Writing Quality. Show More. Register to read the introduction…. "In November 1866, shortly after the end of the Civil War, members of the First Congregational Society of Washington considered establishing a theological seminary for the education of African-American clergymen.

  20. Photo Essay: Look Up! Howard University Students Witness Historic Solar

    However, that didn't stop students at Howard University from getting their glasses and finding their spot on the Yard to witness the rare celestial event. Students brought blankets and speakers and gathered with friends on the Yard, turning the warm spring eclipse day into an even bigger spectacle.

  21. STARTALK Essay

    STARTALK Essay. Powered by Formstack. Giving makes a difference! Your support helps students along their pathways to success. ... Credit Classes Noncredit Classes Take a Virtual Tour. Connect with Us. Main Campus. Howard Community College. 10901 Little Patuxent Parkway Columbia, MD 21044 . 443-518-1000 Welcome Center TTY users call via MD Relay ...