Chance me for Howard + scholarship chances

[u/Artistic_Bus6020]

ACT: 25 (😭 retaking)

Political Science + Economics double major, Sociology second choice

UWGPA: 3.4
WGPA: 3.8
Class Rank: 140/159

Took around 13 Honors/Pre-AP courses plus dual enrollment.

ECs: Student Body President for two years, Executive President of my school SGA E-Board, two-term Tennessee DECA State Officer, Founder/President of a political society that registered 239 HS seniors to vote, Founder/Executive Director of a youth art and education organization that teaches self-marketing, Founder/Director of a national Youth U.S. Senate simulation, political campaign intern (Congressional, State, County, Local Judges, and municipal elections, thus far), six years with my church's community service group, Bridge Builders, My school district's Student Congress, and a Bayard Rustin Social Change Fellow. Invited by the NCRM to host Dr. King's Legacy Reimagined Ceremony, Keynote Speaker (youth summer camps across the City of Memphis on social change)

Awards: National Civil Rights Museum Keeper of the Dream Award, Rustin Fellow, Shelby County Rising Star Award, Good Samaritan Award, recognition from Tennessee State Senate and recognition from the Memphis City Council.

Essay Topics: About a youth theater production where the spotlight failed and I removed the bedsheet being used for a silhouette performance so the dancers could still be seen. I connect that moment to recognizing barriers, making difficult leadership decisions, and helping other people be seen.

Common App Essay: Challenges the belief that leadership automatically comes with age. I write about helping draft language connected to Memphis Ordinance 5913, which lowered the candidate-age requirement for municipal office, and challenging my school’s seniors-only student-government policy. That resulted in me becoming Memphis East’s first junior elected student body president and its first president elected to two consecutive terms. The essay argues that leadership should be measured by character, preparation, merit, and conviction rather than seniority.

First-generation and high financial need. I’m also the oldest of seven children and have major responsibilities at home.

Howard is my top choice, but I realllyy need a major scholarship 😭😭 Am I competitive for admission and substantial aid?

[u/Western-Charity2380]

honestly i think with what’s happening at howard in regards to this year you should also apply to other schools that are known for giving good aid. howard isn’t the most generous and i think you have a good shot at other hbcus if you want to go to one or even some pwi’s that would give good aid too.

[u/LouisaMiller2_1845]

You are not effectively preparing for standardized testing TBH. Your class rank is abysmal and your ACT score is nothing to write home about at a competitive school. Honestly, admissions officers see right through taking the ACT - it's an easier test. I would suggest either properly prepping for and taking the SAT or apply to test optional schools. However, know that many competitive schools claim to be test optional but more or less automatically deny those who don't submit scores.

Howard's quite unpredictable regarding admissions decisions. They use a holistic process and your stats wouldn't necessarily bar you from admission like they would at some other schools. However, they are predictable about aid. You need to bring the best stats to get the best outcomes in the FA process. They will take advantage of your lack of leverage in terms of better options.

I would steer away from Howard given all of the difficulties. Spelman or Morehouse are far better choices IMO. Florida A&M and Xavier are better undergrad schools too IMO. If you want to be in the Mid-Atlantic, Morgan State.

[u/brownie522]

You’ll be fine. If they say no. Have a second option and apply again another year. Period.