Gaining Admission to Howard University: A Comprehensive Guide

Howard University, a prestigious Research One (R1) Carnegie research institution located in Washington, D.C., has been shaping leaders since 1867. With a rich history and a commitment to academic excellence, Howard attracts students from around the globe. This article provides a comprehensive overview of Howard University's admission requirements, covering everything from first-year applications to specialized programs.

Understanding the Application Process

First-Time in College (FTIC) Students

A First Time in College (FTIC) student is defined as an applicant who has never been admitted to a degree program at Howard University or any other post-secondary institution of higher education. This includes dual enrollment students who have not yet graduated from high school. Howard University employs a holistic admission process, considering various factors such as:

Secondary school academic record
Standardized college entrance exams (SAT or ACT)
Leadership in school and community activities
Unique talents and skills
Educational objectives

Application Options: Early Decision, Early Action, and Regular Decision

First-time applicants can choose from three application plans: Early Decision (ED), Early Action (EA), or Regular Decision (RD).

Early Decision (ED): This is a binding admission plan for students who consider Howard University their first choice. ED applicants can apply to other colleges but must withdraw all other applications if admitted to Howard. However, those seeking financial aid can wait until they receive notification about their aid package.
Early Action (EA): This non-binding option allows high-achieving students to receive their admission decision early. Scholarships are also awarded to accepted Early Action & Early Decision applicants that meet the specific requirements.
Regular Decision (RD): This is a non-binding admission plan with a later deadline.

Important Note: Incomplete EA and ED applications after November 15 will be moved to the regular decision applicant pool.

Application Fee and Fee Waivers

A non-refundable $45 application fee is required as part of the Common Application process. Payment is made via Common App (personal checks are not accepted). The Office of Admission does not issue fee waivers, but a Common App fee waiver will be accepted if paying the application fee causes unusual financial hardship.

Read also: Opportunities for White Students

Standardized Testing: SAT/ACT

For the 2026-27 admission cycle, SAT/ACT test scores are not required to render a first year admission application complete. Students who do not submit test scores will not be at a disadvantage in the admission process. This policy will extend to the Karsh STEM program. This policy does not extend to joint degree (e.g. BS/MD, BS/DDS, BA/JD) programs.

For students who elect to submit SAT (school code - 5297) or ACT scores (school code - 0674), only official scores submitted via the testing agency will be considered. The below submissions will NOT be considered:

Self-reported scores
Score reports from school counselors
Scores on transcripts

The essay section is not required for the SAT/ACT exam. Howard University does not super-score the ACT exam. October is the last test date that will be considered for early action & early decision applicants. December is the last test date that will be considered for regular decision applicants.

Letters of Recommendation

Howard University requires two letters of recommendation for admission consideration. While you may assign recommenders via Common App/Naviance to submit additional letters, only two will be guaranteed to be considered as part of our review. One letter of recommendation from a high school counselor submitted by your counselor via Common App/Naviance (highly preferred) is required.

Essays

As part of the Common Application, students must submit the main Common Application essay. In addition to the main Common Application essay, Howard University has one optional essay. Essays provide the admissions committee with a chance to learn more about you, including your passions, goals, and general interest in Howard University.

Application Deadlines

November 15 for early applicants
November 1 for Theatre Arts performance majors (Acting, Dance & Musical Theatre)
February 1 for regular decision applicants

Transcript and Counselor Submissions

Your assigned counselor should submit your transcript, counselor letter of recommendation, and fee waiver affirmation (if eligible) via the Common App. Moreover, you should assign one teacher to submit a letter of recommendation on your behalf.

To check the status of the items your assigned recommenders have submitted (only if they submit these items via Common App or a Common App partner system - highly preferred), please view your Howard University Common Application dashboard (click ‘Status’ then ‘Recommenders and FERPA’).

Portfolio/Audition Requirements for Fine Arts Programs

Applicants to specific Fine Arts programs have additional requirements:

Art: Prospective Studio Art majors must submit a slide portfolio of 12-15 images and videos of original creative works via Slideroom.com.
Theatre Arts: Prospective performance Theatre Arts majors (Acting, Dance, and Musical Theatre) must submit a recorded audition and participate in a live audition. *Note: All Theatre Arts applicants to performance majors (Acting, Dance & Musical Theatre) must submit their application for admission by November 1 via the Common App. All non-performance majors (Theatre Arts Administration & Theatre Technology) may also submit an application by February 1 Regular Decision deadline.
Music: All prospective Music majors must present a successful voice or instrument audition, which is scheduled by appointment only. DVDs or CDs will be accepted from applicants who are unable to audition in-person.
Architecture & Design Studies: All prospective Architecture & Design Studies applicants must submit a portfolio of creative works for consideration via Slideroom.com or their Howard admissions portal.

*NOTE: Students who apply to the above programs are granted conditional admission into Howard University pending their portfolio/audition results. To gain full admission, students must complete and receive a favorable decision from the respective Fine Arts department. Students who have not been admitted into the above programs at the department level may choose an alternate major if granted admission into the university. As such, we do implore all prospective fine arts students to give deep consideration to their second major preference.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

Domestic students must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered for institutional scholarships and federal financial assistance. For DACA students, please complete the International Student Financial Aid Application. Scholarship awards take into consideration students' need and merit achievements. Students who opt into the test optional choice are eligible for scholarship consideration, as other factors (e.g. Ranked in the top 100 National Universities, Howard University promotes academic excellence through a highly selective admission process.

Understanding Howard's Selectivity

Howard University's acceptance rate is 41.34%, making it a moderately selective institution. The school expects applicants to meet their requirements for GPA and SAT/ACT scores, but they're more flexible than other schools.

GPA

Howard University requires you to be above average in your high school class. You'll need at least a mix of A's and B's, with more A's than B's. You can compensate for a lower GPA with harder classes, like AP or IB classes. The average GPA of admitted students is 3.75.

SAT/ACT Scores

For students who elect to submit SAT (school code - 5297) or ACT scores (school code - 0674), only official scores submitted via the testing agency will be considered. The 25th percentile SAT score is 1050, and the 75th percentile SAT score is 1250. The average ACT score is 25, with the 25th percentile at 22 and the 75th percentile at 28.

Additional Programs and Admission Information

BS/MD Program

The BS/MD Program allows students to complete the requirements for both the BS and MD degrees in six years. BS/MD requirements for entering into the College of Medicine include: Minimum science GPA of 3.25; minimum overall GPA of 3.5; minimum total MCAT score of 504; strong interview and supportive letters of recommendation. The enrollment deadline for Howard University is May 1st. While there are no citizenship requirements for this program, eligible students must have first been accepted to Howard University College of Arts and Sciences.

Transfer Students

Transfer applicants are students who have completed academic studies at another college or university after graduating from high school. For transfer admission, Howard considers students' post-secondary school academic record, leadership in school and community activities, unique talents and skills, and educational objectives.

Visiting and Connecting with Howard

Howard University offers several ways to connect:

On-Campus Tours: Visit the campus and experience the energy of Howard in Washington, D.C.
Virtual Visits: Explore Howard from anywhere in the world through interactive virtual tours and live information sessions.
Virtual First Friday Open House: The Admissions Office hosts a VIRTUAL FIRST FRIDAY OPEN HOUSE via ZOOM ONLY on the first Friday of each month between August and March (except holidays). A presentation and question & answer session starts promptly at 12:00 pm.

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