My College Decision

Dear Friends,

As many of you know, the past few weeks have been filled with thought about the institution where I will spend the next four years of my life and further my education. I had the great honor and privilege to get accepted to some great institutions, which made my decision even harder. In the end Howard University, Kent State University, The College of William and Mary, the University of Delaware, Elon University, The George Washington University and Georgetown University offered me admission to the class of 2015.

I was also very honored to be offered the full cost of attendance from The George Washington University through the Stephen Joel Trachtenberg Scholarship and also from Georgetown University through the GU Scholarship Program and the DC Scholars Program. Naturally, I narrowed my choice to these two institutions.

When choosing an institution to attend, there were many factors I had to assess to insure that the next four years of my life would be the most enjoyable and the most fulfilling that I could possibly have. Not only did I have to make sure my choice could serve as a platform for my educational greatness, but also as a home. I have spent the past few weeks visiting campus, talking to students, consulting my family, walking through academic buildings, visiting dorms and imagining myself as a student at both of these institutions.

There was something to be desired from both these schools. There was the family-oriented atmosphere that I experienced at GW; the anticipation of having professors like Michael Eric Dyson at Georgetown; the two campuses at GW that provided students with both an inner-city connection and a secluded escape; or the opportunity to join a campus at Georgetown of great minds that have turned out successful alumni, including numerous senators, congressmen, philanthropists and Presidents (our 42nd President, William J. Clinton).

These, along with many others, were factors that brought me to my final decision.

I have decided that in the Fall of 2011, I will be apart of the 2015 Class at The George Washington University here in Washington, D.C.

The family atmosphere, "best of both worlds" campus selection, quality programs in Political Science and Public Policy and the opportunity to join a cohort of enthusiastic, open-minded, involved classmates all influenced my decision to become a Colonial in the fall.

By no means was this an easy decision. With both institutions giving me the opportunity to attend free of charge and the opportunity to be immersed in an experience much larger than myself, my decision was a source of much stress and deep reflection.

I feel that I have found a home at The George Washington University and am ready to contribute to the student life, get a great education and offer my special talents to a institution that prides itself on innovation and striving to change the world. I would like to thank Georgetown for their offer and also for giving the opportunity to be apart of a unique, prestigious and one-in-a-million community that is nearly unmatched anywhere else in the country.

However, my decision to be a Colonial was one that I think is right for where I want to go and where I think The George Washington University can take me.

Best,

Markus Batchelor

Is the Real HU for Me?

For the past few weeks, I have been trying to chart my path for the future, especially as it pertains to college. It seems a bit early, since college decisions do not come until probably March or April. However, I have gotten one acceptance letter so far that has spurred my thoughts and made my decision much harder: Howard University.

Howard University is unique and appealing to me for many reasons:

1. It is the only HBCU I have applied to.
2. Its rich legacy and inspirational alumni (including Justice Thurgood Marshall, the namesake of my high school) makes my attendance and my experience that much more fulfilling.
3. The students I have met so far that will be apart of the Class of 2015 are intelligent, friendly and open-minded, and also would be very good friends and classmates.
4. Current students are very excited about the arrival of new students and about sharing the legacy and experiences of Howard University.
5. I have been offered full tuition and fees

Howard University is ready and waiting for new students like me to contribute to the rich history that the institution has.

So "What's the problem?", you ask.

I have talked to many people about some of the reservations I have about Howard University, including the outdated facilities, the sometimes frustrating and under-performing administration (with financial aid, housing, etc. Read the article.) and the freshman housing experience (a.k.a. Drew Hall- Read this article, even though this is a little outdated, I have heard some of the same sentiments recently). Though there are signs that these issues might be slowly being corrected, these also might be an unwanted burden that could take away from the whole experience.

Update (1/30/11- 4:50pm): Howard University Administration approves a plan for an academic and infrastructural renewal for Howard University- Read here.

Also, what if I am accepted to somewhere like Harvard University (which I have applied to), that would give me the credibility and notoriety in my future, but not necessarily the unique and unforgettable experiences I know I will get from the first second on Howard's campus?

So, I need your opinions! Is the Real HU for MB? Comment NOW!