<p>In narrowing down the list of schools I want to attend, I'm somewhat confused about Howard University. Does this school have strong academics? I've been looking around on the internet and more people comment on homecoming or the party life than the educational opportunities here. Yes I've heard the old "it's the black Harvard" line but looking around I'm a bit skeptical. Don't get me wrong. I like having fun too but I want my college experience to be both enjoyable AND educational. Someone please give me a straight answer about this school. Is it really the HBCU's harvard, or is it just a glorified party school?</p>
<p>Look, Howard is not a great school. It’s a nice school, but it just doesn’t class with the Ivies. It may even be the HBCU’s Harvard, but that still doesn’t put it in the same league as elite universities.</p>
<p>You could look at data.<br>
You might start by comparing SAT/GPA medians for the last incoming class with other schools you are considering.<br>
You could also look at outcomes and look for information about where Howard graduates end up (law school or med school acceptances, etc.) compared to other schools you are considering.</p>
<p>With a school like Howard you have to look past SAT/GPA medians. Pay close attention to the level of recruiting done at Howard. It IS comparable to the Ivies in that respect. When corporate America looks for top diversity candidates, Howard is the first place they go. Howard grads frequently attend top business schools and are regularly admitted to top notch graduate programs. Also, Howard will provide generous scholarships if you score an 1170 CR+Math on the SAT or 26 on the ACT. If you are considering an IVY you must have scored pretty well so I am thinking you could easily get a full ride including stipend and laptop.</p>
<p>One other thing to consider, the social and cultural experience to be had at Howard is priceless. You will learn so much about yourself and your community. You will make live long friends and be taught by professors who are really invested in your eventual success.</p>
<p>I attended Howard and I know how great the experience can be. So much so my son will be starting as a freshman there this fall!</p>
<p>BTW check out the best college lists annually printed in US NEWs Reports and Black Enterprise. </p>
<p>Good Luck!!</p>
<p>^^^ That’s a very helpful, very informed post!</p>
<p>Fine post youngbeasly. No fluff, just the straight dope.</p>
<p>Yes, corporations recruit at Howard, but there are lots of ALANA students at the Ivies and top LACs these days - - so these days, when it comes to diversity, Howard isn’t the only game in town. </p>
<p>Also, if you have score strong enought to get into a top uni/LAC, you could end up with close to a free ride b/c a number of those schools now offer no-loan need-based finaid packages. And, check out the school’s endow, which than can impact not only on the availablity of need-based and merit aid, but also on the quality and maint of facilities.</p>
<p>Finally, depending on your background and the environment you are seeking, Howard might be a bit too conservative/parochial for you. If you want a racially diverse campus, Howard offers less than top tier schools. It is also a bit more religious and socially conservative than many top schools located in MA/NY/CA (though there are PLENYT of conservative schools in those states, too).</p>
<p>Thanks everyone! But please keep it going. Reveal any significant info that you feel was left unsaid, especially about academics. Trust me, I’m trying to take everything into consideration for my college experience.</p>
<p>Do you have friends who go there? Go for a visit and stay in the dorm and sit in on a class or two. Of course Howard is not for everyone but the students I know who have chosen Howard are making great friends and “being taught by professors who are really invested in your eventual success.” The academics are excellent, but like all colleges, stronger in some majors than others. Do some research.</p>
<p>Good heavens. Howard is not “a glorified party school.”</p>