Howard University Admissions: A Comprehensive Guide

Howard University, a prestigious historically Black university (HBCU) located in Washington, D.C., has been shaping leaders since 1867. As a Research One (R1) Carnegie research institution, Howard offers over 120 programs across 14 schools and colleges. Its graduates, including Vice President Kamala Harris, Thurgood Marshall, Toni Morrison, and Chadwick Boseman, have made significant contributions in various fields. This article provides a detailed overview of Howard University's admissions requirements to help prospective students navigate the application process.

Howard University: The Mecca in the Nation's Capital

Located in the heart of Washington, D.C., Howard University provides students with unmatched access to internships and career opportunities in government, nonprofits, tech, finance, healthcare, media, and more. The university's strategic location positions it at the nexus of significant spheres of influence, including government, health, technology, economies, and the arts. Howard University is more than a university - it’s a launchpad for leaders.

Experiencing Howard: Campus and Virtual Visits

The best way to understand Howard University is to see it in a city where history and culture meet opportunity. From walking across The Yard to exploring our 14 schools and colleges, every visit shows why Howard is more than a university. Howard offers multiple ways to connect:

On-Campus Tours: Step onto The Yard, tour our facilities, and feel the energy of Howard in Washington, D.C.
Virtual Visits: Can’t make it to D.C.? Explore Howard from anywhere in the world through interactive virtual tours and live information sessions.

Gaining Admission to Howard: What You Need to Know

Gaining admission to Howard University requires careful planning and a strong application. The university promotes academic excellence through a highly selective admission process. Students who are admitted demonstrate strong personal motivation along with backgrounds of consistent academic growth and achievement.

Application Portals

You can apply online through our Undergraduate, Graduate, or Transfer Admissions portals. Start your application here.

Read also: Tuition and Fees at Howard

Holistic Review

As part of its holistic admission process, Howard University considers a student's secondary school academic record, standardized college entrance exams (SAT or ACT), leadership in school and community activities, unique talents and skills, and educational objectives.

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

First Time in College (FTIC) applicants have the opportunity to submit an application for Early Decision, Early Action or Regular Decision.

Early Decision (ED): Early Decision (ED) is a binding admission plan that is designed for students whose first choice is Howard University. ED applicants may apply to other colleges/universities while we review their applications, but may only apply to one college/university early decision. In general, if an ED applicant is offered admission to Howard, he/she must withdraw all other college applications. However, ED applicants seeking financial aid need not withdraw other applications until they have received notification about financial aid.
Early Action (EA): EA allows high achieving students the opportunity 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. NOTE: EA and ED applicants with incomplete applications after November 15 will be moved to the regular decision applicant pool.
Regular Decision (RD): Regular Decision (RD) is a non-binding admission plan.

Key Admission Requirements

Academic Performance

Academic achievement is one of the main ways to impress Howard University admissions. Howard University admissions stresses the importance of academic excellence in their decision about who will make the Howard enrollment.

GPA: While Howard University admissions does not give official Howard University GPA requirements. However, the average GPA of accepted Howard applicants for the class of 2025 was 3.66 (unweighted). Because the informal Howard University GPA requirements are high, you should take AP and IB courses in high school if you can. Howard admissions wants its students to be intellectually motivated and advanced courses will show that you’re not afraid of a challenge.
Transcripts: All applicants for admission must present one or more of the below requirements. Applicants seeking admission to Howard University are required to submit accurate and complete credentials and accurate and complete information requested by the University. Applicants who fail to do so shall be denied admission.
College Prep Courses: Howard University admissions wants to see a well-rounded high school course load from their applicants.

Standardized Tests

Howard University recommends that you take the SAT or 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, and scholarship determinations that require evidence of academic performance will be altered appropriately to accommodate fair consideration of those who chose not to submit test scores. 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.

SAT: The 25th percentile SAT score is 1050, and the 75th percentile SAT score is 1250. If your SAT score is currently below a 1204, it is recommended that you consider prepping for the SAT and retaking it. 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 essay section is not required for the SAT/ACT exam.
ACT: The average ACT score at Howard University is 25. The 25th percentile ACT score is 22, and the 75th percentile ACT score is 28. To try to aim for the school's ACT requirement of 25 and above, you should try to take the ACT as many times as you can. Howard University considers the SAT Essay/ACT Writing section optional and may not include it as part of their admissions consideration.

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. You should assign one teacher to submit a letter of recommendation on your behalf.

Essays

As part of the Common Application, students must submit the main Common Application essay as part of their application. You may access the Common App essay prompts via the highlighted link. 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. Essays provide us with a chance to learn more about you, including your passions, goals, and general interest in Howard University. As such, we do implore all students to place considerable effort into crafting well-written essays that accurately reflect who they are, and what they hope to achieve should they be granted admission.

Extracurricular Activities and Leadership

Howard University admissions values leadership and community involvement as well as academic achievement. Extracurriculars are a great place to shine if you’re nervous about the informal Howard University SAT standards and Howard University GPA requirements. With the undergraduate Howard enrollment at about 6,000 and a Howard University acceptance rate of 36%, show off your unique talents, skills, and passions through your extracurriculars. Avoid choosing your activities for the sole purpose of impressing Howard University admissions. Choose activities that genuinely excite you. Remember quality is better than quantity. You don’t have to join every club at school. Howard University admissions values growth, leadership, and service. Contributing to your community is a great way to show Howard what you would bring to campus.

Additional Requirements for Specific Programs

Art: All prospective Studio Art majors must submit a slide portfolio of 12-15 images and videos of original creative works. No more than 2-3 views of any one work should be included. 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 as evidence of their ability to successfully pursue college-level work in their desired concentrations. *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.*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.
Architecture & Design Studies: All prospective Architecture & Design Studies applicants must submit a portfolio of creative works for consideration. 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. Graphic submissions of drawings, painting, renderings, photographs, models, sculpture, etc., should be no larger than (11" x 17"). Written submissions may be in the form of a 400-word essay describing a creative activity in which you have been involved. Alternatively, you may submit examples of creative writing in any form. Audiovisual submissions may be appropriate to convey the range of capabilities of the applicant. Such submissions must not exceed five minutes even though the entire work may be longer. The work may document a creative activity that is either complete or in progress as well as the actual creative entity.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

Howard awards a range of merit-based scholarships, need-based aid, and specialized funding opportunities for high-achieving students.

FAFSA: Domestic students must also submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered for institutional scholarships and federal financial assistance. For detailed instructions on how to submit the FAFSA, please visit the Student Financial Services' webpage. Howard University’s School Code is 001448.
International Students: For DACA students, please complete the International Student Financial Aid Application. An International Student Financial Aid Application (ISFAA) is also required.

*Please note: we cannot provide specific award amounts until your completed application and FAFSA/ISFAA has been received and reviewed. Students who do not submit test scores will not be at a disadvantage in the awarding process. Students who opt into the test optional choice are eligible for scholarship consideration, as other factors (e.g. SAT, ACT, GRE, SMAT etc.), if required by the university/the intended academic program.

Application Deadlines

Stay on top of your goals!

Early Action & Early Decision Deadline: November 1
Theatre Arts Performance Majors (Acting, Dance & Musical Theatre): November 1
Regular Decision Deadline: February 1

*Note: Applicants must meet minimum requirements for consideration of admission to Howard University. Additional information may be required including essays and recommendations.

Acceptance Rate

The acceptance rate at Howard University is 41.3%. This makes Howard moderately selective.

Understanding the Numbers

These ranges reflect what most admitted students scored, but many are outside these ranges.

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

The Importance of Fit

When considering if a school is a good fit for you, make a list of your top criteria. Have that list at the ready when investigating potential schools. When figuring out how to get into Howard University, know that no one factor will guarantee Howard enrollment. However, irresponsible use of social media could jeopardize potential internship and job opportunities.

Key Strategies for Admission

Academics are the biggest factor in Howard University admissions decisions. Therefore, strive to exceed the assumed Howard University GPA requirements. Take challenging high school courses that you can succeed in.
Howard University wants to see leadership and growth in applicants’ extracurriculars, and particularly how applicants have made a difference in the lives of those around them. Get involved in things you are passionate about. Love gardening? Start a community garden.
Your essays are the best way for Howard University admissions to get a sense of who you are and what you value. Show that you would fit into the Howard community wonderfully.
Acing your “how to get into Howard” strategy involves early planning. Don’t wait until the month before the Howard University application deadline to start gathering the Howard University requirements to apply.

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