Howard University Top Questions

Howard is a great school for a community experience. The best thing about this school is the students. You will meet all types of people from all over, with varying perspectives about any topic. Most people know Howard as the premier school for black students, but we are indeed ethnically diverse. This is a medium sized school, a little over 10,000 enrolled, on a beautiful but compact campus. Washington, DC is definitely a college town, with at least 8 neighboring colleges/universities and plenty of cultural spots. Our athletics program may not be up to par, but school pride is high and the alumni network is very family-like. Our academic programs are all excellent in their own rights, and students literally have opportunities abound at our doorstep. Aside from the joy Howard can bring, some things are a pain. Students regularly have problems with the administration and financial aid is not plentiful. The school accepts too many freshmen, when there aren’t adequate resources for them all – space in dormitories, financial aid, space in classrooms, etc. Some professors are overloaded with responsibilities and are not adequately available for students. Graduate students are getting the short end of the stick with increased teaching responsibilities but unreliable payment schedules. A lot of things are great, but a lot more need to change. Students (individuals, government, and organizations) are very involved in voicing concerns and demanding action.

1.) The best thing about Howard University is the “Howard Experience”. This experience is something that alumni and students only truly understand. The experience consists of the enriched history Howard University has and provides it’s students with. The fellow students you encounter that show you there are fellow Black students out there who are intelligent, driven, hard working, and working towards a better society just like you. Also the reputation Howard provides its students with, when you are a product of Howard University, you have pride in yourself and the skills you are able to give to the professional, political and social world. People will respect you as an individual thinker just because you are a product of this institution. 2.) Although Howard University is a wonderful place it definitely could use some changes. The two main areas I would say need some work are the employees that work at Howard and the facilities. When I say the employees, I am not referring to the professors, but the employees that work in the administration building, dorms, cafeteria, food court, security, etc. all need to be reconsidered. Most of the people that work in these positions are DC natives and are very rude to the students and do not do their jobs efficiently. If anything these jobs should be given to students as work study programs, or at least qualified individuals or professionals. The facilities around campus are one thing that really needs help. Most of the buildings look decent on the outside, but on the inside they are run down, lacking air conditioning, lacking proper equipment etc. I think instead of spending so much money on unnecessary things during Homecoming, maybe they should renovate the buildings, or upgrade some of the academic equipment. 3.) As far as the size of Howard University, I feel like it is perfect. I would not consider Howard a big school by any means, but it is still not very small either, Howard holds almost 11,000 students undergrad and graduate, making it the perfect size to where you feel like you’re in college but not too many students, so each student feels like they get the attention they deserve. 4.) The way people react to when I tell them I go to Howard depends greatly on the person. If you tell a fellow African American they are very happy and supportive, and may show more support for me than Black students who go to predominantly White institutions. When dealing with other races I’ve found many have heard of Howard and respect it as a good source of higher education, and the handful I have encountered who have not heard of Howard respect it and me very much after I tell them about the school. 5.) When on campus, most students will hang out on the big open area in the middle of the campus called “The Yard”. The yard is the perfect place for students to hangout, show off their outfits, and see all their friends. The Yard is also a place where many of the big events take place including the Howard University Homecomings Yardfest. When it is cold though, The Yard along with the rest of the campus is like a ghost town. 6.) Unfortunately Howard does not have a traditional “college town”. Howard is located in the heart of North West Washington DC, and the surrounding area is considered to be not very safe. So majority of the things happen on and immediately around campus. One good thing about Howard’s location is that it is ten minutes away from downtown, U street, Adams Morgan, and various colleges and universities around DC such as American, George Washington, and Georgetown, making fun very easy to find on and around Howards campus. 7.) The administration at Howard is terrible. The employees are very unorganized and rude, they are not looking for the student’s best interest, and they are just there to make a paycheck. Administration is probably one of the biggest issues at Howard University; they lose stuff, don’t call back or answer the phones, and also don’t email students back. 8.) Some controversy that Howard seems to face is the credibility of the education that an HBCU can provide. The credibility of a degree from an HBCU is questioned frequently and Howard students always seem to prove the credibility. Proving the credibility has been hard lately due to budget cuts, and Howard University almost closing down many different programs around campus. 9.) Howard has a lot of school pride! The pride is not seen in the same way as other universities through sports, but it is seen through different realms. Howard marching band, dormitories, alumni, homecoming, dance teams (ooh la la’s and bisonnettes), and academic organizations are all areas where the great HU school pride is seen. 10.) I don’t think there is anything “unusual” about Howard the only thing that is maybe untraditional is that the school is predominantly Black. 11.) The largest complaints you will hear around Howard University’s campus are complaints about the administration, facilities, unprofessional employees, and lack of urgency in the campus police.

The best thing is the family that you are welcomed to once you enroll in school. I really love it here. Because Howard is a Historically Black University, Number 2, to be exact, people really are here to help. Professors really want to see you do well and you are not just another number. The one thing I would change is the idea that everyone thinks they are elite and can sometimes treat others differently, if they do not seem to have the "status". The size is just right. People are excited when I tell them I go to Howard. We are smack dab in the middle of the city, with tons of things to do. The school's administration is working to get better. School pride is not like that of Duke, but it is great for an HBCU that is more focused on academics and successful careers.

Howard University really can't be done justice in the short paragraph I am about to write. When I tell people that I attend Howard University, I always get a reaction of astonishment and awe because Howard is a very known and prestigious university. There is a legacy attached to the name and as a student, you instantly feel that pride in your school and the obligation you have to continue the legacy. The biggest downfall of Howard in the Administration. You will always hear of the dreaded "A building" where financial aid is located on the second floor. The DC area is also a very interesting place to live. I personally came here from a surburb of Chicago, Illinois and it took a lot of adjusting. Freshman year is great, take advantage of the easy classes you will take. Greek life is intense so if you plan on pledging, be ready. But overall, Howard is the REAL HU and I wouldn't want to be anywhere else. :)

Howard is a very great school. As an international student, Howard university has exposed me to numerous opportunities that i wont have gotten if i was in another school

The school is a good place to earn your undergraduate degree (cannot speak for medical, dental, or professional programs as I am not there yet). For the most part the professors are good and willing to help. Some classes are easy some are hard (much like at every other school). As well as there are so many activities and clubs to help with relaxation since college doesn't mean working on coursework every minute of everyday. Overall Howard is a university that is welcoming and a good fit for many differing personalities.

First and foremost! You must know about the 'A' Building before you come to HU so you can be mentally prepared for the run-around. The 'A' Building can be your friend and it can be your worst enemy, from losing paperwork to getting a decent amount on your refund check. I am sure every student at Howard, including faculty, has their share of stories about the 'A' Building and with that being said this does not reflect highly on Howard. The education is excellent with the exception to a few professors who will irk your spirit but its mostly the atmosphere that we as students love. But then again every school most likely has its negatives and I cannot think of one person who has said they hate HU despite the dreadful visits to the 'A' building. I love my school regardless.

The school isn't going to spoon-feed you. If you want something you are going to have to fight for it. The university embeds ambition and hunger into its students. Professionally, there are an abundance of resources and students are quite competitive. Resumes, portfolios and business cards will become essential by the end of the fall semester of your freshman year. Socially, there is always something going on. From house parties, to clubs, to bars, nightlife is always vibrant. There are also quite a few museums and cultural events happening on a regular basis. If you get tired of the city, Maryland & Virginia are only a short metro ride away. The Megabus also sponsors trips to cities such as Philly & New York for very low prices. Academically, the professors are phenomenal. Most of the professors are still practicing in their fields, so they are up to date on their subject matter. The university constantly sponsors guest lectures from some of the most credible scholars in the world.

The school isn't going to spoon-feed you. If you want something you are going to have to fight for it. The university embeds ambition and hunger into its students. Professionally, there are an abundance of resources and students are quite competitive. Resumes, portfolios and business cards will become essential by the end of the fall semester of your freshman year. Socially, there is always something going on. From house parties, to clubs, to bars, nightlife is always vibrant. There are also quite a few museums and cultural events happening on a regular basis. If you get tired of the city, Maryland & Virginia are only a short metro ride away. The Megabus also sponsors trips to cities such as Philly & New York for very low prices. Academically, the professors are phenomenal. Most of the professors are still practicing in their fields, so they are up to date on their subject matter. The university constantly sponsors guest lectures from some of the most credible scholars in the world.

Howard University is a place where you'll really figure out who you are. There are amazing things about the school that you will only experience at an HBCU. For example, speakers from all over the world and from all different career backgrounds come to speak to our students. We have a lot of events and opportunities to get involved on and off campus. We have the best Homecoming that is talked about in songs and that people travel from across the country to attend. The cultural experience here is one that can't be measured. However, you will constantly here complaints about the Administration "A" Building. The customer service ca sometimes not be up to par and you sometimes end up fighting for your financial aid. You learn to work hard for what you want. You learn to fight for what you believe in. It's a taste of the real world all in one campus.