"Where do I belong?" aimlessly day dreaming about my future I disregarded my U.S history teacher as she began taking attendance. Should I attend Morgan State University, Tuskegee University, Howard University, Bowie University, or Jackson State University? These historically black colleges or universities (HBCU) all received applications for admissions from me early in my senior year of high school. Should I attend the University of Illinois in Urbana Campaign, Marquette University, or Northern Illinois University? These predominantly white institutions also received an application for admissions from me in my senior year of high school. Like many African American students I was faced with the issue of whether to attend a HBCU or a predominantly white institution. It is my personal belief that a student can be successful at either. It's up to the student to answer their own question of where they belong. Should they be stuck looking at an ocean of people with similar faces? Or stuck looking like a grain of pepper in a bowl of rice? Should they be in an atmosphere that promotes unity? Or at a place that represents the "real world" in its diversity? A HBCU is a university that was founded before 1964 with the objective of serving the African American community. There are more than 100 HBCUs in the United States and they vary in size and type. A historically black college or university can be public or private, two year or four year, and can be very small or extremely large. None of the HBCUs have only African American students. This detail poses the question that I faced while deciding on which college to attend. What are the advantages or disadvantages of attending a HBCU versus a predominantly Caucasian institution? ... ... middle of paper ... ...d I attended Northern Illinois University in Illinois, a predominantly white institution. She attended Central because she believed like many black students, that attending a HBCU would promote unity, self confidence, and that her educational experience would be geared towards her as an African American. Although the school like many HBCUs lack funding to give her any grants or scholarships she determined to finance her education acquired loans. I however, chose differently. While I sometimes feel that I am missing out on the cultural experience of a lifetime, I received an enormous financial aid package from Northern Illinois University. In August of 2003 my friend transferred to Northern because she could not afford Central for a second year. Although a student's environment is very important in the end a student's success is dependent solely upon that student.
Roebuck, Julian B., and Komanduri S. Murty. Historically Black Colleges and Universities: Their Place in American Higher Education. Westport: Praeger, 1993. Print.
The exchange of views whether a student should attend an HBCU or a PWI has been a topic of discussion for some time now. Whether you attend an HBCU or a PWI you go for one purpose and that purpose is to get your education. So who says because someone goes to a predominantly black school they will not get the same education a person gets that goes to a predominantly white school ? Or vice versa. Many people have some sort of idea that by attending a Predominantly White Institution(PWI) one will receive a higher level of education but that is not truly always the case. Most individuals are under the impression that simply because of your skin color you have to attend that type of school. That is the problem with this case just people see it as one should attend the college with individuals who are like you but not keeping one 's education in mind.
HBCU’s have a line of history behind them. Each Institution provides examples of dedication and determination and they offer an education for “African-American” students and students of different backgrounds. HBCU’s prepare students for leadership and successful futures. Institutions today are facing major issues that could cause them to be non-existence but they work hard and push until they get what they need. This is a source of motivation to alumni’s and prospective students. The Colleges provide history, motivation, provision, and most importantly knowledge to every student that attends.
These 3 colleges are amazing but there is one that matches with my ideal college the best, the University of Michigan. The University of Michigan compares very well next to my ideal college. It has a great pre-med program, it is the cheapest of all of the three, has great sports, and offers many financial aid programs. The University has a large campus and a medium size student body. There is no religious orientation and it has the highest rate of admission. This is why the University of Michigan is the perfect match to my ideal
Clearly, HBCUs provide several benefits to African-American students. Not only have they helped to combat the cycle of discrimination that minority students experienced before the civil rights initiatives of the 1960s, but they strive to provide a warm, supportive and inclusive academic environment that addresses African-American college students as a whole person. Additionally, HBCUs are increasing their efforts to ensure that higher education is accessible, affordable and achievable for individuals with unique socioeconomic challenges. Despite obstacles, historically Black institutions will continue to play a vital and significant role in the fabric of higher education.
In this brief report, I will be examining common practices, policies and resources that support Black women attending Princeton University. Included is a brief review of national averages in regards to higher education attainment and a rationale for continued rhetoric on this topic. My interest in this topic stem from my experience at State University’s Women Studies Program. While the conversation around gender is necessary and crucial, little attention was given to discussions of how race and gender affect an individual’s lived experience. I was constantly aware of my lack of representation among students who were in those classes and the faculty who taught.
For almost two hundred years, Historically Black Colleges and Universities or HBCUs have played a pivotal role in the education of African-American people, and negro people internationally. These schools have provided the majority of black college graduates at the Graduate and Post-Graduate level; schools such as Hampton University, Morehouse University, Spellman University and Howard University are four universities at the forefront of the advanced education of blacks. For sometime there has been a discussion on whether or not these institutes should remain in existence or if they are just another form of racism. There were also concerning the quality of education provided at these institutions. In my opinion, from the evidence provided in our own world today, HBCUs are very important and significant in the education of black people throughout the nation, and are essential to our society.
Although my journey to the University of California, Los Angeles has required many hours of arduous work, it is irresponsible to neglect the fact that my skin color has given me an advantage on my journey towards higher education. My whiteness has, in some ways, allowed me to attend a private college-preparatory school, pay for testing such as the ACT and SAT, apply to colleges, and eventually pay college tuition. Although the dedication my parents have put into creating financial stability for my family is clear, recognizing the lack of obstacles and discrimination they dealt with, as opposed to the daily oppression of many minority groups, is necessary. Lipsitz argues that “Whiteness is everywhere in American culture, but it is very hard to see… ‘white power secures its dominance by seeming not to be anything in particular.’ As the unmarked category against which difference is constructed, whiteness never has to speak its name, never has to acknowledge its role as an organizing principle in social and cultural relations” (Lipsitz 369). Although subtle, my journey to UCLA, and specifically my high school experience, was influenced by whiteness and white privilege. Private schools are often only afforded to white people, who, by majority, make much higher income than people of color. This
As cliché as it sounds, it is true that many African American students come from very harsh and poverty stricken environments. They tend to go to under resourced schools as well that do not provide the proper knowledge for them to further their education. And even worse, these schools tend to be segregated since they are usually in the harsher parts of a neighborhood. Sadly, it’s the segregated schools are one of the main reasons why black students decide not to go on to pursue a higher education. According to "The Way Out of the Black Poverty Cycle", a black student that attends an integrated suburban school is six times more likely to graduate compared to a segregated under resourced school. An African Americans family structure and the opinions of family members affects if their decision to further their education as well. Many African American children grow up un...
It is difficult to imagine a college bound senior making the big decision on where to attend college without the help of college rankings and family influence. Making such an important decision requires heavy research for the college bound student, and it is no surprise that college rankings are one of the first places students look for advice on their future school. Many high school seniors are concerned with the rankings, the “image”, or school pride associated with colleges. As seniors question which school is the best and strive to meet the admissions standards that seem to continually increase, it is important to question whether or not the quality of education is better at colleges with higher rankings and admissions standards. The process behind the rankings should be more exposed and by doing so, it may persuade college bound students to consider other factors that would impact their college experience. This may convince college bound students that rankings and admissions standards are not as important as they are held to be, and it would be beneficial to the students to realize that a quality education can occur at any college and not just the prestigious ones.
Every year millions of students are faced with a decision that will greatly affect their future, choosing the right college. In the fall of 2013, approximately 21.8 million students attended American colleges and universities (Fast Facts). Making sure you choose the right college is important because it will affect your future and it will determine what kind of education you will receive. When choosing the right college, a few things that need to be considered are the cost, the academics, and the campus (As You Research Colleges).
I was not invited to the house parties, the after church lunches or invited to the school banquets. When I started my freshman year therr were three teachers of color but that dwindled to one my senior year. My family had a close knit of friends who were also people of color. I gradually realized that as people of color, we were tolerated, but not embraced or included. No one was mean spirited, but the relationships were superficial. So, when it was time to choose a college, I knew it would be a Christian college and it would not be the local Christian college, which was a reflection of the school system I was a part of. When I visited the historically black college and university, Oakwood University, in Alabama I knew I was going to attend there. My parents and I visited the University on President's Day. We were impressed with the classrooms, the renovated dorms, the partnership with other universities, the health initiatives, the success of its students and the resources available. Everyone was professional and courteous and they looked like me. I felt I would be nurtured, embraced and challenged. The student guide stated that, "I would have friends for life at this school." I would encounter them at weddings, baby showers, church events, and graduations. I was
When I walk the hallways of my tiny high school, it’s hard not to wonder the impression I leave on my fellow students. I want people to know that I’m just another teenager, a work in progress that is optimistically unsure of the road ahead, even if I also have a high GPA and big dreams for college. I want them to know I don’t deny that, but I also don’t want them to overlook my differences. I’ve had it rough just like anyone else, as a child raised in an abusive household, a pansexual feminist in a close-minded community, a Latina confronted by my country’s negative views on my culture, and every other part of me that’s different. There are pieces of me that sometimes stay behind the curtain, but those are what have allowed me to survive and to thrive as I conquer whatever may come my way.
Choosing the right college can be a tough job. For this I have chosen to attend Xavier University because of its admission requirements, cost, academics, and athletics. I am interested in attending Xavier University because of the location of the school. I know that countless colleges are far more affordable than others, and the acceptance rates are more higher. I also know that most of these colleges are HBCUs. Since my sister is currently attending Xavier University and because this college is a historically black college, this wasn’t a tough decision to make. I am also interested in choosing this college because of how far away it is from home, so I can experience the full life of college. Attending a prehistoric
Every community college student hopes to one-day transfer to a prestigious four-year university. However, not every university is alike and, not every university is the correct fit for an individual student. Many factors can sway what a student looks for in a transfer institute; and some experiences can influence one’s reasoning’s and objectives further than others. Both my academic and travel experiences have influenced my idea of what type of university would ideal for myself.