Howard University Top Questions

What should every freshman at Howard University know before they start?

Kalila

There is more to college than classroom learning. College has shown me life unfiltered. What I mean by this is that going to college was the first time I had to learn to live on my own. When you encounter certain situations and have to deal with people from all over the world, you don't have your parents telling you what to do or throwing in their two cents on the situation (which subconsciously forms how you perceive things). I had to learn to form my own opinions and how to deal with the REAL world as it was presented to me. Howard University, in particular, has an issue with unorganization and inefficiency within its Administration building - the hub of student accounts and financial matters. I am generally a patient and "sweet" person, but i learned that those qualities won't always get you the results you need. I learned to be a little more aggressive, without being rude or nasty. In a world where everybody is on their own agenda, a little aggression is necessary, so this aspect in particular has proven to be an invaluable lesson i have gained that a classroom can't teach.

dola

I have been really impressed with this college; it has top-notched, no-nonsense, professional professors; Fellow students have always been respectful and low-key. The students are well-dressed, with high-class demeanor. Everyone you meet from housekeeper, canteen attendants, security officers are friendly and approachable. I call this school a hidden gem in the heart of the inner city. I urge everyone to come and experience this unique school. There are so many programs, professional and student clubs that one can join. You will never regret it.

Karen

I received honest, open and useful insight into the business world from professors that shared their experiences with us so that we could get a true idea of what we would face upon graduation. The professors made themselves available for discussions that helped us understand the importance of gaining work experience and possessing a strong work ethic. That was what was considered the truest asset coupled with the ability to take the information and apply it in a manner that would bring a positive reflection on the student and the university. The ability to communicate verbally and in writing was the coupled with the ability to share a meal and information with aplomb.

SHAMIKA

My college experience during my undergraduate years was definitely a struggle. I was a full-time student from New York and I had a full-time job. Most of my family was located in New York so it was very difficult financially and emotionally. I developed a strong support system with the faculty members, and my friends. Howard University exposed me to so much diversity on a domestic and global scale. I felt marketable, and employable after I received my B.B.A. In Jan. 2008 I enrolled in Pace University and pursued my MS in Information Systems. I completed an internship with NYC Transit and was hired full-time as a Computer Programmer Analyst II. I received my MS in IS in May 2010. Unfortunately, my position was eliminated so I'm heading to NYU-Poly for my second Masters degree in Cyber Security. My goal is to land an IT Security job in a local federal agency. I'm sure the Masters program will allow me to enhance my skill set and cover fundamental topics that are vital to the cyber security industry.

Sarah

In my opinion the best experience that I have gotten from this time in my life is knowing that in college everything rides on you, that you have to do the work and have it in on time and have it done right or your not going to graduate. It has been valuable to me because I realized that it is so different from high school and that you really are deciding what is going to happen in your future based on the work and effort you put into your college education. College has given me a true taste of what the real world is and what it has to offer me and my future goals.

Kamaron

Howard University is one of the greatest attributes to my life at this current day in age. This institution is full of rich history and legacy with a name for itself. Not only do I gain a world-renown education, but I also have a great social life as well. I've met some of the greatest people across the world from different backgrounds and households. Howard University has taught me so far that in college we are all leaders, but it is the talented tenth and those with the ambition to continue past the victory to be a winner at life. In addition, I've gained a wide network of constituents across the border of different realms in life and careers. Howard University has taught me that it is not only what you know, but who you know and also who knows you. He who is the greatest amongst his peers is the ultimate servant. I would be grateful to receive this scholarship to continue my undergraduate studies at Howard University and also to represent Campus Discovery well.

Tashira

So far i have matured more during my college experience. I have learned to be independent and i have gained a sense of balance. I take care of all that is important before i have my share of fun. It has been valueable to attend Howard University because i am able to get a taste of what I am going to encounter when i get to the real world. I will be able to make mistakes and learn form them and use what i learn for future references.

Kianna

Wow first walking on the campus, i was shocked by how close to a famliy everyone was to one another. On move in day many of the upper classmen were at our cars with huge smiles on there faces ready to greet and help us with the transistion. Ever since that day I have been trying to network with as many people that I can . I feel that networking and meeting new people while in school is very key to be successful. It was very valuable deciesion to come to Howard because it would bring success in my life.

ajale

I haven't graduated college yet, but as I look back at my high school years I realize that we had it easy. Our teachers didnt exactly hold our hands the whole way, but they did also give us tools to use in the future. Each professor has a different personality and sometimes it is hard to adjust to each person. But we all have to remember that everyone is human. Having more freedom in college feels like your an adult, well these also come with adult responsibilities. No more asking your parents for money for the movies, or to go shopping or for food {{ shopping is a major thing people miss }}, but college is a chance to explore on your own to see how you can survive. Everyone should be able to at least get a glimpse of what the college life is like. Hard work. determination and responsibility always comes 1st, but do not forget that excitement is always around you in school.

Anton

I have learned that the college world is not very student friendly. At least as far as the financial aid office goes and in terms of the rising tuition costs and fees. I was trying to get Pell Grants but my parents got divorced and my mother remarried to someone with a high income after I told her not to because it would jeopardize my college financial staus. It did, and the government said according to the EFC on the FAFSA that I should be given around $20,000 per year due to "my" financial status. I haven't received a cent from my mother and her husband. My father is currently unemployed and lives in Wisconsin, as I attended UWM but he was unable to claim me due to a specific state law. So I was forced to go back home after I could not continue due to expenses. And I hear that there is so much money out there for students but despite graduating top 10th percentile, doing missionary work, and being an Eagle Scout, I haven't received much. It is mind boggling and I am currently applying for anything I can to continue getting my Bachelors.