<p>Hey all, I'm a white guy interested in attending Howard starting in fall 2015, because it meets nearly all of my requirements and because of my interest in African-American culture. I don't personally have a problem being the minority in school - the school I currently attend is majority Asian - but I care about having a good social life in college and being able to immerse myself in the school's social sphere, and I worry that at Howard I won't be able. I've talked to some people that go to Howard, and some of them thought that I would be fine, while others were offended and thought a white student had no business being at Howard. I'm worried my interests in hip-hop and African-American culture will be perceived as ignorant and that I won't be accepted at the school. Any thoughts? </p>
<p>The student body at Howard is pretty diverse and accepting. The majority of students are able to find their niche with no problems. What is it about African-American culture that interests you?</p>
<p>Thanks for replying; that’s good to hear! I’m really interested in R&B music and hip-hop as well as African-American art, poetry, and cinema, but I also am very passionate about social equality and racism and I’ve heard that those topics come up in Howard classes of all types. I’d love to immerse myself in all of those things, but of course I still really want to feel socially accepted at the school despite the fact that I’m white.</p>
<p>I saw a few white kids when I visited. They seemed to be socializing and engaged. 2 were athletes and with team members. The others just in the dorm, café, etc. There were a good number of Indians (not Native American) and some Asians also. It was more diverse than I expected, but still clearly predom. African American. I also saw some kind of Yuppie whites in the area being renovated near HU, walking dogs, jogging, etc. I suspect if you are open then all will be open to you!</p>
<p>I agree. They will probably give you lots of $$$ as well. They are looking for a more diverse student population. Go for it!</p>
<p>Thanks for the replies @unclear and @NewHavenCTmom, I can’t see anyone being outwardly mean to me but of course I want to immerse myself in the social sphere of the school and I don’t want to be seen as an outsider!</p>
<p>No, I would be very surprised if you encountered that. Be frank with the adcoms, ask if white students ever face any problems. Ask if you can talk with other students who look like you…try to do an overnight. Good luck to you! Your openness is quite refreshing.</p>
<p>The majority of Howard undergrads come from Maryland, New York, California and other diverse places. From what I noticed, many went to high schools with multiple races of people. I can’t imagine anyone being mean to you just because you’re white, that’s absurd. </p>
Reopening this thread because our son is thinking about checking Howard out. White kid from inside the DC Beltway, has never gone to a majority white school (in elementary school he was sometimes the only white, nonlatino kid in his class. It’s six Metro stops away, so why not go and see what he thinks? He wants to major in film/cinema studies. He wants an urban campus, and with his SAT scores should get a nice scholarship.
Read up on this guy: http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/05/16/white.valedictorian/
The best time to visit the campus is in the fall or late spring around April.
Film is in the school of communications, and the school of C is pretty good. Not sure about career outlook for Film majors. You may want to research that first.
Thanks, @Mezzoforte. He’s also looking at minoring/double majoring in math. Since he has a fair number of AP classes he may be able to pull it off. He realizes there’s a limited demand for film critics.
S has scheduled a visit for Wednesday 9/25. He’s interested in exploring an interdisciplinary film/journalism major, probably with a minor in math. Of course actually being offered a Capstone scholarship would help (he meets the qualifications).
Traffic might be crazy with the Pope in town. Enjoy your visit nonetheless!
I told him he should leave early. I think the Pope is in the area around Catholic U then, so it’s going to be crazy on the Red Line where he gets on. Once he gets on the Green it should be ok. He could also just take the Georgia Avenue bus down.
As an Indian, I’m not sure how the vibe around Howard will be. But I’m going to visit Howard around March 21-25 and if I end up liking the school, well, Howard it is. Can’t turn down a full ride + laptop
This week is a great time to visit. Nice weather is expected so I’m sure the Yard will be poppin!
@cookiestar tell me how it is because i got the same thing minus the laptop
It was a cool place! No one was even looking at me funny or anything. I felt like I could definitely make friends there. Still, I think you should definitely visit yourself. What I liked could be way different than what you like.
Howard is historically black, not all black. There are other ethnic groups active and present on campus. I know that my daughter has several Indian friends, for instance. Also, be aware that Howard appeals to many African Americans who have never been in a predominately. African american educational environment. There are a lot of people adjusting, as freshman, to Howard and trying to find and make their way as is the case for all college freshman.
I agree though that one should visit. The culture, location, size, etc. all need to be considered. My kids are AA and had never, ever considered going to an HBCU but we made them visit (they were raised in private prem. white private schools). After a visit, Howard very much appealed to 2 of them, not so much to the oldest (the younger ones, time will tell). @cookiestar gave good advice.