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Prospective Majors
Applying to the University
First Time in College (FTIC) Admissions:
A student who has never been admitted to a degree program at Howard University or any other post-secondary institution of higher education (first time in college).
We consider the applicant's secondary school academic record, standardized college entrance exams (SAT or ACT), leadership in school and community activities, unique talents and skills, and educational objectives. For admission consideration, an applicant should have a well-balanced college preparatory program that includes the following course work:
4 years English
3 years mathematics
2 years social science
2 years science (w/ lab)
2 years foreign language
To expedite processing, ask your high school counselor to mail the complete application package to Howard University.
Complete application package includes:
Completed, signed, and dated application for admission
$45 non-refundable admission application fee payable by money order, cashier’s check, or credit card. Personal checks are not accepted. Note: Howard University does not waive application fees.
Official high school transcript that shows your cumulative grade point average and class rank (from 9th-11th grade)
Standardized test scores
One letter of recommendation from a teacher
One letter of recommendation from a counselor
Admission essay
Application Procedures
Evaluation of an applicant's qualifications for admission is based on high school course work, grade point average, class rank, test scores, extracurricular activities and letters of recommendation. An essay, audition, portfolio, or interview also may be required.
Early Action Deadline: November 1
Applicants who submit complete application packages by November 1 will receive notification of the admission decision by late December.
A complete application package includes the following credentials:
Application for Admission
Nonrefundable $45 application fee payable by money order, cashier's check, or credit card. (Credit card authorization form is included with application packet.) Personal checks are not accepted. Howard University does not waive application fees.
Official high school transcript or GED certificate
Test score results from the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) or the American College Test (ACT)
One letter of recommendation from a high school counselor
One letter of recommendation from a high school teacher
Admission essay
Resume (optional)
Once you've reviewed the information above, submit your application.
Transfer students:
A transfer student is considered to be any person who has been enrolled in a college or university other than Howard University, regardless of course load or earned credits. An Application for Admission, the nonrefundable $45 application fee, official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended and one letter of recommendation from a college professor must be received by EM/Admission not later than February 15 (fall semester), November 1 (spring semester) and April 1 (summer session).
Admission criteria vary among Howard University's schools and colleges. In general, a transfer student must transfer a minimum of 15 credit hours from a regionally accredited postsecondary institution, have earned a 2.5 cumulative grade point average and received a passing grade of C or better in both a college-level English and college-level math course.
Additional credentials such as a high school transcript and SAT scores may be requested for admission.
How to declare a physics major
If you would like to become a physics major, your first step is to contact the physics department. Either stop by or simply call. (202) 806 - 6245.