Howard University

Date: Nov 09 2009
Major: Philosophy (This Major's Salary over time)
Unfortunately, my experience at Howard has been marred by an absolutely disgusting roommate and an atrocious administration. Don't jump to hasty conclusions. Howard University is a wonderful institution. It is indisputable that you will LEARN at this university. Furthermore, you'll find an abundance of great friends. The social life and extracurricular activity is superb, aside from sports. Howard isn't known for its athletic achievements. Simply remember that this is an HBCU, and you will therefore receive a completely different experience than most post-secondary educational institutions. You will learn things than you will not learn at Harvard or Yale. However, if you're used to a truly diverse student demographic, you will arrive to a huge culture shock as I did. Frankly, I do not want to be surrounded by people that are virtually all of the same color, which is one of my reasons for transferring.

Moving on, as you've probably already read, the administration is inexcusably horrible. They lose things. Many of the workers have unnecessary attitudes and have general malcontent towards their responsibilities. Be sure to keep copies of everything and have PATIENCE when dealing with the departments within the administration.

Residence life is not as bad as portrayed by the student body. Drew Hall is suitable for any college freshman that isn't easily distracted. It is loud at times, and wild things can happen, but usually nothing that will deter you from receiving your education. You may lose visitation once or twice, but you'll get over it. The Quad is quite similar to Drew and is the biggest dormitory on campus by capacity. Most freshman girls will stay there or the Annex. The Annex is much more opulent in appearance and facilities. Enviously, they have their own cafe. Cook Hall, my dorm hall, is by far the most convenient and most opulent in the entire residence fleet. Out of all the residence halls, we are the only to have our own bathrooms. And, the rooms are huge. Try to land a spot here if you can live with sacrificing the freshman Drew Hall experience, which I was fine with. It would be better if my roommate wasn't a disgusting elephant. Meridian Hill Hall is off-campus. Most upperclassmen, specifically sophomores, stay there. I don't know much about it so I won't pretend that I do. Carver and Slowe Hall are also off-campus forms. Carver has a reputation for being the "homosexual house." It's a social convention. In other words, its childish and it means nothing. Other than that, I don't know much. Slowe has A LOT of problems. Sewage and other plumbing problems perpetually mar the place. Of all halls, try not to land there. And finally is the Howard Plaza Towers-East & West. These are the most affluent dorms. They have the most amenities: "All units have a shared common area and well-equipped modern kitchen and bathroom areas. Security system, underground parking, computer labs, study rooms, cable, Internet, and local telephone service. Front desk service is provided 24/7." Other students from other universities stay there. It is off campus and is the biggest of all dormitories. Don't look forward to this until you're a junior. Mays Hall is for graduate students. Don't ask me anything about that.

My Advice? Tour the campus before applying. Ask the students about their experience. Try to go during the school year for a more candid and realistic demonstration of the university's daily functions. While Howard has its administrative and organizational shortcomings, it is the pinnacle of American education - in a different light. Like I said, you'll learn things here that you will not learn anywhere else. Furthermore, the social life immaculate. You will enjoy your time here. There is always something to do. Finally, there is a myriad of resources. Accessibility is just limited and problematic. But, determination will plow through those obstacles. If you like to make excuses about everything, Howard is probably not the place to be. It's in a phase of change and will be improved. Get involved with the movement.

My reasons for transferring are personal. I come from a rural/suburban area. The urban lifestyle is not the best environment for me. Furthermore, I miss my family and friends far too much. So, I'm transferring to Drexel University so I can commute from my home in New Jersey. But, being in Washington, DC has its obvious advantages. Internships and career opportunities? No shortage here. Resources? Library of Congress, over 21 public libraries. In other words, there is no reason you cannot get a 4.0 at Howard or ANY OTHER university in the DMV area. Case in point, do your research thoroughly. Unfortunately, I didn't. I tried to foster a change that wasn't meant for me, which left me unhappy. But, that doesn't have to be your fate. Good luck in your future endeavors students.