Whether your residing in the state or International students seeking admission to the University Of Hawaii, you can find well-researched information about the University Of Hawaii Acceptance Rate in the article.
The University of Hawaii’s main Mānoa campus is located near downtown Honolulu on Oahu, in a state known for its happiness, healthiness, safety, and environmental quality. The pleasant daily temperature of around 78 degrees contributes to the campus’s popularity and high application numbers.
UH Mānoa has a notable track record of producing successful individuals in business and politics, with a significant percentage of Hawaii’s state senators and representatives being alumni. Distinguished graduates include figures like Richard Persons, Michael Savage, and Dr. Ann Dunham, anthropologist and mother of President Barack Obama.
The university is renowned for pioneering research in fields such as oceanography, astronomy, linguistics, genetics, and cancer research.
For prospective applicants, key information will be shared, encompassing acceptance rates, tuition, admissions requirements and deadlines, GPA and test score prerequisites, as well as outstanding programs.
Contents
The University of Hawaii Acceptance Rate
In the most recent admissions cycle for the fall 2021 semester, the University of Hawaii Mānoa campus achieved an acceptance rate of 58.4%, admitting 9,493 out of 16,244 applicants. Notably, nearly 3,000 first-year students enrolled, signifying a substantial increase in student enrollment, the largest since 2003. Additionally, this marked the first instance of the flagship campus enrolling over 19,000 students since 2014.
The remarkable growth is attributed to a noteworthy 34.6% rise in first-time freshmen. This surge includes a 22.7% increase in students from Hawaiian public schools, a 68.6% increase from U.S. mainland high schools, and a 37.5% increase in international students.
UH Mānoa’s student body showcases impressive diversity, ranked as the sixth most diverse university in the U.S. Approximately 60% of students hail from Hawaii, 34% from out-of-state, and 6% represent more than 120 countries and regions globally.
Moreover, the university takes pride in its accomplished first-year student cohort, with over half ranking in the top 25% of their senior graduating classes.
University of Hawaii Out-of-State Acceptance Rate
During the fall of 2021, the University of Hawaii Mānoa exhibited favorable acceptance rates for different applicant groups. Specifically, the university accepted 81.7% of Hawaiian applicants, 65.1% of U.S. mainland applicants, and 47.4% of international applicants. These rates are notably advantageous for all categories, especially for out-of-state students.
One of the attractive offerings that entices out-of-state applicants to UH Mānoa is the Western University Exchange (WUE) program. Under the umbrella of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE), WUE extends a tuition increase of only 150% to students hailing from 14 western states, including California, Alaska, and Colorado. This program provides a substantially more affordable option compared to the standard out-of-state tuition rate, a topic that will be discussed further in the upcoming sections.
GPA for University of Hawaii
While there is no minimum GPA requirement for incoming first-year applicants, Hawaiian and U.S. candidates are expected to maintain a strong GPA and rank in the top 40% of their high school graduating class. International freshman applicants should have a cumulative GPA comparable to a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
UH Mānoa’s newest first-year cohort averaged a 3.68 GPA, which is up from 3.65 in the previous year.
According to the school’s most recent common data set, 47% of accepted students maintained a GPA of 3.75 or higher, 21% held a GPA between 3.5 and 3.74, and 16% had a GPA between 3.25 and 3.49.
SAT & ACT Requirements for UH
For domestic applicants, there is no specific minimum requirement for SAT or ACT scores. However, international freshman applicants are expected to meet certain minimum scores.
In terms of the ACT, a combined score of at least 48 for the English and Reading sections is required, with individual scores of 21 or higher on each section. Alternatively, a minimum SAT score of 560 is needed in the Critical Reading section.
Students also have the option of seeking admission through the English Language Institute (ELI), which offers an alternative pathway.
For ELI applicants, the ACT minimum is reduced to a total of 43, with English and Reading scores of 19 or higher. Similarly, the minimum SAT Critical Reading score is lowered to 520.
According to U.S. News, half of the admitted applicants who entered the fall 2020 class submitted SAT scores ranging between 1060 and 1200, or ACT scores between 20 and 26.
Other Requirements and Admission Tips
The admission requirements for the University of Hawaii at Mānoa closely resemble those of many other U.S. institutions. These include four English credits, three math credits, three science credits, three social science credits, four additional college prep credits, and five elective credits.
Homeschooled applicants have the option to submit one of the following in place of an official high school transcript or diploma: ACT, GED, HiSET, SAT, or TASC scores.
In addition to completing the University of Hawaii Mānoa Admission Application, applicants are required to submit a $70 application fee and provide all high school information through the Self-Reported Application. Admission decisions will primarily rely on these submitted materials.
While sharing supplemental documents such as a letter of recommendation, a personal statement, and a list of achievements is encouraged, it is not obligatory. Students can utilize the Letter of Recommendation Request Form to prompt an online recommendation form for their recommender.
Students admitted to UH Mānoa may be asked to furnish official transcripts to the Office of Admission for validation or scholarship purposes.
For first-year applicants aiming to enroll in the fall semester, the priority application deadline is January 5, the final deadline is March 1, and the late application deadline is May 1.
UH Mānoa provides four programs offering direct entry for high-achieving first-year applicants: business, nursing, dental hygiene, and medicine. Test scores are optional for applicants, and they can be submitted as part of the application.
Essays for University of Hawaii
Unlike many other U.S. colleges, the University of Hawaii doesn’t require applicants to complete short-answer prompts or submit a traditional college essay.
However, the Mānoa application does include a section where students can write a personal statement and provide a list of their achievements.
The personal statement offers applicants an opportunity to explain why they are interested in attending UH Mānoa or how the university aligns with their career goals. While there are no specific word limits, candidates are advised to be concise and share a unique story that sets them apart from other applicants.
This same principle applies to the list of achievements section. While an extensive list of high school accomplishments may seem impressive, it could be more impactful for an applicant to focus on one or two significant leadership roles, volunteer experiences, or positions that have influenced their career path, altered their perspective, or driven their motivation.
It’s important that the achievements listed are relevant to the applicant’s intention to attend UH Mānoa.
Is the University of Hawaii Right for You?
The University of Hawaii offers appealing programs, particularly for native Hawaiians and Western U.S. students who benefit from discounted tuition. For residents, attending UH Mānoa costs around $30,000 per year, with lower tuition fees. Non-Hawaiian U.S. residents pay about $52,000 annually, with tuition at $33,336.
UH Mānoa’s WUE program charges $16,956 for tuition, a preferred option over standard out-of-state rates. The school excels in environmental science, business, and health programs, with a highly ranked Shidler College of Business. Notably, it houses unique research facilities in a tropical rainforest and atop a coral reef.
The John A. Burns’ School of Medicine ranks first among community-based public medical schools by the National Institutes of Health. UH’s direct entrance policy to the medical school attracts West Coast students pursuing early career goals.
Virtual tours offer a glimpse of the campus for interested students unable to visit physically. UH Mānoa offers a diverse student body, abundant research opportunities, and an attractive location, making it a compelling choice.
