How to get into Howard University – General Information
Howard University is a private research university located in Washington, D.C. It was founded in 1867 and is now one of the most prestigious historically black universities (HBCUs) in the country. Just under 6,000 undergraduate students and about 5,000 graduate students make up the total Howard enrollment of approximately 11,000.
Howard University produces graduates who become prominent in their fields. The late actor Chadwick Boseman and author Ta-Nehisi Coates are just two of the most well-known graduates once part of the Howard enrollment. However, with a STEM focus in the curriculum, Howard graduates in the sciences also go on to be leaders in their fields.
What we’ll cover in this “How to Get Into Howard University” guide:
- The informal Howard University GPA requirements
- Average Howard University SAT scores
- Interpreting the Howard University acceptance rate
- Making the Howard University application deadline
- Howard enrollment statistics
- The Howard University admissions process
- Tips on how to get into Howard University and more!
When thinking about how to get into Howard University, make sure you use each of the Howard University requirements as an opportunity to impress Howard University admissions. That means looking into the informal Howard University SAT and Howard University GPA requirements well before the Howard University application deadline and working hard to meet them.
Getting into one of the best-known HBCUs will take planning and passion. To beat the Howard University acceptance rate and make the Howard enrollment, start strategizing well ahead of the Howard University application deadline.
Figuring out how to get into Howard University takes strategy. We can help. CollegeAdvisor.com’s network of 300+ Admissions Experts (and former admissions officers) includes graduates from some of the country’s top schools. Want to maximize your Howard admissions odds? Create your free account or schedule a free advising consultation by calling (844) 343-6272.
How can I get into Howard University?
Understanding what Howard University admissions looks for in applicants is essential when figuring out how to get into Howard University.
“Veritas et utilitas”, meaning “truth and service”, is the school’s motto. Howard University admissions values students who encompass those values. Forbes states that Howard’s core curriculum “stresses intellectual openness, empirical analysis, and statistical reasoning and African American studies.” The rigor of its education is reflected in the low Howard University acceptance rate, high informal Howard University GPA requirements, and caliber of students who make the Howard enrollment.
If you’re hoping to join the freshman Howard enrollment despite the Howard University acceptance rate, you must show Howard University admissions that you’re intellectually curious and motivated. Academic achievement is one of the main ways to do this. Therefore, be sure to hit the assumed Howard University SAT and Howard University GPA requirements.
How hard is it to get into Howard University?
Figuring out exactly how to get into Howard University takes careful planning. Strive to do more than simply fulfill the Howard University requirements for the application or meet the average Howard University SAT scores. Going the extra mile will set you apart from the crowd and help you become part of the Howard enrollment.
Undergraduate Howard enrollment is around 6,000. The Howard University acceptance rate is about 35%, making it a very competitive university.
Therefore, start working on your application narrative long before the Howard University application deadline. If you don’t meet the average Howard University SAT or informal Howard University GPA requirements, take time to develop depth in your extracurriculars and craft the perfect essays. That is how to get into Howard University!
What is the Howard University acceptance rate?
As you work out how to get into Howard University, the Howard University acceptance rate is a good figure to have in mind.
Ranked #83 on the U.S. News Best Colleges list, it’s no wonder many students are trying to figure out how to get into Howard University. The Howard University acceptance rate is just 35%, making it one of the more selective universities in the nation. If you’re looking to join the Howard enrollment, given the low Howard University acceptance rate, make sure to start creating a plan early.
Howard University admissions stresses the importance of academic excellence in their decision about who will make the Howard enrollment. Therefore, you’ll want to do more than just meet the Howard University requirements when strategizing how to get into Howard University. Think about your Howard University SAT scores and the informal Howard university GPA requirements long before the Howard University application deadline. To make that Howard enrollment despite the low Howard University acceptance rate, aim to exceed those assumed Howard University GPA requirements.
Find out more about what the Howard University acceptance rate tells you about Howard University admissions here.
What are the Howard University GPA requirements?
Howard University admissions does not give official Howard University GPA requirements. However, the average GPA of accepted Howard applicants for the class of 2025 was 3.66 (unweighted). We also know that Howard University admissions uses academics as a high qualifier in the application process. Therefore, you should craft your “How to get into Howard University” plan as though the Howard University GPA requirements are high.
With so many eager students vying for a spot and a Howard enrollment of only 6,000, Howard University admissions must be selective. They want to see a well-rounded high school course load from their applicants. Aim to achieve As in as many courses as possible to beat the Howard University acceptance rate and make the freshman Howard enrollment.
Because the informal Howard University GPA requirements are high, you should take AP and IB courses in high school if you can. Howard admissions wants its students to be intellectually motivated and advanced courses will show that you’re not afraid of a challenge. Want to know how to get into Howard University? Play to your strengths by taking advanced courses in your best subjects.
What are the Howard University application requirements?
You certainly won’t make the Howard enrollment if you don’t submit the Howard University requirements by the Howard University application deadline. Make sure your “how to get into Howard University” plan includes a timely submission!
You can choose one Howard University application deadline of three: Early Decision, Early Action, or Regular Decision.
Early Decision is a binding agreement so only apply via this policy if you are 100% sure you want to join the Howard enrollment. Early Action is a nonbinding agreement. It’s a good option for students who’d like to know their application status before the spring, but may want to compare their options before committing to a school. November 1st is the deadline for both Early Action and Early Decision. The Regular Decision deadline is February 15th.
If you want Howard University admissions to consider you for Howard enrollment, you must meet the Howard University application deadline and Howard University requirements.
Howard University application requirements:
- Completed Common App
- Official high school transcript
- Two letters of recommendation from high school counselor and teacher
- Supplemental essays: one required and three optional
- Optional: Howard University SAT/ACT scores
Take a closer look at Howard University requirements for first-year students.
What extracurriculars does Howard like?
Serious about making the Howard enrollment despite the low Howard University acceptance rate? Then we suggest you focus on growth outside of the classroom as part of your “how to get into Howard University” plan.
Howard University admissions values leadership and community involvement as well as academic achievement. Extracurriculars are a great place to shine if you’re nervous about the informal Howard University SAT standards and Howard University GPA requirements. This is your chance to show just what you would bring to the Howard enrollment if accepted.
With the undergraduate Howard enrollment at about 6,000 and a Howard University acceptance rate of 36%, show off your unique talents, skills, and passions through your extracurriculars. Avoid choosing your activities for the sole purpose of impressing Howard University admissions. While your “how to get into Howard University” strategy is important, it shouldn’t be the only motivating factor for choosing your extracurriculars.
Choose activities that genuinely excite you. Remember quality is better than quantity. You don’t have to join every club at school. Stick with what you love and show that you commit to your passions.
Howard University admissions values growth, leadership, and service. Contributing to your community is a great way to show Howard what you would bring to campus. Choosing extracurriculars that align with your interests and Howard’s values is essential in figuring out how to get into Howard University.
Do the Howard University requirements include supplemental essays?
The Howard University requirements state that students must complete the Common App essay as well as one Howard-specific essay before the Howard University application deadline. In addition, there are three optional essays. You can access all essays via the Common App. These essays are key to your “how to get into Howard University” plan.
The Howard supplemental essays are another way for you to stand out, especially if you have lower than average Howard University SAT scores or do not meet the informal Howard University GPA requirements. With the Howard University acceptance rate at 36%, make sure you start writing your essays far in advance of the Howard University application deadline.
Howard University admissions is interested in learning about your passions, goals, and interest in Howard. How do your unique experiences, talents, and skills make you a perfect candidate for Howard? Show that in your supplemental essays. Completing the optional essays is a great way to make sure admissions really sees who you are.
Start crafting your personal essays early. Make sure that your personality comes through. But also remember that these essays need to demonstrate strong writing ability too. So outline, write, and rewrite until your essays show just why you should make Howard enrollment.
For tips on writing your essays from Howard University admissions, read this article.
How does Howard University review applications?
Once the Howard University application deadline has passed, Howard University admissions will carefully consider every part of your application. However, you must have submitted all the Howard University requirements before the Howard University application deadline. Howard University admissions will ensure that the freshman Howard enrollment will uphold the university’s values when they make their final decisions.
Academic achievement is one of the top criteria for making Howard enrollment. Howard University admissions will look at an applicant’s GPA, class rank, and Howard University SAT scores (if submitted). If you meet or exceed the Howard University SAT or ACT standards, then submit your scores. If not, don’t risk it potentially hurting your admissions chances. The average submitted Howard University SAT score is 1184 and the average submitted ACT is 24.
In addition to academics, Howard University admissions uses recommendations and student essays to make sure you’ll be a good fit. If you want to know how to get into Howard University, make sure you ace the Common App, exceed the average Howard University SAT scores and informal Howard University GPA requirements, and submit all supplemental Howard University requirements.
Will Howard University consider my social media accounts?
Howard University admissions doesn’t mention looking at your social media accounts when considering you for Howard enrollment.
However, if your social media accounts would jeopardize your “how to get into Howard University” plan were they seen by a Howard University admissions officer, it may be time to rethink what you’re posting. The Howard University acceptance rate is low, so you should avoid anything that might reduce your chances of making Howard enrollment.
Sharing social media information isn’t one of the Howard University requirements and it won’t affect your admissions status. However, irresponsible use of social media could jeopardize potential internship and job opportunities. You should use social media responsibly.
Check out these recommendations for healthy social media use from the Howard University site.
Is Howard University the school for me?
When figuring out how to get into Howard University, it’s easy to get caught up in meeting the assumed Howard University SAT scores and Howard University GPA requirements, beating the Howard University acceptance rate, and meeting the Howard University application deadline. However, you should also think about what it would be like to live and study on campus.
Howard students are academically motivated, intellectually curious, and contribute to their community. Being a prominent HBCU, African American studies are at the forefront of the core curriculum.
When considering if a school is a good fit for you, make a list of your top criteria. Have that list at the ready when investigating potential schools. Adjust it as needed, but don’t worry if you decide that joining Howard enrollment isn’t for you. There is no shame in deciding that a university doesn’t align with your personality or goals.
For more insights, read this student’s personal journey in deciding which college would be her best fit.
Additional tips to get into Howard University
When figuring out how to get into Howard University, know that no one factor will guarantee Howard enrollment. So do your best to exceed each of the Howard University requirements before the Howard University application deadline in order to beat the competitive Howard University acceptance rate.
Extra tips on how to get into Howard University:
1. Strive for academic excellence
Academics are the biggest factor in Howard University admissions decisions. Therefore, strive to exceed the assumed Howard University GPA requirements. Take challenging high school courses that you can succeed in. If your SAT scores meet the average Howard University SAT or ACT standards, then submit them.
2. Contribute to your community
Howard University wants to see leadership and growth in applicants’ extracurriculars, and particularly how applicants have made a difference in the lives of those around them. Get involved in things you are passionate about. Love gardening? Start a community garden. Whatever your interest, figure out how to share it with your community.
3. Write compelling essays
Your essays are the best way for Howard University admissions to get a sense of who you are and what you value. Show that you would fit into the Howard community wonderfully. Make sure that your writing has not only your style and voice, but is mechanically flawless.
4. Start early
Acing your “how to get into Howard” strategy involves early planning. Don’t wait until the month before the Howard University application deadline to start gathering the Howard University requirements to apply. Ideally, start your application the summer before your senior year.
Successfully understanding how to get into Howard University, or any university for that matter, may seem like an overwhelming task. However, there’s no need to stress. Making the Howard enrollment should be exciting. Create your “how to get into Howard University” strategy carefully before the Howard University application deadline. This will give you the best chance of making the Howard enrollment despite the low Howard University acceptance rate!
This guide was written by Sarah Kaminski. If you want to know how to get into Howard University, we’ve got you covered. CollegeAdvisor.com’s network of 300+ Admissions Experts (and former admissions officers) includes graduates from some of the country’s top schools. Create your free account or schedule a free advising consultation by calling (844) 343-6272.
