Howard University Top Questions

If I could give my high school self advice, I would tell myself to consider the advantages and disadvantages of advanced placement and dual-enrollment courses and how it would affect my college degree. Advanced placement course credit is not earned if the student does not do well or pay for the test. I decided to take the test for World Literature because in the fall, I knew my major would be English. Another piece of advice: check what advanced placement score is acceptable for the department. I had no idea that Howard was so selective. I found that my former classmates all earned below the score of four and that was accepted by their institutions. The English department at Howard will not accept anything below a score of four for advanced placement course credit. Essentially, I wasted time and money on that test because I earned a score of two. Secondly, I would tell myself to dual enroll at a university that is compatible with Howard. I have dual enrollment credits that will not transfer to Howard because they are incompatible. The courses at the dual enrollment university are considered inferior and unacceptable.

There are absolutely 3 things I would have done differently: 1. Attended Howard University from initial acceptance. 2. Live on Campus. 3. Apply for more outside scholarships even before entering college. I attended another university before transferring to Howard and I am elated I did so, however transferring makes you behind the curve. What should have taken me 4 years to accomplish has taken me 6 years to accomplish. Although transferring is not the only reason for the time extension, I also had my first child in that time. I chose to live off campus throughout my entire college career, I realize that living on campus gives a more in depth experience of being college. There are things I can never attest to or explain because of that choice. You are more attuned to your college by living in that environment 24/7; as an off campus student you work 10 times harder for less of a reward. Money is key to your success at any college. Scholarships provide a stability and worry-free form of funds. Education should not be a burden, so doing the work beforehand, during and after will make college life all that more enthralling.

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, some advice that I would give myself regaurding what I know about college life now would be to ask for help! The first failed test, quiz, homework assignment that you need help with, go to the library, tutoring, ask your professor, or a peer for help to get on the right track. Being and staying in college takes serious work; if you do not understand something, there are plenty of people there to help you so don't be affraid to ask. Also, enjoy the experience by meeting new people, going to parties, events, and exploring the city/town! You are only an undergradrate once, live it up!

Even though I have had my share of worry during my freshman year of college as anyone else entering a new level of adulthood, in no way do I regret my experience. I feel that it was a once in a lifetime experience that every new student must face to set the bar for academic years to come. I have adjusted quite well and acquired knowledge that I feel would have been of great advantage for myself had I been aware while I was in high school. The most essential piece of advice I would stress to my high school self is to never lose focus. I made an initial decision to pursue my dream of attending an out of state college despite the fact that was coming from a low-income household. During my freshman year, I experienced a constant battle between the financial aid building and myself, which had a huge effect on my stress levels and fears of being removed from college. What I didn’t understand at the time was that major financial opportunities would come with remaining focused on my education despite the financial roadblocks. In other words, my academic achievement would not go unnoticed.

I would tell myself that I have the Drive, Passion, and the Permission to pursue the college life after High School. WhiIe I endured many from that time to this moment (Depression, being Homeless, trying to help my Mother through her drug addiction, being unemployed for a year, etc), I never gave up on my goals and dream of becoming a Federal Agent (FBI or U.S. Marshals), and because I put in work the last 6 years here at Howard and at my previous school (Bryant & Stratton), had I made the choice to go to college from the offset, I would be done by now and I would have done just fine. While I am now having financial trouble in this last year of college, I believe I would not have had an issue getting through in the regular 4 years it takes to finish.

Dear Aline, Some advice for the next couple of years is D.I.E. Before you rip up this letter hear me out. Think of this as three steps to surviving college: D.I.E (Distractions, Involvement, and Enjoy). Distractions have the ability to blend in with your surroundings. Making them harder to distinguish, they can come in the form of a cute boy on campus or a party the night before a test. Remember why you got accepted, it was your personality along with your grades they wanted. Staying involved has been rewarding for you throughout high school, stick with that, because the busier you are the more focused you become. Continue competing in Speech and Debate it will be the outlet you need when things get difficult. And get involved into organizations that allow you to explore your other passions including: different cultures and giving back to the youth. College is more than exams and frat parties. So my last piece of advice is to enjoy college. Meet new people and take advantage of this chance to find yourself. If you follow these steps you will surely survive college. Sincerely, No regrets

If i could go back in time to give advice to my senior self i would advise that I stay on top of things and gain more cofidence to be able to achieve total networking opportunities. If it is one thing that I have learned while being an undergraduate student is that it is not what you know, but who you know. I have learned that all it can take is talking to someone about your passions and dreams and you could be one step closer to obtaining your ultimate career goals. I would have liked to known this sooner but I am making up for lost time. It would also benefit my high school self to know that waiting til the last minute to do something makes life so much harder. Even right now, Im dealing with it, trying to find an apartment and more financial aid for my last semseter. Hopefully my past self would benefit and take heed to my words and go out and acheive complete and total success!

Howard University is all about who you know so I would tell myself to take advantage of my Howard network and to put myself out there as much as possible. This would come to my benefit with financial aid as well as getting the things I need for school such as recommendations and book discounts. Had I known then about the importance of networks, I would have reached out to some of them instead of just waiting for school to start. Come out of your shell to meet as many people as possible because they'll help with the things you'll need later on in your college career. Take advantage of the summer and use those networks to learn more about scholarships and apply to as many as possible. Don't forget to save your money because those expenses add up: save for the events, food and club fees that are to come. Try to get a headstart with subjects that you feel will be a problem when school starts. Most importantly, RELAX, try to have fun and learn to balance work with play. Enjoy senior year and get ready for college.

Wow! It's still amazing that I looked the same as I am today. It's good that I came just in time, right before you are signing your signature on that Howard University application. Look DeForest, I have to tell you a few things before you put your name down on that piece of paper. Do you know what your future goals are? Exactly, I had the same confused face when my peers and guidance counselor asked the same very question. That's why I am here before you now. College is not only difficult, but is also demanding and very challenging. Going through my first two years, I didn't take my college experience as seriously as I should have. I have to concur with your efforts of achieving something greater by leaving North Carolina and attending a great university, but I have to upbeat your potential by making sure you set your career goals in order. By you having a set plan, the college experience you will go through would be grand and fulfilling. So put that application up for now, start planning those career goals and I hopefully I'll become different later down the road.

Go for the scholarships. They make a world of difference when you've graduated and realize that everyone is not bombarded with the reality of paying back student loans. Also, get into as much as you can in college. It's the only way to create the lasting memories and meet people who will make a huge difference in your life during school and beyond. You're literally building a new family!