Howard University Top Questions

What should every freshman at your school know before they start?

Lauren-Nikai

If I had the opportunity to advise my senior high school self I would just remind myself that my hunger and determination will only take me so far, and in order to truly be successful, I have to continue with the perseverance I was established on and never lose sight of my foundation. I would remind myself that I was set on this earth to do magnificent things and in order to continue to achieve excellence I have to remember my priorities and forget my young desires. I would remind myself that there is an ultimate goal that I am set to achieve, and even though I am blessed with the perseverance to accomplish, I have to remember distractions will kill me if I let them, my habits are what will ultimately determine my success, and in order to get what I want, I have to stay true to myself and always do what I set out to do. The world isn't an easy place, and for people like myself, I have to have the confidence and remind myself I'm not everyone else, I'm better.

Jasmine

If I had the chance to go back in time as speak to myself as a high school senior, I would so much to say about the transition to college. For one I would stress to myself the importance of having self discipline. It is very easy to come to college and to lose sight of the goals that we have set for ourselves. I would also stress to myself the importance of knowing what I believe in, and sticking to it. Coming to college with a diverse group of people who have been raised in ways so much different than our own, it's imperative to know our morals and boundaries and stick to them. Finally, I would tell myself to research scholarships fervently. As a senior I had so much on my mind I overlooked one of the most important aspects of college- paying for it.

Akyea

All throughout life you set goals. College is when you have to make a decision on what you want to do with your life and who you will be. Every decision you make is now a reflection of you as a person. It is important that you are a woman of your word. Integrity will get you far, but fear and timidness will hold you back. Stay alert, make decisions using common sense to stay safe. Be more open to new things and new people. Enjoy the freedom of college. College can be a combination of work and play if you schedule everything and have order.

Francis

Remember to stay focused on the future and the road ahead because college can be so much fun that it is easy to forget about what is important your main reason for being there.......your school work!

Amanda

If I could go back and tell myself what I know now, it would be to make sure that you take everything seriously. How important school is and how it can truly transform your life. I just started Nursing school at a technical school and I have never been so happy. I wish that I worked as hard then as I am right now. Also I would tell myself to not rush growing up. Its scary having responsibilities on your own and you should cherish the times you have to be a kid. I wanted to be so old so quick and even though im still young. I would have done a lot of things differently. Be more involved in school activities, be a better friend, and be more of a person that I can feel is real and to be proud of. Life right now is perfect, but I wish i could have said that as a high school senior. Don't stop growing, and if you have a dream, reach for it with every ounce in your being.

Shaterra

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to stay focused because there is alot of extracurricular activities and college life experiences that can take me off track. I would tell myself that freshman year will be the easiest and try to earn the highest g.p.a I can so I will have a cushin encase I mess up in another class later in the year. I think I would tell my self to stay confident in my abilities and take every opportunities that come my way to strengthen my ability to have a successful career. The last thing I would tell myself is that I make my own decisions and my journey whether good or bad depends solely on me.

Matthew

I would have focused more on my academics during freshman year as the grade deficit I allowed myself to fall into was difficult to get out of.

Ashlee

Never procrastinate and network as much as possible. There are infinite possibilities at Howard and I should get involved in as many organizations as possible.

TaLyn

I would say make sure that you go to a school that has all of your intrest and you decide to go to. Don't let others influence your decisions and make sure you have a good balance of social and academic activities. Stay focused and keep on track so you can have fun when you want to. Enjoy your college years, but make sure you do what you need to do to graduate and have a successful future.

Renice

Get involed early and do not be as shy.

Datrianna

I would tell myself not to let extra-curricular activites become more of a priority than my academics. It is very easy to get so involved on campus that you forget what you're here for. In addition, I would say have a "Carpe Diem" attitude and take advantage of every opportunity that comes my way, whether it be an internship, co-op, study abroad, job, or training program.

Darnell

I would tell myself to focus on studies and make sure that my grades would be at the top of the list. That would probably be it. I wish I would have had a higher GPA. I was really involved in school and did a lot of volunteer work and community service. I wish I would have had a job to save up some money for school because paying for school is no joke. Other than that I wouldn't have changed anything else.

Angelica

Make sure you go visit the school, or at least join a facebook group. You want to get a feel of the surroundings, such as the dorm and the campus, but you also want to get a feel for some of the people youll meet, as well as meeting upperclassmen. Facebook friends arent always what they seem. Make sure to stay involved and keep your grades good for senior year, and make sure to go into college ready to work and ready to make friends and meet new people. Just because someone is from your hometown doesnt mean you have to restrict yourself to being friends with them. Dont get caught up in the opposite sex and your social life. Its important but it will always be there, and none of the boys are trying to settle down yet. Focusing in class and actually attending class is important, because just as easily as you got that scholarship you could lose it. College is a game, make sure you do whatever you can to win and get your degree. Also, its okay to not know what you want as soon as you come into school. Alot of people dont.

Cassandra

I would advise myself to become more active in extra-curricular activites, even if it is my senior year. I would also tell myself to study for the SATs, even though my scores weren't bad for a first try, they could have been better. Also I'd talk to the guidance counselor more. Guidance counselors are there to help and I feel like I under-utilized my high school counselor. Scholarships are also important and I wished that I knew where to look for them. I'd tell myself to search fast-web and to visit the federal financial aid website. The high school-to-college transition was not as bad as I thought it would be; I was relaxed and fit in well with my floormates. The most important thing to tell myself is to join some sort of organization or club during my freshman year of college. Networking and friends are key to an enjoyable college experience.

Norell

If i could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior i would tell myself not to stress so much about what is going to happen when i arrive. I would tell myself that you will only do as well as the hard work that you put into your course load. No one can tell you that you will not succeed because you are the only person that you need to give you that extra push. I would also tell myself that college life is very similar to high school life because no matter where you go there will always be the cliques and all the immature people that will try to bring you down. The friendships that you make will definately last you a lifetime so choose your friends wisely. All in all your college years really are the best years of your life so make them count and just do your best.

Cindy

Dear Senior, Enjoy all the experiences of high school and all the good times you've had. Remember the times that made you cry, smile, and laugh because those are the ones you will cherish and reflect on the most. Keep in contact with your friends. Be prepared for college because the academic rigors are so different from high school. Work hard and stay focused the key to college is time management, being able to schedule your day and follow through with it. When applying to schools always keep your options open, never worry about the price of attending a university of your choice. Dont worry if you have no idea what you wanna do in life, but at least have a general idea what direction you wanna go. I would recommend you shadow someone in the particular field you choose. When shopping for school dont over spend on supplies, clothes, etc. When you finally get here have FUN, introduce to people and smile and make friends cause lets face it they are all here from home for the first time. They feel the same way you do, in a new situation away from and there anxious. Enjoy life & College!

Sheji

I would tell myself to take advantage of every oppotunity that was given to me while I was in college. I would make sure I'd explain and research every major so that I would not have to change my major when I arrived at school. I would tell myself to pick classes that would work with my sleep schedule. I would also warn myself that college is full of temptation and I would be much better off if I stuck to my morals and values that I was taught at home and stayed focused on the reason why I was going to college in the first place. I would tell myself about not being in a group and only hanging out with a specfic group of people but explain how benefitial it would be to expand my cirlce of friends just in case things did not work out with the one group I invested so much time into. I would lastly stress the fact that my grades were the most important thingI should focus on and everything else would come eventually.

Tomisha

The two most crucial pieces of advice that I would give myself as a high school senior are to continuously apply for scholarships and to stay true to myself. Students take scholarships for granted; someone is basically giving a total stranger free money to attain a higher education and achieve the goals that he/she has set for him/herself. Take advantage of the various scholarships that are out there because millions of scholarships aren't granted each year due to negligence. The more scholarships one can receive, the less s/he will have to pay out of pocket once college is over. Always, always, ALWAYS stay true to yourself. People are more accepting of a genuine person instead of a person who is "phony". One of my favorite quotes of all time is, "It is better to die an original than to be remembered as a copycat." Truer words have never been spoken.

D'Juan

One of the biggest desires that people live with is they could turn back the hands of time, what they would do. One major action that I would have changed if I were given this opportunity would be for me to have attended college right after graduating high school. Although my parents tried to influence me to attend college, I was not motivated at the time to continue persuing an education. It was in my best interist to enter the workfield because at the time, I thought that I could be successful in doing so. It took me a year to realized that in order for me to gain the level of success that I wanted for myself, it would be in my best interist for me to further my education. However, two years into my batcheleors degree, I regret not starting college earlier. I feel that I would have been further established if I had done so; in result, I am older than several people within my class. When I speak to kids younger than myself, I advise them of the importance of persuing an education so that they can avoid the mistakes that I once made.

Shakeema

I was walking to class one day, playing with a quarter when I saw this homeless man walking down the hill with his shopping cart full of possessions. I waved and said, ?Hi? to him and kept walking a little bit more. I realized that I had a quarter in my hand that I was probably going to waste and so I turned around and called him to give it to him. I thought he might laugh at the fact that I made him stop in the cold to give him a quarter but he smiled and said, ?You go here?? He meant Howard. ?Yes,? I told him. ?Tell me something, young lady. Do you know how many minutes are in a day?? ?No, sir. Never thought about it.? ?Well, I don?t know either, when I got to the library, I?ll find out. But anyway, I want you to think about that during the day. Think about the time that you have.?

Ronesha

Transitioning to college is not as hard as a lot of people make it seem. The difficulty in transitioning is being able to stay true to yourself, when everyone around you is trying to fit in. If I could give advice to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to take in the opportunity to make new friends and don?t be disappointed by the relationships I may lose with friends from home. Another thing I would say is to remember that there is not a lack of ability, but a lack of confidence. In other words, I can accomplish anything, but I have to be confident in my own ability to do it. It is so important to be confident in your abilities on a college campus, because if you are not, you will be left behind ? losing internships, possible leadership positions and networking opportunities. I would also say HAVE FUN. While college is a time to broaden your horizons and gain work experience, there will never be another four or five years like it. Take it every opportunity you have to learn, but also have fun because soon, you will be an adult.

Celia

Work hard!Have fun!

Krystal

FINDING THE RIGHT COLLEGE FOR STUDENTS ISNT ABOUT WHAT YOUR PARENTS WANT FOR YOU. IT HAS TO BE A DECISION MADE BY THE STUDENT AND THE PARENTS SHOULD JUST BE BY THEIR CHILD SIDE. ALSO PICK YOUR SCOOL BASED ON ITS PRESIGOUS NAME, AMOUNT OF UNDERGRAD STUDENTS WHO ACTAULLY GRADUATE ON TIME, THE AREA OF THE AND OF COURSE THE SIZE. PICKING THE RIGHT SCHOOL FOR ISN'T A EASY PROJECT BUT ONCE ITS DONE SO MUCH PRESSURE HAS BEEN RELEASED ONCE YOU KNOW YOU'VE DONE EVERYTHING POSSIBLE TO PICK THE PERFECT SCHOOL TO FIT YOUR PERSONALITY AND YOUR GOALS.

Taqiyyah

Make sure that they are able to fit in with the majority because being apart of the minority would sometimes create isssues and make it very difficult for them to enjoy college. Also make sure they live on campus their first year!

Adetunji

Choose a college that you belive will best benifit you!

Tamara

I would advise that both the parent and student feel comfortable at whatever school they decide to go to and I would also advise that they look into seeing if the program they want is accredited.

Shawntel

When looking for the college for you it is very helpful to make a list of the things you want out of a college experience and then choose the school that best fits your needs. Once you have chosen your school it is very helpful to go and visit the campus during the week it wont be beneficial to visit the campus on the weekends. Once you have narrowed it down then you should try and make sure you can afford it. Once you are in school it is hard to keep up your grades if you are worried about how you are going to pay for the next semester. Also, always try and keep a good relationship with your finiancial aid advisor because they can always help you find more money to pay for school.

Adira

When it comes to college, you may have an already preconceived dream of what your experience is going to be like however, when you set foot on campus eveything changes. the dreams you held in your heart get twisted by reality of the day-to-day grind of college life. being on your own can either drive you to go for your goals or give you every exscuse to postpone your dreams. In the end, college makes you into a responsible adult. Dont fall into the pitfalls that college offers to everyone. When looking for a college one has to keep in mind that the college you may want does not always meet your needs. also, the college that you do not want may be the college that gives you the most room to grow. when looking for a college always remember that that will be your home for the nest 4 YEARS so choose wisely. dont just choose a school because it has the best party scence, choose your college based on academics AND the diversity that the campus holds. choose a school that will challenge you to strive to become the best you possible.

Brittany

The advice that I would give parents and/or students about finding the perfect college and making the most of the college experience is to find a school that focuses on whatever it is that you are specifically intrested in so that when you get to school it will not be hard for you, as a student, to remain focused and above the curve. Also, make sure that you have a great support system on and off campus as you go through your journey as a college student. There will be times when you are feeling so overwhelmed with school that you are going to yearn for someone to vent to in order to feel relief. Do not worry though, as this feeling is common. Lastly, enjoy every waking minute of the class time that you have committed yourself to. Be sure that you take full advantage of this experience because you college years, even though it seems like it lasts forever, will fly by you.

Letisha

My advice to parents and students would be to truly evaluate exactly what they want to do with the rest of their lives. Once they figure out whether they want to be a doctor or just a simple trade the next step is to research or are still unsure. They need to see what school has the best program out there for what hey want to do whether it is a 2 year program or 4. The next step is to look at location if it matters and the campus life as well as housing and food. Once they are satisified with the quality of education, location, campus life,housing, and food, they have found the school for them. Its also great to visit each school that they might have in mind.

Cristina

Do as much detailed research as you can. Be sure that whatever choices you make suits your comfort level but more importantly, has your career interest as its focal point. However, make sure it's not too into that area that you cannot explore other areas. It is only your first year in college; the leveled exposure might persuade you to go into another field that you find more interesting and compelling than what you had planned to do. Furthermore, you may not be accepted to your first choice so always make sure that down to your tenth or hundredth choice facilitates to all your needs or even as close as possible. Be sure that your finances are on point, in case your scholarship didn't go through or a family-related mishap occurred or something that forces you to reconsider your educational endeavours. And most importantly, have fun. It is a time that shows your parents that you are growing up and becoming an adult and it is a time to really get into the working world and be that Noble Prize Winner, but have fun with it. College is what you make it, so make it worthwhile.

Crystal

I would tell parents and students to make sure that what ever school is decided, it should be the school that has best prove to you that that specific school can satisfy all of your expectations. Instead of looking for the easy way out when things do not turn out the way you had planned, really try to see if changes could be made or if there are any adjustments that have to be made because in the real world you cannot run away from situations that do not go your way. In today's society, it may become a burden to start over and correct mistakes. Try to make the best decision of what school you want to go to, what major you want to study, and what career you want in the beginning. To make the most of a college experience, stay humble, grateful, and positive because it goes a long way. Remember to stay focused and serious but also to enjoy each moment. College can be the best memories for a person so cherish each moment.

ashleigh

I would advise parents and students that the college of one's choice should be comfortable, as far as safety and well being is concerned, but allow one to reach out of thier comfort zone and venture into events or experiences that he/she may never have tried before. The college must be academically challenging, culturally diverse and engaging, and preparing of global leaders.

Audra

Finding the right college is a process. It is important to research all the information possible that a school offers concerning your academic, athletic, and/or social interests. Visits to the school are essential in forming an overall idea of what attending would be like, and to get a feel for the students, faculty, and campus. Attending orientations and open-houses are also stellar ways to meet other students interested in attending, and current students who can provide you with personal experiences in dealing with the school's academic and financial administration. Once you decide to attend a school, making the most of your college experience becomes the most important aspect. Learning to balance your workload with your social activities is critical. How well you manage your time can make or break any college student. Be involved in organizations pretaining to your major and academic interests, then a few extracurricular groups on the side. Campus involvement is important and exciting, however academics are the main focus. Do not spread yourself too thin; you must always make time for classes and studying. College can be one of the most enjoyable time of life, and will be if you act responsibly.

Mia

I would recommend choosing several different types of schools in different locations, and go spend some time there to get a feel of the campus. Interact as much as possible with the students, teachers, and administrators. Make the decision based on your financial situation, interests, and post-graduation expectations. The best advice I was ever given from a student was be true to yourself, and make your college experience suit you.

Brittany

The first suggestion I would make is to save money every chance you get, so it can be contributed to the cost of the education. Even if the student is on a full scholarship, some things have to be paid for that are paid for by the scholarship, and that money needs to be saved. Also, go with your gut feeling. I have been in the situation where I had to make a tough choice between going to a school at home for money or go to a more expensive school, so I would enjoy the college career, and I can tell you that the only thing I regret about that decision is not saving enough money. If you feel like the college is the right school for your and it has a good repuation for a high education, GO FOR IT!

Jai

College experiences will last you a lifetime as well as steer your lifes path. Make sure you choose the college that you feel fits your personailty. It has to just sit right in your soul.

Toi

Go to a college that you think will help you grow into the person you want to be. GET AWAY FROM YOUR HOMETOWN!

Jovonne

The advice I'd give parents about finding the right college is to try not to dominate their child's decision. Help your child, don't decide for them. I say this based off of personal experience. Although I love Howard, it wasn't my first choice. My parents decided on it which made it hard for me to adjust when I arrived because I had my heart set on somewhere else. I felt like they forced it on me therefore when I entered my freshman year, I wasn't open to anything the university had to offer. My advice to students about making the most of their college experience is to keep an open mind. I say this also based off of experience. Because I didn't want to attend Howard, I closed my mind to everything there. I was angry that i wasn't attending the school that I wanted. But when I began to meet new people and open my mind to new things, I fell in love with it all and I wouldn't trade the experience for the world. At the end of the year, Howard went for being just Howard to being "My School."

Lavernon

I would tell them to choose a college that is in the city, because there is always something exciting to do and beautiful people to meet. Cities usually are preety diverse, so they provide multiple opinions across various subjects. As for the parents I would tell them to allow the your children to choose their own major and the shcool they desire to attend. This is because parents who do this almost always hinder their children from establishing their own identity and achieving their dreams.

Charles

Choose a school, major, and career path in which money, success, and fame do not matter to you, but simply the enjoyment of it. Money, success, and fame will come soon enough. (P.S. COME TO HOWARD UNIVERSITY)

cory

The best way to find a university that fits you is to have a good understanding of who you are and what you want for the future. Often, parents are the financiers for college expenses, so it's only natural they would desire to participate in the process. It's a great idea, but ultimately it is up to the student to decide for themselves. Again, knowing who you are as an individual is imperative for your scholastic ability, and choosing the school that will enhance it. If you have to curtail your goals based on a school's lack of ability to provide what you want, you'll waste your time and your parents money. You will probably end up transferring or questioning your job opportunities upon graduation. Look at yourself in the mirror as a student, and a well rounded individual who wants to learn more. Ask yourself what you truly want, then begin the search for that special university. Tell your parents what you're looking for, and enlist their help. In turn, they'll appreciate it, and hopefully your complete collegiate experience will be wonderful for both you and your parents.

Ricky

College selection can be a very tedious, and probably the most important, choice you will ever make. There are many yhtings to consider when selecting a college campus. It is important to evaluate yourself as a person and decide which type of environment will be right for you. It is always helpful to visit college campuses to get a feel for the college before you make your final decision. Another factor to consider is the cost of tuition and how you will be able to pay to attend the university of your choice. Look into options such as scholarships, grants, loans etc.

Christine

I would tell parents and/or students to start looking for the best college for them early. Do not wait until senior year to begin your college search, start searching around your sophomore and junior year in hight school. Most students have the dream of going to particular college all throughout their high school career. However, they become devastated when they find out that their grades and/or tests score are not good enough. I would recommend that you start looking for your desired school now so that you know what you should be working towards. For instance, you know what gpa is expected and/or what is the process for applying for scholarships. Moreover, what criteria you need in order to receive a scholarship. I believe that when students apply for scholarship at the end of their senior year they often time over look important details. The more time you spend on searching for the best college for you the more prepared you'll be and the more satisfied you will be with the results!

LaJoyce

Follow your heart...and do lots of research!

Nicole

86 their footsteps (make your own footsteps at another school), or do not attend a certain school because your parents want you to be close to them ro because your friends are attending that school. Ultimately you have to live your life and make decision for youself and nobody else.

Linsey

They should definitely go to an inexpensive school. Either that, or never miss out on the opportunity to get a scholarship before your grades drop.

Cimoya

Make sure that you have chosen the right major and understand what it will take in order to achieve that degree. College is fun but it is also a business. So understand you can have fun but at the end of the day it is serious business. And try and take extra classes before you get to your university or college that will put you ahead or give you college credit towards your major

Rhea

College is an experience that will make you a better person mentally, emotionally, and also physically. It indeed is a learning experience that you won't be able to get anywhere else in life. Make enough research is done so when you get to the college, you are not shocked or confused. I personally advise students to make sure they are open to a lot of different things such as, food and people. Make sure you go to a place that is a little out of your norm because it will make the experience so much more meaningful.

Kashayia

When searching for the right college if it important to start early, search for grants and scholarships, and visit the campus. There are many school that are compatible to the student, so starting that search early allows for each optionto be researched. Also, there are many ways of paying for school with free money. There are scholarships for everyone. Visiting campuses also can help the students major decision. The atmosphere plays a role in the educational experience as well.