collageIt’s not always easy to find the most updated information on the internet. Thankfully, this article provides you with more information on is university of hawaii a good school, university of hawaii at manoa application & university of hawaii at manoa application deadline.
You will also find related posts on university of hawaiʻi at mānoa majors, is university of hawaii a good school & university of hawaii acceptance rate out of-state on collegelearners.
University of Hawaii at Manoa: Acceptance Rate and Admissions Statistics
University of Hawaii—Manoa is a public institution that was founded in 1907. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 12,631, its setting is urban, and the campus size is 320 acres. It utilizes a semester-based academic calendar. University of Hawaii—Manoa’s ranking in the 2021 edition of Best Colleges is National Universities, #170. Its in-state tuition and fees are $12,186; out-of-state tuition and fees are $34,218.
The University of Hawaii at Manoa is a public research university with an acceptance rate of 58%. Located just outside of Honolulu, the University of Hawaii at Manoa is the flagship campus of the University of Hawaii system. Manoa’s strengths include highly ranked programs in astronomy, oceanography, cancer research, and Pacific Island and Asian studies. The university has a diverse student body representing all 50 states and 121 countries. UH Manoa is the only college in Hawaii to have a chapter of the prestigious Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society. In athletics, most of UH’s Division I athletic teams compete in the Big West Conference.
Considering applying to UH Manoa? Here are the admissions statistics you should know, including average SAT/ACT scores and GPAs of admitted students.
University of hawaii Acceptance Rate
During the 2018-19 admissions cycle, University of Hawaii at Manoa had an acceptance rate of 58%. This means that for every 100 students who applied, 58 students were admitted, making UH Manoa’s admissions process competitive.
| Admissions Statistics (2018-19) | |
|---|---|
| Number of Applicants | 16,244 |
| Percent Admitted | 58% |
| Percent Admitted Who Enrolled (Yield) | 21% |
SAT Scores and Requirements
University of Hawaii at Manoa requires that all applicants submit either SAT or ACT scores. During the 2018-19 admissions cycle, 70% of admitted students submitted SAT scores.
| SAT Range (Admitted Students) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Section | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
| ERW | 540 | 630 |
| Math | 530 | 640 |
ERW=Evidence-Based Reading and Writing
This admissions data tells us that most of UH Manoa’s admitted students fall within the top 35% nationally on the SAT. For the evidence-based reading and writing section, 50% of students admitted to UH Manoa scored between 540 and 630, while 25% scored below 540 and 25% scored above 630. On the math section, 50% of admitted students scored between 530 and 640, while 25% scored below 530 and 25% scored above 640. Applicants with a composite SAT score of 1270 or higher will have particularly competitive chances at UH Manoa.
Requirements
The University of Hawaii at Manoa does not require the SAT writing section. Note that UH Manoa participates in the scorechoice program, which means that the admissions office will consider your highest score from each individual section across all SAT test dates. Homeschooled applicants are required to submit three SAT Subject test scores.
ACT Scores and Requirements
The University of Hawaii at Manoa requires that all applicants submit either SAT or ACT scores. During the 2018-19 admissions cycle, 42% of admitted students submitted ACT scores.
| ACT Range (Admitted Students) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Section | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
| English | 20 | 26 |
| Math | 19 | 26 |
| Composite | 21 | 26 |
This admissions data tells us that most of UH Manoa’s admitted students fall within the top 42% nationally on the ACT. The middle 50% of students admitted to UH Manoa received a composite ACT score between 21 and 26, while 25% scored above 26 and 25% scored below 21.
Requirements
Note that unlike many universities, UH Manoa superscores ACT results; your highest subscores from multiple ACT sittings will be considered. UH Manoa does not require the ACT writing section.
GPA
In 2019, the average high school GPA of incoming University of Hawaii at Manoa freshmen was 3.74, and over 62% of students had average GPAs of 3.5 and above. These results suggest that most successful applicants to UH Manoa have primarily A and high B grades.
Self-Reported GPA/SAT/ACT Graph
The admissions data in the graph is self-reported by applicants to University of Hawaii at Manoa. GPAs are unweighted. Find out how you compare to accepted students, see the real-time graph, and calculate your chances of getting in with a free Cappex account.
Admissions Chances
The University of Hawaii at Manoa, which accepts over half of applicants, has a selective admissions process. If your SAT/ACT scores and GPA fall within the school’s average ranges, you have a strong chance of being accepted. However, admission to UH Manoa is not entirely numerical. The university wants to see that you have taken sufficient college preparatory courses, including a minimum of 4 credits of English, 3 credits each of math, science, and social studies, 4 credits of additional college prep coursework, and 5 elective credits. Applicants must also have a minimum high school GPA of 2.8. Note that some programs, including nursing, social work, and education, have additional requirements.
In the graph above, the green and blue dots represent accepted students. As the data show, the majority of accepted students had high school GPAs of 3.0 or better, an SAT score (ERW+M) of 1000 or better, and an ACT composite score of 20 or higher. Note that many admitted students had grades in the “A” range.
University of Hawaii Acceptance Rate: What Does it Take to Get in?
Do you know how to improve your profile for college applications?
See how your profile ranks among thousands of other students using CollegeVine. Calculate your chances at your dream schools and learn what areas you need to improve right now — it only takes 3 minutes and it’s 100% free.Show me what areas I need to improve
The University of Hawaii accepts 81% of applicants. What does it take to get in?
With several locations across the beautiful state of Hawaii, the University of Hawaii is one of the few universities in the nation where you can study in a truly tropical climate. The University of Hawaii is also one of the few institutions with a land, space, and sea grant for research, affording its students unique opportunities for scientific research, including biology, astronomy, and genetics.
Not only is it in one of the most beautiful states in the U.S., but it’s also the most diverse university in the nation, according to the Chronicle of Higher Education. The University of Hawaii also prides itself on accessibility, providing 3 university learning centers and 7 community colleges across all of the islands. While the biggest university center is the University of Hawaii-Manoa, the other two include Hilo and West Oahu.
Here’s what you need to know to get in!
Applying to the University of Hawaii: A Quick Review
Apply online using the University of Hawaii System. You apply to each campus separately, whether it is a university learning center or a community college, so you’ll need to decide which one you want to apply for.
Students may apply for the fall or spring semester. For fall admissions, the priority deadline is January 5 and the regular deadline is March 1. For spring admissions, the priority deadline is September 1 and the regular deadline is October 1.
To apply, be sure to send in all of the following:
- Apply online with the University of Hawaii System
- High school transcript
- Application fee or fee waiver
- $50 application fee for UH Hilo and UH West Oahu
- $75 fee for UH Manoa
- SAT or ACT Scores
- (Optional) Supplementary materials: essay, letter of recommendation
If you are a homeschool student, you will need to provide a description of your education including materials used, and either GED scores, SAT subject tests (one of which needs to be Math) or ACT subscores. For international students, you will need to prove your English competency with TOEFL scores.
University of Hawaii Acceptance Rate: How Difficult Is It to Get In?
With the University of Hawaii accepting 81% of applicants, you want to make sure that your application is strong and shows you can handle the challenges that college presents. Each university learning center handles admissions separately, so we’re going to breakdown what each of their admissions stats are:
- UH Manoa has an acceptance rate of 82.9%: last year 8,523 students applied, and 7,069 were admitted.
- UH Hilo has an acceptance rate of 80.7%: last year 3,078 students applied, and 2,484 were admitted.
- UH West Oahu has an acceptance rate of 78.5%: last year 1,060 students applied, and 832 were admitted.
If you aspire to attend the University of Hawaii, it’s critical to surround yourself with people who have been through the process before. CollegeVine offers mentorship for underclassmen and applications counseling for seniors to help you set yourself apart from the crowd. Even if you don’t choose to work one-on-one with one of CollegeVine’s trained near-peer mentors, connecting with someone who has successfully gained admission to the University of Hawaii can make the difference between rejection and acceptance.
Not sure which schools to consider for your list?
When you’re ready to apply, you’ll want 8-12 schools varying from safety to reach schools. Start looking for schools now that best fit your needs and achievements.Find and Evaluate Schools
So, How Does One Get into the University of Hawaii?
The University of Hawaii has a simple application with a strong emphasis on your academic preparation for college.
Academics
The University of Hawaii requires that you’ve taken a well-rounded high school schedule, with consistent enrollment in the main subject areas, fine arts or foreign language involvement, and electives. You also need to do well in your courses—each university has a minimum GPA. For UH West O’ahu, the minimum is 2.7; for UH Manoa, the minimum is 2.8 and you need to be in the top 40% of your class; for UH Hilo, the minimum is 3.0.
Test Scores
Although each university has minimum GPAs, a strong test score can balance out a GPA below their minimum and allow you to be admitted. In general, you want to score at least a 560 on the SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing and a 540 for the SAT Math, or a 22 ACT composite score.
Program-specific Requirements
Certain programs at the University of Hawaii have additional requirements, especially for business, nursing, or education. Make sure you pay close attention to any program-specific requirements, as they may have stricter academic cut-offs or earlier deadlines.
How to Make Your Application Stand Out
Every application is different, but over the years we’ve seen these strategies give our clients applications that are three times more likely to gain favorable admissions results.
Apply by the priority deadline.
The University of Hawaii has rolling admissions, so applying by the priority deadline means you will get your admissions decision sooner than if you wait. Not only that, but applying by the priority deadlines increases your chances of receiving financial aid from the university or on-campus housing, if you need it.
Tell your story.
Although not required, you can choose to include a personal statement or essay explaining who you are and why you are interested in the University of Hawaii. Which programs and opportunities do you find exciting, and how will your talents and strengths lend a vibrant presence at the University of Hawaii? Make sure that you get someone to read over your essay before you send it to make sure that there are no grammatical errors and that it flows.
Include a letter of reference.
Again, this is not required, but providing a letter of reference can provide the admissions counselor greater insight into your character. For example, if you struggled during a particular course or went through a personally challenging time, you may ask a teacher to write a letter where they talk about how you rose to the occasion by seeking out additional resources and displayed resilience. This can be especially helpful if your GPA is just below the minimum and you want to show that you have what it takes to succeed.
What If You Get Rejected?
The University of Hawaii is a popular option for many students. If you find yourself receiving a no-thank-you at the end of the admissions process, don’t be too hard on yourself. Bright, motivated, resourceful students will find success, or create it, anywhere they go.
Although the University of Hawaii does accept admissions appeals, we do not recommend petitioning your decision. You may be asked to provide additional information, but there is no guarantee that your decision will be changed.
Transfer is a popular option for many students interested in the University of Hawaii. Many students who transfer start at one of the seven UH community colleges, so you may want to consider starting there. The requirements and deadlines are very similar to freshman admissions, although your college transcript and GPA will be used instead of a high school transcript.
You can reapply after taking a gap year, but this path is riskier than simply committing to another school and requesting to take a gap year there. To see if a gap year is right for you, visit our posts, What Are the Pros of Taking a Gap Year? and What You Need To Know When Applying to Colleges After a Gap Year.
If you’re looking for public universities in warm, sunny places, you may want to look at the University of California schools or Cal-State schools. These schools offer incredible opportunities and life-changing experiences. If you’re having trouble imagining yourself anywhere other than the University of Hawaii, check out CollegeVine’s post Envisioning a New Future: Preparing for Life at Your Second-Choice (or Third, or Fourth) School.
University of Hawaii at Manoa Requirements for Admission
What are University of Hawaii at Manoa’s admission requirements? While there are a lot of pieces that go into a college application, you should focus on only a few critical things:
- GPA requirements
- Testing requirements, including SAT and ACT requirements
- Application requirements
In this guide we’ll cover what you need to get into University of Hawaii at Manoa and build a strong application.
School location: Honolulu, HI
Admissions Rate: 58.4%
If you want to get in, the first thing to look at is the acceptance rate. This tells you how competitive the school is and how serious their requirements are.
The acceptance rate at University of Hawaii at Manoa is 58.4%. For every 100 applicants, 58 are admitted.
University of Hawaii at Manoa GPA Requirements
Many schools specify a minimum GPA requirement, but this is often just the bare minimum to submit an application without immediately getting rejected.
The GPA requirement that really matters is the GPA you need for a real chance of getting in. For this, we look at the school’s average GPA for its current students.
Average GPA: 3.74
The average GPA at University of Hawaii at Manoa is 3.74.
(Most schools use a weighted GPA out of 4.0, though some report an unweighted GPA.
With a GPA of 3.74, University of Hawaii at Manoa requires you to be above average in your high school class. You’ll need at least a mix of A’s and B’s, with more A’s than B’s. You can compensate for a lower GPA with harder classes, like AP or IB classes. This will show that you’re able to handle more difficult academics than the average high school student.
If you’re currently a junior or senior, your GPA is hard to change in time for college applications. If your GPA is at or below the school average of 3.74, you’ll need a higher SAT or ACT score to compensate. This will help you compete effectively against other applicants who have higher GPAs than you.
SAT and ACT Requirements
Each school has different requirements for standardized testing. Most schools require the SAT or ACT, and many also require SAT subject tests.
You must take either the SAT or ACT to submit an application to University of Hawaii at Manoa. More importantly, you need to do well to have a strong application.
University of Hawaii at Manoa SAT Requirements
Many schools say they have no SAT score cutoff, but the truth is that there is a hidden SAT requirement. This is based on the school’s average score.
Average SAT: 1178
The average SAT score composite at University of Hawaii at Manoa is a 1178 on the 1600 SAT scale.
This score makes University of Hawaii at Manoa Competitive for SAT test scores.
University of Hawaii at Manoa SAT Score Analysis (New 1600 SAT)
The 25th percentile New SAT score is 1070, and the 75th percentile New SAT score is 1270. In other words, a 1070 on the New SAT places you below average, while a 1270 will move you up to above average.
Here’s the breakdown of new SAT scores by section:
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
| Math | 589 | 530 | 640 |
| Reading + Writing | 589 | 540 | 630 |
| Composite | 1178 | 1070 | 1270 |
SAT Score Choice Policy
The Score Choice policy at your school is an important part of your testing strategy.
University of Hawaii at Manoa has the Score Choice policy of “Highest Section.”
This is also known as “superscoring.” This means that you can choose which SAT tests you want to send to the school. Of all the scores they receive, your application readers will consider your highest section scores across all SAT test dates you submit.
Click below to learn more about how superscoring critically affects your test strategy.How does superscoring change your test strategy?(Click to Learn)
For example, say you submit the following 3 test scores:
| Section | R+W | Math | Composite |
| Test 1 | 700 | 300 | 1000 |
| Test 2 | 300 | 700 | 1000 |
| Test 3 | 300 | 300 | 600 |
| Superscore | 700 | 700 | 1400 |
Even though the highest total you scored on any one test date was 1000, University of Hawaii at Manoa will take your highest section score from all your test dates, then combine them to form your Superscore. You can raise your composite score from 1000 to 1400 in this example.
This is important for your testing strategy. Because you can choose which tests to send in, and University of Hawaii at Manoa forms your Superscore, you can take the SAT as many times as you want, then submit only the tests that give you the highest Superscore. Your application readers will only see that one score.
Therefore, if your SAT superscore is currently below a 1178, we strongly recommend that you consider prepping for the SAT and retaking it. You have a very good chance of raising your score, which will significantly boost your chances of getting in.
Even better, because of the Superscore, you can focus all your energy on a single section at a time. If your Reading score is lower than your other sections, prep only for the Reading section, then take the SAT. Then focus on Math for the next test, and so on. This will give you the highest Superscore possible.
Exclusive: Want to learn how to improve your SAT score by 160 points?
Download our free guide on the top 5 strategies you must be using to improve your score. This guide was written by Harvard graduates and SAT perfect scorers. If you apply the strategies in this guide, you’ll study smarter and make huge score improvements.
University of Hawaii at Manoa ACT Requirements
Just like for the SAT, University of Hawaii at Manoa likely doesn’t have a hard ACT cutoff, but if you score too low, your application will get tossed in the trash.
Average ACT: 24
The average ACT score at University of Hawaii at Manoa is 24. This score makes University of Hawaii at Manoa Moderately Competitive for ACT scores.
The 25th percentile ACT score is 21, and the 75th percentile ACT score is 26.
Even though University of Hawaii at Manoa likely says they have no minimum ACT requirement, if you apply with a 21 or below, you’ll have a harder time getting in, unless you have something else impressive in your application.
ACT Score Sending Policy
If you’re taking the ACT as opposed to the SAT, you have a huge advantage in how you send scores, and this dramatically affects your testing strategy.
Here it is: when you send ACT scores to colleges, you have absolute control over which tests you send. You could take 10 tests, and only send your highest one. This is unlike the SAT, where many schools require you to send all your tests ever taken.
This means that you have more chances than you think to improve your ACT score. To try to aim for the school’s ACT requirement of 24 and above, you should try to take the ACT as many times as you can. When you have the final score that you’re happy with, you can then send only that score to all your schools.
ACT Superscore Policy
By and large, most colleges do not superscore the ACT. (Superscore means that the school takes your best section scores from all the test dates you submit, and then combines them into the best possible composite score). Thus, most schools will just take your highest ACT score from a single sitting.
We weren’t able to find the school’s exact ACT policy, which most likely means that it does not Superscore. Regardless, you can choose your single best ACT score to send in to University of Hawaii at Manoa, so you should prep until you reach our recommended target ACT score of 24.
SAT/ACT Writing Section Requirements
Both the SAT and ACT have an optional essay section.
University of Hawaii at Manoa requires you to take the SAT Essay/ACT Writing section. They’ll use this as another factor in their admissions consideration.
SAT Subject Test Requirements
Schools vary in their SAT subject test requirements. Typically, selective schools tend to require them, while most schools in the country do not.
We did not find information that University of Hawaii at Manoa requires SAT subject tests, and so most likely it does not. At least 6 months before applying, you should still doublecheck just to make sure, so you have enough time to take the test.
Admissions Calculator
What are your chances of admission at University of Hawaii at Manoa?Chances of admission with these scores:59.4%
Here’s our custom admissions calculator. Plug in your numbers to see what your chances of getting in are.
Pick your test: New SAT ACTSAT ScoreYour GPA
Note: Your admission decision relies not only on your GPA and SAT/ACT scores, but also on your coursework difficulty, extracurriculars, letters of recommendation, and personal statements. This tool provides only a simplistic estimate of your chances of admission. Instead of treating this tool as a crystal ball, we recommend you consider the big picture of what your chance means:
- 80-100%: Safety school: Strong chance of getting in
- 50-80%: More likely than not getting in
- 20-50%: Lower but still good chance of getting in
- 5-20%: Reach school: Unlikely to get in, but still have a shot
- 0-5%: Hard reach school: Very difficult to get in
We recommend you apply to schools across a range of chances. Applying to some safety schools will guarantee you have a college to go to, while applying to some reach schools will give you a shot at getting into the school at the top of your range.
How would your chances improve with a better score?
Take your current SAT score and add 160 points (or take your ACT score and add 4 points) to the calculator above. See how much your chances improve?
At PrepScholar, we’ve created the leading online SAT/ACT prep program. We guarantee an improvement of 160 SAT points or 4 ACT points on your score, or your money back.
Here’s a summary of why we’re so much more effective than other prep programs:
- PrepScholar customizes your prep to your strengths and weaknesses. You don’t waste time working on areas you already know, so you get more results in less time.
- We guide you through your program step-by-step so that you’re never confused about what you should be studying. Focus all your time learning, not worrying about what to learn.
- Our team is made of national SAT/ACT experts. PrepScholar’s founders are Harvard graduates and SAT perfect scorers. You’ll be studying using the strategies that actually worked for them.
- We’ve gotten tremendous results with thousands of students across the country. Read about our score results and reviews from our happy customers.
There’s a lot more to PrepScholar that makes it the best SAT/ACT prep program. Click to learn more about our program, or sign up for our 5-day free trial to check out PrepScholar for yourself:
Application Requirements
Every school requires an application with the bare essentials – high school transcript and GPA, application form, and other core information. Many schools, as explained above, also require SAT and ACT scores, as well as letters of recommendation, application essays, and interviews. We’ll cover the exact requirements of University of Hawaii at Manoa here.
Application Requirements Overview
- Common ApplicationNot accepted
- Universal ApplicationNot accepted
- Electronic ApplicationAvailable
- Essay or Personal Statement
- Letters of Recommendation
- InterviewNot required
- Application Fee$70
- Fee Waiver Available?Available
- Other Notes
Testing Requirements
- SAT or ACTRequired
- SAT Essay or ACT WritingRequired
- SAT Subject Tests
- Scores Due in OfficeMarch 1
Coursework Requirements
- SubjectRequired Years
- English4
- Math3
- Science3
- Foreign Language
- Social Studies3
- History
- Electives5
Deadlines and Early Admissions
-
- Offered?DeadlineNotification
- Regular Admission
- YesMarch 1None
- Early Action
- No
- Early Decision
- No
Admissions Office Information
- Address:2500
Honolulu, HI 96822 - Phone:(808) 956-8975
- Email:uhmanoa.admissions@hawaii.edu
Other Schools For You
If you’re interested in University of Hawaii at Manoa, you’ll probably be interested in these schools as well. We’ve divided them into 3 categories depending on how hard they are to get into, relative to University of Hawaii at Manoa.
Reach Schools: Harder to Get Into
These schools are have higher average SAT scores than University of Hawaii at Manoa. If you improve your SAT score, you’ll be competitive for these schools.
| School Name | Location | SAT Avg | ACT Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Syracuse University | Syracuse, NY | 1275 | 28 |
| United States Military Academy | West Point, NY | 1270 | 28 |
| Penn State University Park | University Park, PA | 1265 | 28 |
| University of Cincinnati | Cincinnati, OH | 1265 | 27 |
| Hofstra University | Hempstead, NY | 1250 | 28 |
| Temple University | Philadelphia, PA | 1238 | 27 |
| Seton Hall University | South Orange, NJ | 1231 | 26 |
Same Level: Equally Hard to Get Into
If you’re competitive for University of Hawaii at Manoa, these schools will offer you a similar chance of admission.
| School Name | Location | SAT Avg | ACT Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Oregon | Eugene, OR | 1185 | 25 |
| University of Alabama | Tuscaloosa, AL | 1184 | 27 |
| Colorado State University | Fort Collins, CO | 1180 | 26 |
| Quinnipiac University | Hamden, CT | 1175 | 26 |
| Ohio University | Athens, OH | 1170 | 24 |
| University of North Texas | Denton, TX | 1160 | 23 |
| University of Texas at Arlington | Arlington, TX | 1160 | 23 |
Safety Schools: Easier to Get Into
If you’re currently competitive for University of Hawaii at Manoa, you should have no problem getting into these schools. If University of Hawaii at Manoa is currently out of your reach, you might already be competitive for these schools.
| School Name | Location | SAT Avg | ACT Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Florida Gulf Coast University | Fort Myers, FL | 1135 | 23 |
| Hampton University | Hampton, VA | 1130 | 22 |
| Washington State University | Pullman, WA | 1125 | 23 |
| University of Texas at San Antonio | San Antonio, TX | 1125 | 22 |
| East Carolina University | Greenville, NC | 1105 | 22 |
| Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis | Indianapolis, IN | 1100 | 22 |
| Texas State University | San Marcos, TX | 1095 | 23 |
collage