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University of Hawaii at Manoa | UH Manoa

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• Essay prompt

Want to see your chances of admission at University of Hawaii at Manoa | UH Manoa?

We take every aspect of your personal profile into consideration when calculating your admissions chances.

University of Hawaii at Manoa | UH Manoa’s 2023-24 Essay Prompts

Select-a-prompt essay.

In the sections provided below, please share information on your college goals, academic performance, extra-curricular activities and/or personal characteristics that would help the Admissions Committee make an admissions decision.

Why you would like to attend the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa?

How UH Mānoa fits into your career goals.

Common App Personal Essay

The essay demonstrates your ability to write clearly and concisely on a selected topic and helps you distinguish yourself in your own voice. What do you want the readers of your application to know about you apart from courses, grades, and test scores? Choose the option that best helps you answer that question and write an essay of no more than 650 words, using the prompt to inspire and structure your response. Remember: 650 words is your limit, not your goal. Use the full range if you need it, but don‘t feel obligated to do so.

Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.

The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?

Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?

Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you?

Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.

Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?

Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you‘ve already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.

What will first-time readers think of your college essay?

How to Apply

Application Deadlines

• Fall semester: the deadline for receipt of ALL application materials is January 1.
• Spring semester: the deadline for receipt of ALL application materials is September 1.

Application Materials

Submit the following application materials by the application deadline.

• Graduate Admissions Application  and $100 application fee
• The GRE is optional, but we strongly encourage PhD applicants to submit their GRE scores. The Educational Testing Service (ETS) code for UHM is 4867.
• The departmental minimum for the TOEFL score is 600/100 (paper/internet). The department minimum for the IELTS score is 7.00.
• The minimum TOEFL scores for teaching assistantship applicants is 600/100 (paper/internet), with subtest scores of 25 for listening and 25 for speaking. The minimum IELTS scores for teaching assistantship applicants is 7.00.
• Transcripts: One transcript is required from each post-secondary institution attended, including any study abroad or exchange programs, summer programs, and non-degree work and extension programs.
• Official transcripts must be sent directly from the issuing institution(s), or in sealed institutional envelopes if submitted with the application, to:

Graduate Division 2540 Maile Way Spalding Hall 354 Honolulu, HI 96822

2.  Department of East Asian Languages and Literatures (EALL) Required Documents

Starting from June 1, 2017, all EALL materials must be submitted via the  Graduate Application Supplemental Documents Upload Website  which can be accessed through the Graduate Admissions Application website.

Applicants to our graduate program are expected to have sufficient training in the language of their intended research focus, Chinese, Japanese, or Korean, in order to be considered for admission to our program. Students who do not have any background in the target language or have only had initial exposure to the language are unlikely to be considered for the program.*  A specific level of proficiency in the target language and types of language skills (speaking, listening, reading and writing) expected for applicants differ depending on the level of the program (MA vs. PhD), the discipline (literature or language/linguistics), and the expectations of the faculty members in the language section (Chinese, Japanese and Korean).

*  While students often improve various aspects of their proficiency in the target language in our program, the primary goal of our graduate program is to train students to do academic research with the language.

• A current Curriculum Vitae
• 3 Letters of Recommendation: You will need to “Request a Recommendation” via the online supplemental website. Letters should address your capacity to engage in academic work at the graduate level – for this reason; letters from former faculty are generally most informative.
• Statement of Objectives : Your statement should primarily address your current research interests (including your prior study or life experiences that have led you to these current interests), your long-term objectives for your course of graduate study, and your plans for meeting these objectives while enrolled in the Department of East Asian Languages and Literatures at UH Manoa.
• Writing Sample (for PhD applicants only): A completed paper produced in the major area of interest is most desirable as this will give faculty members a chance to see the applicant’s interests and research capabilities. However, the primary goal is to provide a writing sample that demonstrates the applicant’s ability to prepare and conduct research (e.g., an empirically-grounded study, or a study that draws on primary sources as evidence) to write clearly, to think analytically, and to produce a paper that follows established research conventions. A proposal, literature review, or abstract, therefore, is not a good substitute.
• Korean for Professional MA applicants only: a completed Korean language background form
• Optional: GRE scores (strongly recommended for PhD applicants)
• Unofficial copy of TOEFL scores (no older than 2 years)
• Unofficial copy of transcripts from each post-secondary institution attended, including any study abroad or exchange programs, summer programs, and non-degree work and extension programs.

*  If you would like to apply for a Graduate Assistantship Application, download the application at this  link  and submit it through the  Graduate Application Supplemental Documents Upload Website.  Your admission recommendation letters will be considered for your teaching assistant application.

* For more information about the Korean for Professionals (Korean flagship) MA program, please refer to  here .

If you have any questions, contact Cherry Lacsina at  [email protected]  or 1(808) 956-2069.

East Asian Languages & Literatures • 1890 East-West Road Honolulu, Hawai‘i 96822 Moore Hall 382 ©2022 University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa • 2500 Campus Road • Honolulu, HI 96822 • (808) 956-8111 The University of Hawaiʻi is an equal opportunity/affirmative action institution

• Undergraduate & Graduate Education

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Undergraduate & Graduate Opportunities

Undergraduate.

Undergraduate students may conduct research at HIMB in association with HIMB faculty. HIMB does not award undergraduate degrees, however, undergraduate students do participate in research projects. If you are interested in becoming a student at UH Mānoa, please contact the following departments for additional information:

Botany 808-956-3923 [email protected]

Geography 808-956-8465 [email protected]

Global Environmental Science 808-956-9935 [email protected] HNFAS 808-956-7095 [email protected]

Microbiology 808-956-8553 [email protected]

Undergraduate Research

Although HIMB does not have a formal undergraduate research internship program, individual faculty members may have space in their labs for undergraduate students.

Students who are interested in conducting research at HIMB should contact an HIMB  faculty member  whose research programs align with their interests. Faculty members who have an opportunity for undergraduates will be contact students directly for further information and/or an interview.

Please fill out the Undergraduate Research Questionnaire once you have found an appropriate program.

Graduate Research

HIMB does not award graduate degrees, however, graduate students are able to be advised by HIMB faculty through one of the following graduate programs at UH Manoa:

• Marine Biology Graduate Program
• Oceanography Graduate Program
• Zoology Graduate Program
• Cell and Molecular Biology Graduate Program
• Molecular Biosciences and Bioengineering
• Microbiology Graduate Program

HIMB Student Scholarships

Each fall semester, applications are accepted from graduate and undergraduate students that are currently conducting research or working on lab projects under the direction of an HIMB faculty member.

2019 Scholarships

The 2019 HIMB scholarship application period is open from September 10 – October 6th. Applications period will close October 6th, 11:59 pm.

The scholarships & funds available this year include:

• Colonel Willys E. Lord, DVM and Sadina L. Lord Scholarship Fund
• Carol Ann and Myron K Hayashida HIMB Student Support
• Dr. Paul Jokiel Memorial Endowed Scholarship
• Alan Church Environmental Steward SOEST Scholarship
• The Wayne and Anita Baldwin Scholarship
• Linda and Jim Collister Scholarship in Dolphin and Whale Research
• Joe Robinson HIMB Fellowship
• Peter Castro Travel Scholarship

How to Apply

This year, HIMB students will submit applications online via a Google Form. You must be logged on to the UH system to access the documents and to apply.

• How to Apply_2019 HIMB Scholarships
• 2019_HIMB_Scholarships_Requirements

After you’ve reviewed the available scholarships and are ready to apply, submit your application. – HIMB Scholarship Application (Online Google Form)

Letter of Recommendation Instructions for HIMB Faculty

The letter of recommendation should be emailed to [email protected]. Deadline: October 6th, 11:59 pm.

Additional Information About the Joe Robinson Fellowship

The Joe Robinson Fellowship will provide research funding and professional development support for a graduate student in marine science working under the advisement of an HIMB faculty member. The student will conduct a research project and be mentored by Joe Robinson in marketing and communication skills, meeting 3-4 times during the year to collaborate.  By the end of the 1-year fellowship period the student will complete a communication project that demonstrates a mastery of basic marketing tenets regarding themselves and their research.

Award Amount

$5,000 – $10,000  

Application Requirements

• Unofficial Transcript (w/ current and cumulative GPAs)
• Resume/CV (include current funding)
• Cover Letter (limit 500 words): include a summary of your statement of interest, brief description of your research project, statement of need, and an explanation as to how this specific scholarship would be utilized towards your research and career goals.
• Personal Statement (limit 1000 words): include a description of past and current activities and future goals related to both research and science communication.
• Research Statement (limit 1000 words): what your research project entails and its importance to science or management, include statement of need and what the funds would be used for.
• One Letter of Recommendation

Application Instructions

• Please submit one PDF application to [email protected] by October 6, 2019, 11:59 p.m. HST.
• PDF applications should be named with this structure: “LastnameFirstInitial_RobinsonFellowship_Application_2019”
• Cover Letter
• Personal Statement
• Research Statement
• Letters of Recommendation should be emailed to [email protected] by the deadline with this file name structure:  “LastnameFirstInitial_RobinsonFellowship_LOR_2019”

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• Acceptance Rates

University of Hawaii – Acceptance Rate, GPA, and Requirements

The University of Hawaii’s flagship Mānoa campus is situated just outside of downtown Honolulu on the island of Oahu, in what is considered to be the happiest, healthiest, and (#2) safest state in the U.S.

Not only that, Hawaii is also ranked at the top when it comes to environmental quality. 

With an average daily temperature of almost 78 degrees, it is not difficult to understand why UH Mānoa is receiving a historical number of applications.

Many who attend UH Mānoa go on to achieve great success in the business and political realms. 44% of Hawaii’s state senators and 51% of their state representatives graduated from UH Mānoa. 

Other notable alumni include Richard Persons (former chairperson of Citigroup), author Michael Savage, and anthropologist/mother of President Barack Obama – Dr. Ann Dunham.

The school is best known for its trailblazing research initiatives in oceanography, astronomy, linguistics, genetics, and cancer research. 

They also offer over 50 distance learning courses where students and instructors interact from all over the globe.

Reading ahead, we’ll share information that all interested applicants should consider before applying to UH Mānoa, including their acceptance and tuition rates, admissions requirements and deadlines, minimum GPA and standardized test score requirements, and top-notch programs.

University of Hawaii Acceptance Rate

Most recently, the University of Hawaii Mānoa campus accepted 58.4% of those applying for admission to the fall 2021 semester – out of 16,244 applicants, 9,493 were selected for admission, and almost 3,000 first-year students enrolled.

These numbers are significant for UH Mānoa, representing the largest increase in student enrollment since 2003, and the first time their flagship campus has enrolled over 19,000 students since 2014. 

The record high can be attributed to the 34.6% increase in first-time freshmen, in which the university experienced a 22.7% increase in students enrolling in Hawaiian public schools, a 68.6% increase in students attending U.S. mainland high schools, and a 37.5% increase in international students.

UH Mānoa’s student body is currently ranked as the sixth most diverse university in the United States, with 60% coming from Hawaii, 34% from out-of-state, and 6% from over 120 countries and regions around the world. 

They also boast a high-achieving 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

For the fall of 2021 , UH  Mānoa accepted 81.7% of Hawaiian applicants, 65.1% of U.S. mainland applicants, and 47.4% of international applicants. 

Generally, these are favorable acceptance rates for all groups, particularly for out-of-state students.

The Western University Exchange (WUE) program at UH Mānoa is one offering that draws out-of-state applicants to the campus. 

As part of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE), WUE grants just a 150% tuition increase to students enrolled in 14 states in the western part of the U.S., including California, Alaska, and Colorado. 

This discount is far more affordable than the standard out-of-state tuition rate, which we’ll discuss in a future section.

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

While there is no minimum SAT or ACT requirement for domestic applicants, international freshmen applicants are required to meet minimum scores . 

For the ACT, applicants must have at least a combined score of 48 for the English and Reading sections, with individual scores of 21 or higher on each. Alternatively, the minimum SAT score in Critical Reading is 560.

Students can seek admission through the English Language Institute (ELI). 

The ACT minimum is lowered to 43 total (with English and Reading scores of 19 or higher), and the SAT Critical Reading minimum is lowered 520.

U.S. News reports that half of the admitted applicants entering class in the fall of 2020 submitted SAT scores between 1060 and 120 or ACT scores between 20 and 26.

Other Requirements and Admission Tips

The University of Hawaii at Mānoa’s admission requirements are similar to many U.S. institutions: four English credits, three math credits, three science credits, three social science credits, four additional college prep credits, and five elective credits. 

Homeschooled applicants should 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 submitting the University of Hawaii Mānoa Admission Application, applicants must send a $70 application fee and report all high school information through the Self-Reported Application. All admissions decisions will be based primarily on the information found in these materials. 

Students are also encouraged – but not required – to share supplemental documents: a letter of recommendation, a personal statement, and a list of achievements. 

Applicants can fill out the Letter of Recommendation Request Form, and an online recommendation form will be shared with the recommender to complete on behalf of the applicant. 

We’ll talk more about the personal statement and list of achievements in the section that follows.

Students admitted to UH Mānoa may be asked to provide their official transcripts to the Office of Admission – typically for validation or scholarship purposes. 

First-year applicants may also submit test scores as part of their application (which are not required).

For students hoping 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. 

The school does have four programs that offer direct entry for high achieving first-year applicants: business, nursing, dental hygiene, and medicine.

Essays for University of Hawaii

Unlike many U.S. colleges, the University of Hawaii does not require applicants to respond to short-answer prompts or submit a traditional college essay. 

The Mānoa application does, however, offer a section where students can write a personal statement and submit a list of achievements.

The personal statement is a chance for the applicant to state why they would like to attend UH Mānoa or how UH Mānoa fits into their career goals. 

While there is no minimum or maximum word requirement, applicants should strive to be concise and share a story that distinguishes them from other candidates in a unique way. 

This rule of thumb also pertains to the list of achievements section – while a long list of high school credentials may seem impressive, it might be more beneficial for an applicant to focus on one or two pivotal leadership roles, volunteer efforts, or other positions that informed their career path, changed their perspective, or motivated them in some way. 

Ideally, any achievements listed will be relevant to the applicant’s intent to attend UH Mānoa.

Is the University of Hawaii Right for You?

The University of Hawaii offers exceptional programs that may be especially appealing to native Hawaiians and students in the western part of the U.S. (who can attend at a highly discounted tuition rate). 

For residents, the total cost to attend UH Mānoa is approximately $30,000 per year, which breaks down to $11,304 in tuition costs, $13,642 in room and board payments, and remaining costs allocated to fees, personal expenses, books, and supplies.

Non-Hawaiian U.S. residents can expect to pay nearly $52,000 per year, with all fees comparable to Hawaiian fees except for tuition, which sits at $33,336 per year. 

UH Mānoa’s WUE program charges a tuition of $16,956, which is highly preferable to the standard out-of-state tuition cost.

UH Mānoa’s geographical appeal is an obvious asset for the school, and with its location come highly recommended programs focused on environmental science, business, and health. 

The U.S. News & World Report regularly ranks the Shidler College of Business’ international business focus among the top programs in the United States. 

UH Mānoa also boasts the only research facility in the U.S. located within a tropical rainforest and the only research facility in the world constructed atop a coral reef.

The John A. Burns’ School of Medicine ranks #1 in the National Institutes of Health among community-based public medical schools – paired with the university’s direct entrance policy for the school of medicine, this makes UH a strong choice for students on the west coast hoping to get a head start with their career goals.

If a physical tour is not a possibility, interested students should take advantage of virtual tour offerings to see if UH Mānoa is the best fit for them. 

Undoubtedly, students attending the school will love the location, diverse student body, and wealth of opportunities to participate in hands-on research.

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Personal Statement

My personal statement is longer than 500 words. Will this be a problem?

How do I attach a personal statement, résumé, or addendum to my electronic application?

Letters of Recommendation

Who should I ask to write letter(s) of recommendation for me?

May I submit more than two letters of recommendation?

I am reapplying to the Law School. May I use the same letters of recommendation that I used last year?

My personal statement is longer than 500 words. Will this be a problem? We strongly prefer that you stay within the 500-word limit. However, if your statement is 550 or 650 words, that's fine.

How do I attach a personal statement, résumé, or addendum to my electronic application? See LSAC  Creating Your Attachments .

Who should I ask to write letter(s) of recommendation for me? Your letters should be completed by professors, instructors, or other persons who are familiar with your academic work. If you have been out of school for a number of years, it may be difficult to find an academic recommender. If that is the case, you may ask an employer or supervisor to write a letter of recommendation for you. Please do not ask family members or persons who do not know you well to write letters of recommendation for you.

May I submit more than two letters of recommendation? Yes. We require two letters of recommendation but you may submit up to three.

I am reapplying to the Law School. May I use the same letters of recommendation that I used last year? Yes. You may reassign the letters to us in your LSAC account. See LSAC Letters of Recommendation .

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University of Hawaii at Manoa Requirements for Admission

Choose your test.

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: 72.8%

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 72.8% . For every 100 applicants, 73 are admitted.

This means the school is lightly selective . The school will have their expected requirements for GPA and SAT/ACT scores. If you meet their requirements, you're almost certain to get an offer of admission. But if you don't meet University of Hawaii at Manoa's requirements, you'll be one of the unlucky few people who gets rejected.

We can help. PrepScholar Admissions is the world's best admissions consulting service. We combine world-class admissions counselors with our data-driven, proprietary admissions strategies . We've overseen thousands of students get into their top choice schools , from state colleges to the Ivy League.

We know what kinds of students colleges want to admit. We want to get you admitted to your dream schools.

Learn more about PrepScholar Admissions to maximize your chance of getting in.

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: 3.69

The average GPA at University of Hawaii at Manoa is 3.69 .

(Most schools use a weighted GPA out of 4.0, though some report an unweighted GPA.

With a GPA of 3.69, 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 3.69, 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. Only a few schools require the SAT or ACT, but many consider your scores if you choose to submit them.

University of Hawaii at Manoa hasn't explicitly named a policy on SAT/ACT requirements, but because it's published average SAT or ACT scores (we'll cover this next), it's likely test flexible. Typically, these schools say, "if you feel your SAT or ACT score represents you well as a student, submit them. Otherwise, don't."

Despite this policy, the truth is that most students still take the SAT or ACT, and most applicants to University of Hawaii at Manoa will submit their scores. If you don't submit scores, you'll have one fewer dimension to show that you're worthy of being admitted, compared to other students. We therefore recommend that you consider taking the SAT or ACT, and doing well.

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 SAT score is 1070, and the 75th percentile SAT score is 1270. In other words, a 1070 on the SAT places you below average, while a 1270 will move you up to above average .

Here's the breakdown of SAT scores by section:

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.

For example, say you submit the following 3 test scores:

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 1070, 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.

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 21 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 21.

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 ACT perfect scorers. If you apply the strategies in this guide, you'll study smarter and make huge score improvements.

SAT/ACT Writing Section Requirements

Currently, only the ACT has an optional essay section that all students can take. The SAT used to also have an optional Essay section, but since June 2021, this has been discontinued unless you are taking the test as part of school-day testing in a few states. Because of this, no school requires the SAT Essay or ACT Writing section, but some schools do recommend certain students submit their results if they have them.

University of Hawaii at Manoa considers the SAT Essay/ACT Writing section optional and may not include it as part of their admissions consideration. You don't need to worry too much about Writing for this school, but other schools you're applying to may require it.

Final Admissions Verdict

Because this school is lightly selective, you have a great shot at getting in, as long as you don't fall well below average . Aim for a 1070 SAT or a 21 ACT or higher, and you'll almost certainly get an offer of admission. As long as you meet the rest of the application requirements below, you'll be a shoo-in.

But if you score below our recommended target score, you may be one of the very few unlucky people to get rejected.

Admissions Calculator

Here's our custom admissions calculator. Plug in your numbers to see what your chances of getting in are. Pick your test: SAT ACT

• 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

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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 Application Not accepted
• Electronic Application Available
• Essay or Personal Statement
• Letters of Recommendation
• Interview Not required
• Application Fee $70
• Fee Waiver Available? Available
• Other Notes

Testing Requirements

• SAT or ACT Considered if submitted
• SAT Essay or ACT Writing Optional
• SAT Subject Tests
• Scores Due in Office March 1

Coursework Requirements

• Subject Required Years
• Foreign Language
• Social Studies 3
• Electives 5

Deadlines and Early Admissions

• Offered? Deadline Notification
• Yes March 1 September 1

Admissions Office Information

• Address: 2500 Honolulu, HI 96822
• Phone: (808) 956-8111 x8111
• Fax: (808) 956-4148
• Email: [email protected]

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.

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.

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.

Data on this page is sourced from Peterson's Databases © 2023 (Peterson's LLC. All rights reserved.) as well as additional publicly available sources.

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Health Professions Advising

Pre-health advising.

• Health Professions Resources

Personal Statements

Health Professions Advising CBB 203/205 (Second Floor) E: [email protected]

Schedule a Health Professions Advising Appointment

Mailing Address: University of Houston ATTN: Health Professions Advising Center University Classroom & Business Building Room 215 4242 Martin Luther King Boulevard Houston, TX 77204 Google Maps

Although most applicants focus on GPA and test-scores, the personal statement is a very important component of your application and should be carefully composed. This is your opportunity to highlight things about yourself that may not be mentioned in other sections of your application and to distinguish yourself from other applicants.

You should have several different people objectively read your personal statement and provide constructive feedback. In addition to the Health Professions Advisory Committee (HPAC) , your letter writers are often a great option. There are also resources on campus that can assist you, such as the UH Writing Center , University Career Services , and your major advisor. Consider the feedback you receive carefully, but be sure that the personal statement is still written in your voice!

Below we have outlined some advice and general guidelines to consider while writing your personal statement. Keep in mind that these recommendations are not restricted to medical/dental applications, but can be applied while writing essays for any healthcare professional program.

• See also UH University Career Services Personal Statement Tips
• Sign up for the UH Writing Center Personal Statement Workshops

Types of Prompts

Before beginning your personal statement, it is important you carefully review the specific question (or prompt) that is being asked and the character-limit, as there can be distinct differences between the application services.

TMDSAS ( 5000 characters ):

• Explain your motivation to seek a career in medicine. You are asked to include the value of your experiences that prepare you to be a physician.
• Explain your motivation to seek a career in dentistry. You are asked to discuss your philosophy of the dental profession and indicate your goals relevant to the profession.
• Personal Characteristics Essay - Learning from others is enhanced in educational settings that include individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences. Please describe your personal characteristics (background, talents, skills, etc.) or experiences that would add to the educational experience of others. The personal characteristics essay is required to all applicants and limited to 2500 characters, including spaces.
• Optional Essay – The optional essay is an opportunity to provide the admissions committee(s) with a broader picture of who you are as an applicant. The essay is optional, however, you are strongly encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity. Consider briefly discussing any unique circumstances or life experiences that are relevant to your application which have not previously been presented. Optional Essay is limited to 2500 characters, including spaces.

AMCAS ( 5300 characters ):

• Why have you selected the field of medicine?
• What motivates you to learn more about medicine?
• What do you want medical schools to know about you that has not been disclosed in other sections of the application?

AACOMAS ( 5300 characters ):

• What motivates you to learn more about osteopathic medicine?

AADSAS ( 4500 characters ):

• Explain a defining moment that helped steer you toward a career in dentistry. Consider using that moment as the focal point of your essay.
• Be colorful, positive, imaginative and personal when discussing why you are a good candidate for dental school. Ask yourself—in a pile of 100 applications, would I enjoy reading my statement? Be sure to convey your passion for dentistry in your statement.
• Be yourself.  Don’t use jargon, clichés or big phrases that you would not use in daily conversation. Remember, dental schools want to know about the real you.
• Be original and thoughtful: Discuss how you would contribute to the profession and patient care, all of which will help you stand out from other applicants.

AACPMAS (4500 characters):

• State below why you are interested in becoming a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine. Provide information about your development for a career in Podiatric Medicine

CASPA (5000 characters):

• In the space provided write a brief statement expressing your motivation or desire to become a physician assistant.

OptomCAS (4500 characters) :

Essays can be customized for each individual Optometry program.  Most Optometry schools include this as their main essay question:

• Please describe what inspires your decision for becoming an optometrist, including your preparation for training in this profession, your aptitude and motivation, the basis for your interest in optometry, and your future career.

OTCAS (no character limit):

• Your Personal Statement should address why you selected OT as a career and how an Occupational Therapy degree relates to your immediate and long-term professional goals. Describe how your personal, educational, and professional background will help you achieve your goals.

PTCAS (4500 characters):

• Prompt: Every person has a story that has led them to a career. Since there are a variety of health professions that "help" others, please go beyond your initial interaction or experiences with physical therapy and share the deeper story that has confirmed your decision to specifically pursue physical therapy as your career.

PharmCAS (4500 characters):

• Your Personal Essay should address why you selected pharmacy as a career. How the Doctor of Pharmacy degree relates to your immediate and long-term professional goals. You should describe how your personal, educational, and professional background will help you achieve your goals.

VMCAS (1000 characters):

• There are many career choices within the veterinary What are your future career goals and why?
• In what ways do veterinarians contribute to society and what do you hope to contribute?
• Consider the breadth of society which veterinarians What attributes do you believe are essential to be successful within the veterinary profession? Of these attributes, which do you possess and how have you demonstrated these in the past?

When should I start writing?

You should begin working on your personal statement early in the spring semester prior to your intended application year and submitting your application materials to HPAC (if applicable).  Remember that the people who are helping you with your statement will need time to review it and you will need time to work through multiple drafts before submission.  In addition, some of your letter writers may want to see a copy of your personal statement before they write your letter, so you should strive to have a competent draft by mid-March.

What should be included?

It is important to treat the personal statement as an answer to a question (i.e., the prompt), rather than the opportunity to flex your creative writing muscles. Indeed, most applicants are STEM majors without much experience in creative writing; therefore, it is recommended that you avoid using the essay to practice your creative writing skills and stick to simply addressing the prompt in a direct, concise way. Some questions you may want to consider while planning your essay are:

• Why have you selected the field of medicine, dentistry, or other health profession?
• What motivates you to learn more about medicine, dentistry, or other health profession?
• How have you demonstrated your interest and commitment to your decision?
• What experiences have allowed you to develop the skills necessary to be successful in this program and to become an effective physician, dentist, PA, etc.?
• Did you have any exposure to role models who influenced your decision? Which of their attributes inspired you?
• Are your perceptions of this profession realistic?
• What are your professional goals?
• Is there anything you wish for your chosen health professional schools to know about you that has not been disclosed in other sections of the application?

Depending on the nature of the prompt, you may also wish to include information such as:

• Unique hardships, challenges, or obstacles that may have influenced your educational pursuits.
• Commentary on significant fluctuations in your academic record that are not explained elsewhere in your application.

What should NOT be included?

• Avoid clichés and over-using/mis-using terms : How many times do you think admissions committees have read the phrase, “I want to become a physician because I like science and I want to help people”? Similarly, words like empathy and passion are, while applicable, can become empty in meaning when overused or misused. Consider exemplifying these terms, rather than simply stating them.
• Avoid unnecessary drama: While you may feel compelled to "hook" the reader with a dramatic opening to your statement, doing so may detract from the overall purpose (i.e., describing your decision to pursue medicine/dentistry) and may induce many an eye-roll by committee members.
• Avoid being vague : "[Insert experience] was challenging and rewarding." What does that mean? Be specific about what was impactful and how it affected you.
• Avoid brash decision-making :  Your decision to become a doctor/dentist should be the result of a series of thoughtful, conscious, and reflective decisions. NOT an instantaneous realization or epiphany. Similarly, you have not “always known” that you want to be a physician/dentist. No one is "born to be a doctor." Nothing is innate, you have to work for it.
• Avoid excuses :  In general, there are better uses for your personal statement than explaining away and justifying poor grades, incidents of misconduct, etc. Indeed, TMDSAS offers additional essays and opportunities to discuss these issues. However, if you choose to address these subjects, be sure to focus on what you have learned from those incidents and how your experiences have made you a stronger person.  Always accept responsibility and avoid blaming anyone else for your decisions or mistakes.
• Avoid restating your resume or activities section :  Choose ONE or TWO significant and distinguishing experiences to elaborate upon when outline the reasons behind your decision to pursue a career in healthcare. There is no need to narrate completely your 4+ years of college or carefully detail your activities from year to year; indeed, there are other sections in the application where you can detail your experiences and what you learned from each.
• Avoid grandiosity :  Claiming that you plan to cure cancer (or HIV, or healthcare disparities, or anything else) shows a grave lack of understanding of whatever problem you are planning to solve. Similarly, avoid “I know what it is like to be a physician/dentist from [shadowing/clinical volunteer experience].”  No, you do not.  That is precisely why you are hoping to go to medical/dental school.
• Avoid inflammatory or controversial topics :  You do not know the values, beliefs, and background of the committee member reading your essay.  For these reasons, you are advised to avoid making any strong statements regarding politics, religion, and other polarizing topics.  Be extremely cautious to avoid expressing any views that could be construed as derogatory to any group.  Additionally, your beliefs are not the only “correct” beliefs. 
• Do not lie :  Honesty and ethical behavior are the hallmarks of being a healthcare professional. Do not include details anywhere in your application or essay that you are not prepared to talk about or that are simply untrue.

Additional Recommendations

• Use simple formatting : Avoid the use of bullet-points, italics, and symbols.
• Read your statement aloud : As you draft your statement, reading what you have written aloud can help you determine whether your writing "flows" well and is an easy read for a reviewer.

Mission and Staff

Mission statement.

The Office of International Student Services (ISS) has the responsibility for meeting University federal compliance with regard to international students.  ISS strives to support international student success through the following endeavors:

• Advising students on immigration regulations that affect their status in the U.S.
• Providing programs that help promote cross-cultural adjustment
• Serving as a resource to the campus and international student communities
• Advocating for international students and international education

About Karen

Aloha! My name is Karen Michael Mikel and I am excited about being your international student advisor. I am a proud alumni as I have received both my undergraduate (2003) and graduate (2007) degrees in Asian Studies here. I come from Malaysia but I have been living in Hawaii since 2000. I loved my college years and now I love working with international students. I hope to assist you achieve your academic and professional goals. Outside of the office I enjoy eating out and yoga. I also love to travel domestically and internationally. Attending college is a great opportunity to grow, explore and make connections, make the most of it!

About Stephanie

Aloha! I was born and raised in Texas, moved to northern Sweden for my undergraduate degree in International Business, and eventually found my way to Hawaii to work in international education. I have lived in Hawaii since 2014 and received my MBA from Hawaii Pacific University. My favorite part of advising is learning about the unique experiences our international students have found during their educational journey. I truly believe your time abroad can change your whole perspective! In my spare time, I love traveling with my family, reading, trying new restaurants, yoga, and doing anything outdoors.

Aloha! My name is Lisa Houghtailing and I was born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii. A proud alumni of UH Manoa, I have a Master’s degree in Second Language Studies (SLS).  A former ESL (English as a Second Language) teacher, I love working with international students and helping them to achieve their personal, academic, and professional goals. In my spare time, I love to read, karaoke, explore the latest restaurants, and travel. E komo mai!

In my spare time, I lead a laid-back lifestyle (i.e., cheap) and try to live out my childhood dreams through my two boys.

Iryna Chorniy Administrative and Fiscal Support Specialist

About Iryna

Aloha! My name is Iryna, I was born in Ukraine and moved to the US when I was eleven. During my undergraduate years, I studied abroad in Chengdu. This experience gave me a new perspective on the world and affected and still continues to affect my life in countless ways; therefore, I am a strong believer that as many students as possible should study or intern abroad. I’ve graduated from UH Manoa with a Master’s degree in Asian International Affairs (MAIA) and spent two years living and learning from my fellow students from the Asia- Pacific region and beyond while at the East West Center. In my spare time, I enjoy cooking with friends, reading, and going to the beach.

Kendyll Dοi, IT Specialist

About Kendyll

Greetings. Born and raised here locally, I've had an interest in computers and related technology through most of my life. Mostly reserved, I keep this webpage operational and other things that involve technology as part of my goal to use my interests to help people. I am a person of few words or a lot of words, never inbetween.