What's up with UH Manoa's acceptance process?

I'm a high school junior thinking about applying to UH Manoa. How tough is it to get in? Are there any quirks or things I should know about their acceptance process?

Absolutely, happy to provide some context around UH Manoa's admissions process. This public university based in Honolulu, Hawaii, has an acceptance rate of around 84%, which shows that it's relatively accessible. One thing to keep in mind is their holistic admission process, meaning they consider not just your grades and test scores but also recommendations, essays, and your extracurricular involvement.

When it comes to academic requirements, they generally expect students to have a minimum GPA of 2.8 for residents and 3.0 for non-residents. However, students with a GPA below the minimum may still be considered if they demonstrate notable talents or skills or a substantial improvement in their academic work.

On the standardized testing front, UH Manoa does take a test-optional route, so you can decide whether or not to submit your SAT or ACT scores. Remember if you choose not to, the other factors of your application, such as GPA and extracurricular activities, will hold more weight in the admissions process.

For the 2024-2025 application cycle, UH Manoa's priority deadline for Fall admission is January 5th (for priority consideration), so you have quite some time to make sure your application is thoughtful and well-rounded.

Don't forget to give your essays the full attention they deserve; they give the University an insight into your unique story, experiences, and aspirations. This is particularly significant if you decide not to submit standardized test scores.

And lastly, UH Manoa does have specific requirements and deadlines for some of their programs, such as nursing and business, so ensure you check those if you're planning on applying to one of those programs.

Good luck with your application!