Gaining Admission to Howard University: GPA Requirements and Acceptance Rate

Howard University, a prestigious historically Black university (HBCU) located in Washington, D.C., attracts numerous applicants each year. Founded in 1867, the university has produced prominent graduates such as Chadwick Boseman and Ta-Nehisi Coates. For prospective students wondering how to get into Howard University, understanding the Howard University requirements, including GPA expectations and acceptance rate, is crucial. This article provides a comprehensive overview of these key factors to help you navigate the admissions process.

Understanding Howard University's Selectivity

The acceptance rate at Howard University is 41.3%, making it moderately selective. This number signifies that while not the most competitive, strong academic performance is essential to gain admission. To increase your chances, aim to exceed the average GPA and standardized test scores of admitted students.

GPA: A Critical Academic Factor

The Importance of GPA

GPA is a very important academic factor. Howard University admissions stresses the importance of academic excellence in their decision about who will make the Howard enrollment. 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). The average GPA at Howard University is 3.75. This requires you to be above average in your high school class. You'll need a mix of A's and B's, with a leaning toward A's.

How to Compensate for a Lower GPA

If your GPA is at or below the school average of 3.75, you'll need a higher SAT score to compensate and show that you're prepared to take on college academics. You can compensate for a lower GPA with harder classes, like AP or IB classes. If you're currently a junior or senior, your GPA is hard to change in time for college applications.

GPA Ranges of Admitted Students

The following GPA ranges reflect what most admitted students scored:

Read also: Tuition and Fees at Howard

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

Standardized Tests: SAT and ACT

Test Requirements

Each school has different requirements for standardized testing. Howard University recommends that you take the SAT or ACT. Many schools say they have no SAT score cutoff, but the truth is that there is a hidden SAT requirement.

SAT Scores

Half the applicants admitted to Howard University who submitted test scores have an SAT score between 1130 and 1330. However, one quarter of admitted applicants achieved scores above these ranges and one quarter scored below these ranges. The 25th percentile SAT score is 1050, and the 75th percentile SAT score is 1250. In other words, a 1050 places you below average, while a 1250 will move you up to above average. Scoring at a 1204 SAT or above will already give you a great shot at getting in. If your SAT score is currently below a 1204, we strongly recommend that you consider prepping for the SAT and retaking it.

ACT Scores

The average ACT score at Howard University is 25. The 25th percentile ACT score is 22, and the 75th percentile ACT score is 28. Even though Howard University likely says they have no minimum ACT requirement, if you apply with a 22 or below, you'll have a very hard time getting in, unless you have something else very impressive in your application. 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.

Test-Taking Strategies

From our research and talking to admissions officers, we've learned that 4-6 tests is a safe number to submit. The college understands that you want to have the best chance of admission, and retaking the test is a good way to do this. Within a reasonable number of tests, they honestly don't care how many times you've taken it.

Superscoring

By and large, most colleges do not superscore the ACT. (Superscore means that the school takes your best section scores from all the test dates you submit, and then combines them into the best possible composite score). We weren't able to find the school's exact ACT policy, which most likely means that it does not Superscore.

Holistic Review: Beyond GPA and Test Scores

Note: Your admission decision relies not only on your GPA and SAT/ACT scores, but also on your coursework difficulty, extracurriculars, letters of recommendation, and personal statements. Every school requires an application with the bare essentials - high school transcript and GPA, application form, and other core information. Many schools, as explained above, also require SAT and ACT scores, as well as letters of recommendation, application essays, and interviews.

Extracurricular Activities

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. 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.

Essays

The Howard University requirements state that students must complete the Common App essay as well as one Howard-specific essay before the Howard University application deadline. In addition, there are three optional essays. You can access all essays via the Common App. The Howard supplemental essays are another way for you to stand out, especially if you have lower than average Howard University SAT scores or do not meet the informal Howard University GPA requirements. Howard University admissions is interested in learning about your passions, goals, and interest in Howard. How do your unique experiences, talents, and skills make you a perfect candidate for Howard? Show that in your supplemental essays. Start crafting your personal essays early. Make sure that your personality comes through. But also remember that these essays need to demonstrate strong writing ability too.

Recommendations

In addition to academics, Howard University admissions uses recommendations and student essays to make sure you’ll be a good fit.

Application Deadlines and Options

Regular Application

AdmissionsRegular Application DueFebruary 15

Early Decision and Early Action

Early Decision is a binding agreement so only apply via this policy if you are 100% sure you want to join the Howard enrollment. Early Action is a nonbinding agreement. It’s a good option for students who’d like to know their application status before the spring, but may want to compare their options before committing to a school. November 1st is the deadline for both Early Action and Early Decision.

Key Deadlines

Application Deadline: Feb. 15
Early Decision Deadline: Nov. 1
SAT/ACT Scores Must Be Received By: March 1
Enrollment deadline for Howard University is May 1st.

Additional Programs and Considerations

BS/MD Program

The BS/MD Program allows the student to complete the requirements for both the BS and MD degree in six years instead of the customary eight years. A limited number of students enrolled in the College of Arts and Sciences will be admitted each year to the Howard University College of Medicine as part of the entering class of traditionally selected students. 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. Invitations to apply are sent in mid-May. While there are no citizenship requirements for this program, eligible students must have first been accepted to Howard University College of Arts and Sciences.

College of Medicine

The academic program leading to the MD degree is designed to produce physicians who are knowledgeable of the principles of modern medical science and who have mastered the art of critical thinking in the clinical decision-making process so they may engage in the practice of medicine as competent professionals. Dual degree programs are offered jointly with the Graduate School (MD/Ph.D.), the College of Arts & Sciences (BS/MD) and the School of Business (MD/MBA). Admission into any of the Dual M.D. degree programs and the regular M.D. degree are highly competitive. Meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee an interview, nor admission. Six training programs leading to the Master of Science and/or Doctor of Philosophy degree are available in the College of Medicine. These degrees are offered through programs in anatomy, microbiology, biochemistry, pharmacology and physiology & biophysics. For admission and specific degree requirements, students should consult the Graduate School.

International Students

Sanchez works with undergraduate international students within the admissions department and mentioned that about 7 percent of the Howard population is made up of international students.

Final Thoughts: Crafting Your Application Strategy

When figuring out how to get into Howard University, it’s easy to get caught up in meeting the assumed Howard University SAT scores and Howard University GPA requirements, beating the Howard University acceptance rate, and meeting the Howard University application deadline. Howard students are academically motivated, intellectually curious, and contribute to their community. Making the Howard enrollment should be exciting. Create your “how to get into Howard University” strategy carefully before the Howard University application deadline.

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