Howard University Undergraduate Admissions: A Comprehensive Guide

Howard University, a prestigious historically Black university (HBCU) located in Washington, D.C., attracts ambitious students seeking a rigorous academic environment and a vibrant cultural experience. Founded in 1867, Howard has a rich history of producing graduates who become leaders in various fields. Gaining admission to Howard University requires careful planning and a strong application. This article provides a detailed overview of Howard University's undergraduate admissions requirements, offering insights into the factors considered and the steps you can take to increase your chances of acceptance.

Understanding Howard University's Values

Howard University emphasizes "Veritas et Utilitas," meaning "truth and service." The university seeks students who embody these values, demonstrating intellectual curiosity, motivation, a commitment to community involvement, and leadership potential.

The Admissions Process: A Holistic Review

Howard University employs a holistic admission process, evaluating applicants based on a range of factors, including:

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

First-Time-in-College (FTIC) Students

A First Time in College (FTIC) student is one who has never been admitted to a degree program at Howard University or any other post-secondary institution of higher education. This category also includes dual enrollment students who have not yet graduated from high school.

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

Howard University offers three application options for FTIC students:

Read also: Tuition and Fees at Howard

Early Decision (ED): This is a binding admission plan for students whose first choice is Howard University. ED applicants may apply to other colleges but must withdraw all other applications if admitted to Howard. However, ED applicants seeking financial aid need not withdraw other applications until they have received notification about financial aid. The application deadline for early applicants is November 15.
Early Action (EA): This is a non-binding option that allows high-achieving students to receive their admission decision early in the admissions process. Scholarships are also awarded at this time for all accepted Early Action & Early Decision applicants that meet the specific requirements. The application deadline for early applicants is November 15.
Regular Decision (RD): This is a non-binding admission plan with an application deadline of February 1.

Important Note: EA and ED applicants with incomplete applications after November 15 will be moved to the regular decision applicant pool. Once an application has been submitted, your decision plan cannot generally be changed.

Application Requirements: A Detailed Breakdown

To complete your application to Howard University, you must submit the following:

1. Common Application

Howard University uses the Common Application, an online application platform accepted by numerous colleges and universities. The Common Application includes sections for:

Personal Information: Basic details about yourself, your family, and your educational background.
Academic History: A record of your high school courses and grades.
Activities: A list of your extracurricular activities, including leadership roles and accomplishments.
Essays: The main Common Application essay and the optional Howard University supplemental essay.

2. High School Transcript

An official high school transcript is required. It should be submitted by your assigned counselor via the Common App. If your school uses a Common App partner system (e.g. Naviance, Xello etc.), submissions will also appear on the Common App once your application has been linked (please contact your school counselor for assistance).

3. Counselor Recommendation

One letter of recommendation from a high school counselor is required and should be submitted by your counselor via Common App/Naviance.

4. Teacher Recommendation

You must assign one teacher to submit a letter of recommendation on your behalf. If your school uses a Common App partner system (e.g. Naviance, Xello etc.), submissions will also appear on the Common App once your application has been linked (please contact your school counselor for assistance).

5. Application Fee

A non-refundable $45 application fee is charged as part of the Common Application process. Payment is made via Common App (personal checks are not accepted).

Fee Waiver: If paying the application fee may cause you and your family to face unusual financial hardship, Howard University will accept the Common App fee waiver. Only the Common App fee waiver affirmation is required.

6. Standardized Test Scores (Test-Optional for 2026-27)

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.

*Please Note: Applicants with complete files who do not submit official test scores by the given document deadline for their desired admission plan, will be rendered with a final decision based on the credentials that are on file. As such, we do implore all students to give serious consideration into their desired admission plan, and whether they will opt into the test optional choice. For example, an early applicant who does not submit test scores by November 15, but has all other required credentials on file, will be notified of a final decision in January. There will be no subsequent opportunities to appeal this decision or submit test scores for consideration.

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.

7. 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 that may be accessed via the Writing section of the Common App. Students are not required to submit the 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. All essays must be submitted with your Common Application by the application deadline.

8. Portfolio/Audition (for Fine Arts Majors)

Prospective Fine Arts majors have additional requirements:

Art: All prospective Studio Art majors must submit a slide portfolio of 12-15 images and videos of original creative works. To submit electronically, applicants should use the Slideroom.com portfolio submission portal.
Theatre Arts: Prospective performance Theatre Arts majors (Acting, Dance, and Musical Theatre) must submit a recorded audition and participate in a live audition. All non-performance majors (Theatre Arts Administration & Theatre Technology) may also submit an application by February 1 Regular Decision deadline.*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.
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. The portfolio should include a minimum of one and a maximum of three examples of creative expression in graphic, written or audiovisual form. To submit electronically, applicants should use the Slideroom.com portfolio submission portal included with your Common Application or their Howard admissions portal.

Important 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.

Academic Profile of Admitted Students

While Howard University admissions are holistic, academic achievement is a significant factor.

GPA

While Howard University admissions does not give official Howard University GPA requirements, the average GPA of accepted Howard applicants for the class of 2025 was 3.66 (unweighted). A GPA of 3.75 or higher is considered competitive.

GPA Ranges of Admitted Students:

3.75+: 57%
3.50-3.74: 33%
3.25-3.49: 6%
3.00-3.24: 2%
2.50-2.99: 1%

Standardized Test Scores

For students who choose to submit test scores, the following ranges provide a general guideline:

SAT Range: (Data not available, but aim for above 1250)
ACT Composite Range: (Data not available, but aim for above 28)

What Makes a Strong Application?

Beyond meeting the basic requirements, several factors can strengthen your application:

Academically Rigorous Coursework: Taking challenging courses, such as AP or IB classes, demonstrates your willingness to push yourself academically.
Meaningful Extracurricular Involvement: Focus on a few activities that genuinely interest you and demonstrate your leadership, growth, and commitment to service.
Compelling Essays: Use your essays to showcase your personality, passions, goals, and unique experiences. Explain why you are a good fit for Howard University and how you would contribute to the campus community.
Strong Recommendations: Request letters of recommendation from teachers and counselors who know you well and can speak to your academic abilities, character, and potential.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

Howard University offers a variety of financial aid options, including:

Federal Aid: Domestic students must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered for institutional scholarships and federal financial assistance.
Institutional Scholarships: Howard awards a range of merit-based scholarships, need-based aid, and specialized funding opportunities for high-achieving students. Students who do not submit test scores will not be at a disadvantage in the awarding process.
International Student Aid: For DACA students, please complete the International Student Financial Aid Application.

International Students

International students have additional requirements:

ALL international transcripts must be evaluated by the World Education Services (WES).
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is required from all applicants from countries in which English is not the official language.
The Statement of Financial Resources Form must be submitted.

Key Takeaways for Prospective Students

Start Early: Begin planning your application well in advance of the Howard University application deadline.
Focus on Academics: Strive for a high GPA and take challenging courses.
Get Involved: Participate in extracurricular activities that you are passionate about and that demonstrate your leadership potential.
Craft Compelling Essays: Use your essays to tell your story and show why you are a good fit for Howard University.
Seek Strong Recommendations: Request letters of recommendation from teachers and counselors who know you well.
Understand Deadlines: Carefully note the application deadlines for Early Decision, Early Action, and Regular Decision.
Visit the Campus: If possible, visit Howard University to experience the campus culture and learn more about the university's offerings.

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