Since I'm in the School of Business the curriculum proved to be challenging. I took 15 credit hours for my first semester freshman year and I could handle it. There are hundreds of classes to take and what's better is that you can choose what classes you want and which teacher which is a choice that I didn't have in high school. I've learned the most in my Business Orientation class about credit and how to invest money at an earlier age. During the first semester, the School of B students are put into teams where we are given different projects and presentations that we have to present to the class. These groups helped me learn how to work with others and how to formulate certain business ideas and how to market new products. Now that my first semester is over, I'm excited to see how much Howard will teach me in the coming years.
Do you enjoy the experience at your school?
I absolutely LOVE the environment of Howard! There are so many different people here and I've found every person I've met to be intriguing. In my dorm, there are lots of socials that students can participate in and that will help you to meet lots of people. For instance, during the beginning of the year, my RA put together a girls night where we played games and had lots of treats to eat while getting to know each other. The residence hall council knows how to keep us interested by always decorating the lobby during Homecoming and Christmas and also throw many sessions about important issues such as recycling and campus safety. Aside from the social life, Howard has LOTS of opportunities that are open to everyone. There are so many activities to join that you may find yourself in many organizations and clubs within your first two months. I absolutely couldn't imagine going to any other school!
Do you feel you’re getting value for the money you’re spending on college?
While Howard offers a great education from a top HBCU, your bank account WILL decrease in size. For me, I have two scholarships and a loan that are taking care of my first year of freshman year and my parents are still struggling financially. During senior year, APPLY FOR AS MANY SCHOLARSHIPS AS POSSIBLE! Do not depend on Howard giving you any money if you are not one of the top students in your high school. Also, try to get parent or student loans which can help ease your financial woes during your years of schooling. Remember, you won't have to pay for them until you're out of school. Aside from those payments, your personal finances need to be taken into consideration. I can say that during my first four months, I spent $1,000 (something I'm not too proud of) and I didn't even make any huge purchases compared to my friends. Don't go crazy and go to clubs every weekend for $20-$40 (which is the normal price for most clubs) and think twice about buying that pal pack during freshman orientation. If you plan on buying groceries, settle for the generic brands and buy in bulk. My #1 rule was don't spend my money on unnecessary food like take out and dining out. Memorize those cafeteria hours and use that meal plan that your parents spent so much money on. Also, think about splitting the cost of cleaning supplies with your roommate. Try to apply for work-study or find a job near campus that you can work at part-time if your schedule allows. DC is an expensive place to live on or off campus so learn to deal with what have until you have some sort of money flow from home or your job.
Do you have any tips for prospective students?
Don't party too hard during your first semester. I know several people who will not be able to complete their education at Howard because they were the ones getting ready every Thursday/Friday/Saturday night for the club instead of studying. Also be aware of your surroundings. Travel in large groups during the night and use the shuttles as much as possible so you won't have to worry about walking back to the dorms all the way from the metro. When you're about to buy books for classes, ask upperclassmen and look around campus for flyers of people selling their books for cheaper than the bookstore prices. Join clubs and community service organizations to build up your experience for those future internships and jobs. Stay focused on your grades. It is, after all, the reason why you'll be here in the first place so why not sit down with a friend and study!! Use your professors' office hours and sit in the front of the class. Use study groups for help before big tests and finals. There are so many libraries that you can go for quiet time and research. Lastly, have fun. The next 4 years will change your life forever. Howard has birthed thousands of successful people and the legacy will continue with you if you put forth the effort.
Which types of students will excel at your college?
Anyone who is open to many new opportunities and unforgettable experiences.
Since I'm in the School of Business the curriculum proved to be challenging. I took 15 credit hours for my first semester freshman year and I could handle it. There are hundreds of classes to take and what's better is that you can choose what classes you want and which teacher which is a choice that I didn't have in high school. I've learned the most in my Business Orientation class about credit and how to invest money at an earlier age. During the first semester, the School of B students are put into teams where we are given different projects and presentations that we have to present to the class. These groups helped me learn how to work with others and how to formulate certain business ideas and how to market new products. Now that my first semester is over, I'm excited to see how much Howard will teach me in the coming years.
I absolutely LOVE the environment of Howard! There are so many different people here and I've found every person I've met to be intriguing. In my dorm, there are lots of socials that students can participate in and that will help you to meet lots of people. For instance, during the beginning of the year, my RA put together a girls night where we played games and had lots of treats to eat while getting to know each other. The residence hall council knows how to keep us interested by always decorating the lobby during Homecoming and Christmas and also throw many sessions about important issues such as recycling and campus safety. Aside from the social life, Howard has LOTS of opportunities that are open to everyone. There are so many activities to join that you may find yourself in many organizations and clubs within your first two months. I absolutely couldn't imagine going to any other school!
While Howard offers a great education from a top HBCU, your bank account WILL decrease in size. For me, I have two scholarships and a loan that are taking care of my first year of freshman year and my parents are still struggling financially. During senior year, APPLY FOR AS MANY SCHOLARSHIPS AS POSSIBLE! Do not depend on Howard giving you any money if you are not one of the top students in your high school. Also, try to get parent or student loans which can help ease your financial woes during your years of schooling. Remember, you won't have to pay for them until you're out of school. Aside from those payments, your personal finances need to be taken into consideration. I can say that during my first four months, I spent $1,000 (something I'm not too proud of) and I didn't even make any huge purchases compared to my friends. Don't go crazy and go to clubs every weekend for $20-$40 (which is the normal price for most clubs) and think twice about buying that pal pack during freshman orientation. If you plan on buying groceries, settle for the generic brands and buy in bulk. My #1 rule was don't spend my money on unnecessary food like take out and dining out. Memorize those cafeteria hours and use that meal plan that your parents spent so much money on. Also, think about splitting the cost of cleaning supplies with your roommate. Try to apply for work-study or find a job near campus that you can work at part-time if your schedule allows. DC is an expensive place to live on or off campus so learn to deal with what have until you have some sort of money flow from home or your job.
Don't party too hard during your first semester. I know several people who will not be able to complete their education at Howard because they were the ones getting ready every Thursday/Friday/Saturday night for the club instead of studying. Also be aware of your surroundings. Travel in large groups during the night and use the shuttles as much as possible so you won't have to worry about walking back to the dorms all the way from the metro. When you're about to buy books for classes, ask upperclassmen and look around campus for flyers of people selling their books for cheaper than the bookstore prices. Join clubs and community service organizations to build up your experience for those future internships and jobs. Stay focused on your grades. It is, after all, the reason why you'll be here in the first place so why not sit down with a friend and study!! Use your professors' office hours and sit in the front of the class. Use study groups for help before big tests and finals. There are so many libraries that you can go for quiet time and research. Lastly, have fun. The next 4 years will change your life forever. Howard has birthed thousands of successful people and the legacy will continue with you if you put forth the effort.
Anyone who is open to many new opportunities and unforgettable experiences.