So much to do....so little time. Is that how you feel about college preparations? I agree that it can be an overwhelming experience.
Perhaps, for some, the most 'overwhelming' part of college preparation is simply deciding WHERE to go? Which school will best meet your needs? A 'regular' school? An HBCU? Decisions, decisions, decisions.
Often times when I'm faced with a 'big' decision I find it helpful to speak with others who have 'walked the walk', so to speak. They possess more experience and more knowledge. They're qualified to offer excellent advice on how to achieve optimum results as well as how to avoid certain pitfalls.
Sometimes, though, it's hard to know just who to ask or where to look for suggestions, advice, etc.
You have come to the right place. HBCUConnect's ultimate goal is to provide you with information and options to help you with your college preparations. I've enlisted the aid of some who confidently boast they have 'been there, done that'. Go ahead...read what HBCU students and alumnus have to say about their HBCU experience:
"Howard Alum '03 here...Howard is the best and I am so glad that I went to HU. People who put down black schools don't understand their purpose and their effect on both America and African-Americans specific experience in America. If it wasn't for the hard work of HBCUs before and now, many people would not be able to go to the schools, majority white, that they feel are so much better than HBCUs.
Don't worry...when you're those same people's boss, talk about Howard and your respective HBCU often!
Onward and Upward!"
-Anonymous-
"I AM A PROUD STUDENT OF TEXAS SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY!!! I ATTENDED LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY BEFORE TRANSFERING TO TSU, BUT IT WAS THE BEST DECISION I HAVE MADE. I LOVE THE STUDENT-FACULTY RELATIONSHIP. AT HBCUs YOU LEARN THE REQUIREMENTS, BUT YOU ALSO LEARN ABOUT YOUR OWN HISTORY AS WELL (WHICH YOU WOULD OTHERWISE KNOW LITTLE TO NOTHING ABOUT). THERE IS SO MUCH OPPORTUNITY FOR AFRICAN AMERICANS AND EVERYONE ELSE AT HBCUs. "THE MIS-EDUCATION OF THE NEGRO" BY CARTER G. WOODSON IS SUCH AN EYE OPENER."
-Anonymous-
"It's obvious that the people that are talking down about HBCUs have never been to one. Everyone I know that goes to black schools have nothing but good things to say. HBCUs graduate more blacks than any other institutions in this country. So they are a positive force in the black community. I'm thinking about going to Howard for grad school."
-Lana-
"I am a proud student at Howard University. I think it is one of the best universities around (black or white). Yes, tuition is kind of steep but there are so many scholarships and grants to give aid to those who need. It's just that people don't take the time to look in to these things or they expect a scholarship to fall into their laps. If you work hard you will be rewarded in the end. H.U.... YOU KNOW!!"
-Anonymous-
"Many time people put down Black schools for their lack of handing out money as compared to other schools. First Let me start by saying that most white schools that are equal and above Howard University Academically cost either more money or have at least 5 times as many undergrad students as Howard as students all together, therefore they bring in more money. In turn white schools are able to offer black student more money, because they have more money and two because blacks are the minority. Think about how white students feel when they attend white schools they rarely get money, as would a black student trying to a HBCU you have to be really smart to get a scholarship because blacks aren’t in the minority. There are plenty of students who were at the top of their class and got money a lot of money to go to Howard. There is also the option to get outside scholarships which aren’t based on merit but people always want the easy route of getting money directly through the school. Howard is one of the top schools in the nation on top of the fact that it is a black school. Morehouse and Spelman are good schools as well and they are relatively cheap compared to private schools and some state schools that are outside of your state. So, don’t knock black schools you just have to remember that the better the black school the harder it is to get money because a lo t of the students are smart and black here at a white school you can just be black and get money. We all have our internal problems, so don’t think that going to certain white schools will solve your problems there are many horror stories there as well."
-Alicia-
So, what about a 'black school'?? Attending a 'Black School' can and will be one of the most rewarding experiences in your life!
Here are a few reminders for you as you make your preparations for college.
1) Weigh your options carefully while preparing for your college education. Think of your return investment.
2) Try not to allow anxiety to rush you in your decision-making process.
3) Don't hesitate to ask questions.
4) Research your school choice and ask questions of its students and alumni.
5) Resolve to turn what can be an overwhelming experience into an enjoyable one.
For additional information on HBCUs, please, click on HBCU news.
Posted By:
Monday, July 25th 2005 at 1:33AM
You can also
click
here to view all posts by this author...
