Preparing for Accepted Student Day 2021

Congratulations scholars on your acceptance to the illustrious Howard University! Your hard work has opened doors full of endless possibilities, as you enter this new chapter. However, now that you have received your letter of acceptance, where do you go from here? How do you know if Howard is the right fit for you? If these questions have been pending on your mind, then you’ve come to the right place. This is your accepted student guide and checklist, which outlines the next steps you should take as an admitted student in preparation for Accepted Student Day (ASD) on Friday, April 16, 2021 starting at 11AM EST. Here you will find necessary information and helpful resources on your journey to becoming an official baby Bison.

Before we get started, it is important to note that each ASD session will be accessible via the Accepted Student Day tab of your personalized admitted student website. Click the link in any of the invitation emails you should have received from admission@howard.edu, and it will log you in directly to the website. Can’t make it to ASD? Recordings of each sessions will be accessible via the Accepted Student Day tab on your admitted student website after the event.

Now, here are your next steps to prepare for #HUASD.
 

Step 1: Register for Howard University’s Virtual Accepted Student Day

This is the perfect opportunity for prospective students to familiarize themselves with students, alumni, faculty and staff, to learn more about the Howard University community. Likewise, it will provide you with the chance to celebrate your acceptance while creating lasting bonds with fellow prospective students. Attendees should look forward to:

• A morning opening program, which will include messages from the University’s President, EVP/COO, AVP of Enrollment Management, and Director of Financial Aid.
• Breakout sessions with your school/college following the morning program.
• An afternoon program, which will include sessions with the University’s Provost & Chief Academic Officer, Office of Undergraduate Studies, Office of Residence Life, and Parent Advisory Council.

 

Step 2: Prepare for Howard University’s Virtual Accepted Student Day

You will have an opportunity to connect with students, faculty, staff, alumni and many other members of the Howard University community on Accepted Student Day. As such, it is important that you prepare questions in advance to maximize the day’s activities.

ASD Preparation Checklist:

• Prepare any questions you have in advance.
• Ensure you are in a well-connected area (in terms of signal strength).
• Refresh your browser, if you are experiencing any problems viewing the live stream.
• Assure the video is unmuted, if you are unable to hear the live stream.
• Grab a snack, sit back and relax.

Can't think of any questions to ask? Here are a few of our most frequently asked questions.

• Where can I access Fall 2021 reopening details? Howard University is preparing to have an on-campus footprint for the Fall 2021 semester. Over the next few weeks, the university will pilot summer reopening in accordance with CDC and the District’s guidelines. As the university continues to monitor the COVID-19 pandemic, all enrolled students will be provided with finalized details on any Fall 2021 reopening in the coming weeks. You may access the latest reopening details via https://home.howard.edu/pandemic-response.
   
• What is the job placement rate for graduates? In the university’s latest survey, 86% of 2020 graduates were employed or continuing their education after graduation. You may access more information on career fairs, internships, and other career support opportunities at the University via the Office of Career Services: https://careerservices.howard.edu/.
   
• How will I obtain credit for AP, IB and/or college level courses completed? Once official transcripts (via the college/university/examination body) or test scores (via the testing agency) are received, transfer credits will be processed by the Transfer Services team for all enrolled students. Credits are generally applied over the summer, prior to the Fall registration period. You may access detailed submission instructions and information on acceptable credits via the Office of the Registrar’s website.
   
• What kind of resources are there for student support and orientation? The Office of Orientation, Transfer and Transition Programs (OTTP) hosts an array of orientation programs including virtual orientation, Bison Prep (summer program), and Bison Week, which is held prior to the beginning of the Fall semester. All new students are required to attend orientation. Accepted new students will receive specific details about orientation (including placement tests and registration) via their Howard email accounts. The information will also be available on the Office of Undergraduate Studies’ website at https://ous.howard.edu/OTTP.
   
• Does Howard offer honors programs? If so, what is the selection process like? Yes, four of our schools/colleges offer honors programs, namely: the College of Arts & Sciences, Cathy Hughes School of Communications, School of Business and School of Education. Honors program invitation are generally sent between late April and mid-summer. Students will be invited to apply based on their unweighted high school GPA. Test scores will be optional for consideration and will not be required.  
   
• Where can I find information on costs and payment options? You may access pertinent information via the Student Financial Services website. There you can find information on various scholarships and grants, how to make a payment, and other frequently asked questions.
   
• Do most students study abroad? In previous years, hundreds of Howard University students study abroad or participate in an international program. Over the last five years, student participation has increased 500% as our students have studied in Fiji, London, Cape Town, Prague, Accra, Cali, Sao Paulo, and more! We invite you to learn more about our dynamic programming and opportunities at http://global.howard.edu/.

 

Step 3: Take a Virtual Tour of Howard University’s Residence Halls

Before attending ASD, take a virtual tour of our residence halls. In doing so, you will be able to get a general understanding of campus accommodations for incoming freshman. Likewise, exploring our dormitories may prompt additional questions, which you will be able to ask at ASD while meeting with the representatives from the Office of Residence Life. If you are interested in touring freshman dorms, visit the link below to get started:  https://studentaffairs.howard.edu/housing/residence-halls

 

Step 4: Create a Payment Plan

The cost of attending university is a key determining factor for a lot of students, as financing an education can be costly. Thus, you may want to consider mapping out a payment plan that lays out the total cost of attendance, as well as how you plan to pay for each expense. In doing so, you may come up with additional questions regarding certain fees included in the cost of attendance, which can be answered by representatives from the Office of Financial Aid, as well as the Office of the Bursar. Likewise, this plan will pose as a vital resource if you decide to enroll in the Fall. For more information regarding how to set up a payment plan, visit: https://www2.howard.edu/student-financial-services/how-make-payments.

 

Step 5: Explore Alternative Ways to Finance Your Howard Education

In creating a payment plan, students should also keep in mind that there are numerous ways to finance an education outside of institutional and government aid. There are many online scholarship resources that could potentially aid in alleviating your college expenses. The following link will direct you to a number of external grants and scholarship resources: https://www2.howard.edu/student-financial-services/scholarships-and-grants

Now that you have completed the checklist, you should now have a better idea of whether or not Howard University could be your home away from home for the next four years. Consider these five steps, and create questions to ask Howard students, parent, alumni, faculty, and staff, as this will create a more immersive ASD experience for everyone.

Don’t forget to follow @HowardAdmission on Twitter and Instagram for the latest admission updates, and live posts of the day’s activities.

 

In Truth and Service,
Enoca Jones