University of Hawaii at Manoa Admission
University of Hawaii at Manoa Undergraduate Program
University of Hawaii at Manoa Application

The Facts

The University of Hawaii Manoa is located in the tropical paradise city of Honolulu, Hawaii, well away from the everyday grind of the consolidated United States. The school is a quite large publicly funded institution for its island location. Many students apply with the expectation of all play and no work, but when they arrive at the school, many find that it’s quite the opposite. The school has fantastic academics and is also a leading research institution, especially in the areas of natural sciences and marine biology. The school is made up of thirteen undergraduate colleges, including schools of Arts and Humanities, natural sciences, Hawaiian, Asian and Pacific studies, and Tropical Agriculture. There are many interesting and unique majors offered at the school, some of the most popular include majors in biology, psychology, computer science, business, and art.

Admission to the school is becoming increasingly competitive, especially because of the school’s growing academic prestige. Last year, about 6,028 students applied and 3,566 were admitted. However, only 1,996 students actually enrolled. The admitted students had a combined average SAT score ranging from 990 to 1200 and a comprehensive ACT score ranging from 20 to 24. Over 57% of admitted students were ranked in the top 25% of their high school graduating class with an average high school GPA of about 3.37.

The classes at the school are generally quite small, and students say that the teachers make themselves readily available to help students out whenever they may need it. Hawaii is generally a very laid back sort of place, and that attitude translates directly to the university. Students say that although the academics are fantastic, there is no fierce sense of competition.

The Social Scene

The university is perhaps best known for its stunning diversity. The school is primarily attended by Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. Because most students are local, many live off-campus and commute, which, students complain, can be a detriment to the sense of community at the school. There are a few Greek houses, but they are not really looked upon favorably by the non-Greek students. Instead, students prefer to gather for socialization in small groups in dorms or at off-campus apartments.

Students also head off to the nearby city of Honolulu with its myriad of clubs, bars, shopping, beaches, and extremely touristy destinations. Perhaps one of the most popular weekend activities is heading off to one of the many incredibly beautiful beaches for surfing and bathing in the sun. Football is also a very big deal at the university, and students love coming to the game of the year against the school’s major rival, Brigham Young University .

As far as the dating scene goes, expect lots of cute surfer dudes complemented by beach babes in barely there bikinis.

What's Good

“We couldn’t ask for a more incredible location-- I mean, we go to school in a location tourists flock to by the thousands every day!”

“The academics are brilliant, especially if you want to major in something less than conventional.”

“Everyone here is really laid back but also intelligent and takes their studies seriously.”

What's Bad

“The laid-back attitude can get in the way of academics; you forget you are going to college.”

“The introductory classes everyone is required to take don’t really teach you anything and are insanely boring.”

“The Greeks are really annoying and don’t fit in here at all. They’re just obnoxious.”

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