Hello Everyone,
I am currently a high school senior and I am having a huge amount of difficulty selecting what college/university to attend this fall. So, I was wondering if you all on HBCU Connect could help me out.
As you can see by the title I am trying to choose between Howard, Spelman, or LaSalle University which is predominently white in Philadelphia.
Let me give you a bit of background about myself. (Note to those reading, I this is not an email to make myself seem better than what I am...I'm just keeping it real so that maybe you all can hopefully best help me based upon my characteristics)
I am a middle-upper class citizen. I have attended a private school that is mostly white since 7th grade. I love my school yet I am ready for a change at the same time. I have participated in several activties throughout high school. From an acamdemic stand point my GPA is a 3.3...nothing extroardinary but I'm no ****. I love the night life and the city (hince the locations of my schools: ATL, Philly, and D.C.) Also, my dad went to Morehouse and my mother went to Spelman (hince the fact why I am considering this school). A.K.A.'s run in my family but I'm not sure if Ima pledge AKA or anything at all for that matter. Also, I am interested in Broadcast Journalism (which f.y.i - spelman does not offer)
Now a little bit of background about what I know about Howard and Spelman(and no my opinions of spelman do not come from my mother):
Howard - I hear that the nightlife is where it's at. The professors are great. The radio station, tv station, and newspaper are too political...meaning that the adults control it more than the students can. Nonetheless the Journalism program is stil top notch. Everyday is an unnecessary fashion show (i am not a fan of this). Although a fashion show the student body's pockets dont support their habbits. If you cant dress than dont bother b/c it WILL affect whether or not you fit in. The surrounding community isnt to welcoming. Homecoming = the best black experience. The entire school is nothing but cliques. Basically...like any other environment you either hate it or love it. The soroties/frats/ are welcomed by the rest of the community.
Spelman - The women are as stuck up as they can get. Also, they are catty. The nightlife is just as great. Spelman is behind the times as far the majors they offer. The bond with Morehouse, and Clark Atlanta is strong. The soroties are generally welcomed in the community.
Or should I not base my decision on going to an HBCU and just head to LaSalle (which is the only school I have visited...and I do so happen to like it)
OK i have been ranting on for a while now...and if i continue any longer I feel as if you all will be less likely to respond lol. So basically, what do you think? Bias are most certainly welcomed and actually desired. I rather real experiences as apposed to grapevine knowledge bc/ at the moment that is all i have myself.
THANKS SO MUCH!!!!!!
Well I'm going to Howard this fall ....so I'll give my biased opinion.
1. If you want to be in journalism Howard is where its at. Spelman rarely has the the majors that people actually want to enter into. I would have to say that their are plenty of opportunities for students to participate...You just have to be ambitious because its competitive.
2. The Greek Life is well.....a way of life...and isn't for everybody
3. The community is welcoming. It is those individuals who take on a elitist mentality...(ie. calling the people "locals") that give the perception that the community isn't welcoming.
4. All schools are filled with cliques. These "cliques" are usually just groups with similar mentalities/tendencies. Everybody will not be holding hands singing Kum Ba Ya.
5. The nightlife is very "interesting" to say the least. There is always something to do...24 hrs a day.
6. Howard is considered one of the nations "best dressed campuses." That doesn't not mean that everybody is wearing Polo and Dolce and Gabbana...Everyone has their own style. and if you are insecure about yourself and place that much value in what you wear...then i'm sorry to hear that.
7. Every school is what you put in...If you come in with a pre-set mentality then you will probably be disappointed.
I cant really tell why u should go to Howard, Spelman, or LaSalle. But I think the best thing for you to do is vist all three, talk to some students, etc. At least then you can get a fell of all the schools and see where you would feel most confortable at. Good Luck!
Howard and Spelman are two very prestigious universities, but with your major of choice, I believe Howard is the best place for you. I'm actually a student at CAU currently, but I will be transferring to Howard in the fall for a better communications experience. I've considered transferring to Spelman, but they don't have any good majors, and most Spelman and Morehouse students take classes at CAU. You should visit both campuses, and decide which school will work better for you. I'm pro Howard, so I say HOWARD!!!!!!!
Don't believe the stereotype that all Spelman women are stuck up. There will be a certain group at every college that is considered "sadiddy". I suggest visiting all three colleges and finding the one that suits your personality and goals the best! I'm in your same situation. I'm debating between Spelman, Howard, and the University of Michigan. I'm visiting all three this month. I hope you find the right fit!
Howard - I hear that the nightlife is where it's at. The professors are great. The radio station, tv station, and newspaper are too political...meaning that the adults control it more than the students can. Nonetheless the Journalism program is stil top notch. Everyday is an unnecessary fashion show (i am not a fan of this). Although a fashion show the student body's pockets dont support their habbits. If you cant dress than dont bother b/c it WILL affect whether or not you fit in. The surrounding community isnt to welcoming. Homecoming = the best black experience. The entire school is nothing but cliques. Basically...like any other environment you either hate it or love it. The soroties/frats/ are welcomed by the rest of the community.
The nightlife is great...there is always something to do. Some of the professors are great, but not all. But all of my professors in the School of Communications were on point!
The Tv, radio stations and newspapers are not just run by adults...the students have ALOT of control, especially with The Hilltop. And the radio station is FULL of Howard undergrads.
The Journalism program is pretty good. Lots of internship opportunities are available and the Career Center will help you find a job in your senior year and after you graduate. But as a Broadcast Journalism major please be mindful that breaking into that area is very, very difficult. You will need lots of experience and will probably need to be in a large communications city after graduation like Los Angeles or New York to land that good first job.
Howard is not a fashion show. Everyone walking the campus is grown and has more to think about that the clothes on your back...nobody cares what you wear. If you dress well folks might take notice but you will not be an outkast if you choose to wear sneakers and sweatpants to class. I did it plenty of times...
The sourrounding community is getting better. Howard students support the Black businesses in the area and HU students volunteer at local schools. We do our part to help the Georgia Ave/Ledroit Park/U St community.
If I were you, I would choose Howard. I think we have more to offer than any other HBCU. I'm an alum, I'm biased and I dont care!
Well I'm going to Howard this fall ....so I'll give my biased opinion. 1. If you want to be in journalism Howard is where its at. Spelman rarely has the the majors that people actually want to enter into. I would have to say that their are plenty of opportunities for students to participate...You just have to be ambitious because its competitive. 2. The Greek Life is well.....a way of life...and isn't for everybody 3. The community is welcoming. It is those individuals who take on a elitist mentality...(ie. calling the people "locals") that give the perception that the community isn't welcoming. 4. All schools are filled with cliques. These "cliques" are usually just groups with similar mentalities/tendencies. Everybody will not be holding hands singing Kum Ba Ya. 5. The nightlife is very "interesting" to say the least. There is always something to do...24 hrs a day. 6. Howard is considered one of the nations "best dressed campuses." That doesn't not mean that everybody is wearing Polo and Dolce and Gabbana...Everyone has their own style. and if you are insecure about yourself and place that much value in what you wear...then i'm sorry to hear that. 7. Every school is what you put in...If you come in with a pre-set mentality then you will probably be disappointed.
I believe my fellow (future) Bison hit all the high notes
I just can't seem to understand where your problem lies, choose Howard, DUH! lol j/k Of course I'll be biased and speak on Howard because at the end of the day HU is where the creme de la creme go. You're at the heart of the nation's capital so the learning goes further than the classroom.
Of course my fellow Bison's are fashionable, we have to set a standard for everyone else to look up to But seriously, you won't catch the whole study body on "runway status" each and every day. Fashion is more than a designer or brand, it's about individuality and personality.
I've heard that those who major in journalism are on point in all that they do. A church member of mine is an alumni of Howard and has interned in NY as a journalism major fresh out of school. HU can offer you loads of opportunities if you're willing to work for them.
Greek life....well you've got 5 out of the Divine 9 that were founded on campus so I'll just leave that for you to marinate on.
iRep can enlighten you on the party scene lol D.C. has to offer. I hear Love is the place to be as far as clubbin' goes but I wouldn't know from experience
I believe my fellow (future) Bison hit all the high notes
I just can't seem to understand where your problem lies, choose Howard, DUH! lol j/k Of course I'll be biased and speak on Howard because at the end of the day HU is where the creme de la creme go. You're at the heart of the nation's capital so the learning goes further than the classroom.
Of course my fellow Bison's are fashionable, we have to set a standard for everyone else to look up to But seriously, you won't catch the whole study body on "runway status" each and every day. Fashion is more than a designer or brand, it's about individuality and personality.
I've heard that those who major in journalism are on point in all that they do. A church member of mine is an alumni of Howard and has interned in NY as a journalism major fresh out of school. HU can offer you loads of opportunities if you're willing to work for them.
Greek life....well you've got 5 out of the Divine 9 that were founded on campus so I'll just leave that for you to marinate on.
iRep can enlighten you on the party scene lol D.C. has to offer. I hear Love is the place to be as far as clubbin' goes but I wouldn't know from experience
****. I got to 2 parties and now I'm just....the connoisseur of party life.
LOL. but umm... yeah.. GO BISIONS!
hey everyone,
thanks so much for sharing your opinions and experiences. they are more helpful than you may ever know!
i am so glad i joined hbcu connect...i had never heard of it until i stumbled across it on google. its been a great help thus far.
I just can't seem to understand where your problem lies, choose Howard, DUH! lol j/k Of course I'll be biased and speak on Howard because at the end of the day HU is where the creme de la creme go. You're at the heart of the nation's capital so the learning goes further than the classroom.
Of course my fellow Bison's are fashionable, we have to set a standard for everyone else to look up to 
But seriously, you won't catch the whole study body on "runway status" each and every day. Fashion is more than a designer or brand, it's about individuality and personality.
I've heard that those who major in journalism are on point in all that they do. A church member of mine is an alumni of Howard and has interned in NY as a journalism major fresh out of school. HU can offer you loads of opportunities if you're willing to work for them.
Greek life....well you've got 5 out of the Divine 9 that were founded on campus so I'll just leave that for you to marinate on.
iRep can enlighten you on the party scene lol D.C. has to offer. I hear Love is the place to be as far as clubbin' goes but I wouldn't know from experience
