<p>I’m considering applying to the following HBCUs; Howard University, Clark Atlanta University, and Florida A&M. I am interested in attending all of these schools mostly because I would be guaranteed a full ride (tuition, room & board, books, etc) at each of these colleges due to my stats (32 ACT, 4.0 UW GPA). I am just worried because I am from a small midwestern town and a large southern city may be too much of a change for me. I also am worried because none of my friends are black and I may not fit it. Plus I have heard a lot of stereotypes about HBCUs in general and I know that not all of them are true, but it is still something I’m concerned about. Normally I wouldn’t apply to a school if I had so many worries, but an essentially free education may be worth dealing with being a little uncomfortable since money is a big issue for me. All of my friends say that I should go to one of the HBCUs, but I was just wondering if anyone else would give their opinion.</p>
<p>I am a bit curious about how you could have “heard a lot of stereotypes about HBCUs in general” if you do indeed come from a small midwestern town. Do you know anyone who has attended an HBCU? If you can’t arrange to visit any of these three, contact the admissions offices, and ask to be put in contact with alumni who are in your area, and with students who are from communities like yours so that you can form a better notion about whether any of these places can work for you.</p>
<p>If you need a guaranteed full-ride, go take another look at the list of places that offer them, and see if there are any more that you qualify for. <a href=“http://automaticfulltuition.yolasite.com/”>http://automaticfulltuition.yolasite.com/</a> </p>
<p>If you are also interested in places where you would be competitive for a full-ride (even if you wouldn’t be guaranteed one), check this thread too: <a href=“Competitive Full Tuition / Full Ride Scholarships - Financial Aid and Scholarships - College Confidential Forums”>Competitive Full Tuition / Full Ride Scholarships - Financial Aid and Scholarships - College Confidential Forums;
<p>First, there are lots of folks vying for “full rides” with good stats like yours, so please don’t count your chickens before they hatch. Indeed, your ACT might be on the low side for a Howard full ride. Second, the HBCUs you mentioned are 3 of the largest ones there are, sure to be full of all types of students, professors and administrators defying whatever negative stereotypes you’re being fed. There is endless discussion among black folks about the merits and relevancy of HBCUs, some here on College Confidential I see. But before buying into the stereotypes and even the views of hardcore HBCU-advocates, do some deeper dive research of your own and consider your own goals and how different schools’ offerings may help propel you toward what you want to do and what YOU want out of your college experience. For instance, are you interested in medicine? Every black student in America interested in medicine should be looking into Xavier in Louisiana. Engineering, look at NCA&T. Business/law/economics? Check out Spelman/Morehouse. Journalism/communications? Check out Howard, CAU, FAMU or Hampton. Music or theatre? Look at Howard or FAMU. I’m just giving examples, but I can attest personally the strength of those schools in those various areas.</p>
<p>Also understand, especially at places like Howard, a lot kids will have a background similar to yours. You won’t be as unique as you believe you are and can find your academic and social niche at an HBCU if you choose to go. </p>
<p>There are stereotypes, therefore you need to seek advice from folks with first hand experience. Each of the three places you mention has experienced some academic or financial distress to one degree or another in recent years, but people still earn degrees and get jobs from those schools.</p>
<p>You might add a couple more options to your list of possibilities; North Carolina A&T University and North Carolina Central University. NCCU was offering full-rides and a laptop a few years back. Attending college in midsize cities like Greensboro and Durham may be a more comfortable adjustment than starting school in Atlanta or Washington DC. Also investigate Louisiana Tech and U of Alabama-Birmingham. Neither is an HBCU but both have significant numbers of Black students. Both are solid schools (especially in STEM) and both have been known to provide decent financial aid. In LaTech’s case, the place is essentially dirt cheap. And LaTech is a stone’s throw from HBCU Grambling University.</p>
<p>Also, one great advantage at NCCU is the cross-registration agreement with Duke U (and N.C. State U also).</p>
<p>Incidentally, if you are not a Black person you should nevertheless be aware that there are several white students at some HBCUs whom report that they are quite satisfied with their academic and student life experiences.</p>
<p>@LakeWashington is correct. </p>
<p>Here is a look at one HBCU. <a href=“2022 Women's Soccer Roster - Mississippi Valley State University Athletics”>2022 Women's Soccer Roster - Mississippi Valley State University Athletics;
<p>As with any school, you really should visit before you plan to enroll. All the HBCUs, like anything else, are very different so just because you like (or don’t like) one of them doesn’t mean it will apply to all HBCUs.</p>
<p>Great link, Pinnum. I know that other HBCUs similarly have diverse baseball teams (some have no Black members at all). These athletes appreciate the unique experience at an HBCU and the chance for a decent education at a bargain. It’s not like they attend an HBCU because they want to become professional athletes. By the way, the former Governor of North Carolina and the former City Council President in Washington DC, both white men, are alumni of HBCUs.</p>
<p>@LakeWashington mentions cross-registration, which is an important point to consider. Many urban HBCUs will have similar arrangements. For another example, Howard students can register for classes at Georgetown, GWU, American, Catholic, Gallaudet, etc. At Clark Atlanta you have access to Emory, Georgia Tech, UGA, etc.</p>
<p>You’re not exiled to Black Island without a boat. You’re in a big city with vast social and educational options outside the walls of the university you chose to attend. </p>
<p>Visit the schools if you can - you might be surprised how quickly your discomfort fades.</p>