A mysterious link began circulating Howard's social circles last week. Entitled the Howard Marriage Pact (HMP), a compatibility test that claims to find your most compatible match on the university’s campus seems to be the latest approach to love at HU.

The process is relatively simple. Participants answer a series of questions and are matched using an algorithm based on behavioral economics and linear algebra. 

“Look around. College is the best place to meet *the one*—but we’re not gonna be here forever,” reads the website. “Take our questionnaire and we’ll find your best backup plan out of everyone on campus.”

The HMP has over 700 submissions to date from the student body.

While its origins are unclear, the test has allegedly been used on several college campuses including Duke, Dartmouth, Tulane, New York University, and Stanford. 

Junior, Samya Mosley signed up to see if it was legit. “I feel like it’s an interesting concept, but do I think it’ll be effective? Not necessarily, because people might not take the experience seriously,” said Mosley.

Abby Joseph, another junior, found out about the pact through GroupMe, a popular app used by college students for large group chats. 

Joseph wasn’t necessarily looking for love when she took the test. “Honestly, I’m less excited about getting a match just because I am not looking for anyone at the moment,” said Joseph. “However, I felt quite happy seeing that they also attach a personality test at the end of it and give you a ranking of your own personality.”

Albert Mercer heard about the test through a friend. He says he’s excited about the experience, as he wants to find his “Howard Wife” 

Latest statistics show Howard University’s student body is 72% women, which has become a challenge for test-takers and matchmakers alike.

“Right now, we have a few hundred more women than men in our heterosexual marriage market. Because our algorithm matches 1:1, this means the last few hundred heterosexual female signups are facing impending waitlisting (yikes),” reads a recent email from the Howard Marriage Pact team.

Joseph is still hopeful despite the uneven odds. “At first I was a little skeptical with the ratio, but they stated that it is first come first serve. So for me, I'm getting the best possible match that I can.” 

Though there are doubts about the test’s promises of a future life partner, participants still hope to get something out of the experience. 

“I hope to gain at least a friendship or companion of some sort, you can never go wrong with that. I also just wanted to show my support,” said Mosley. 

“I hope to gain a possible romantic connection, and if not a friend that an algorithm says is compatible to me,” said Joseph.

The Pact closed Tuesday afternoon. Whether it's drama or true love, it’ll be interesting to see how the potential matches play out!