So I’m currently a junior in high school and looking for colleges that are kinda away from my home city. I’m looking at trying to get into a UC school (University of California) but realized that UH Manoa seems REALLY cool, in terms of getting that adventure out of the college experience. I have 3 weighted classes, 4.1 GPA, section leader in our marching band, vice president of a club, compete in flute competitions, etc. I haven’t officially taken the SAT but I’m shooting for a 1200 hopefully?? I’m a horrible test taker. I’m not saying all this for the purpose of bragging, but I’m wondering if going for a college with a relatively high acceptance rate, is kind of selling myself out.
I want to get out of California to be able to be more independant and adventurous, and I feel like Hawaii could give that to me. Or should i go for a higher ranked school?
I live in California and I am looking at UCs as well. I went to a college fair yesterday and I talked to the man at the UH booth and I was really interested! I had heard of UH before obviously, but I didn’t consider it an option for me until yesterday. I am really interested in knowing what student life is like at UH. Do they have a wild social life? Or more quiet? Additionally, I would want to know where I fall in terms of the student GPAs because I would like to be challenged academically (but of course not too much)! This being said, I don’t think UH is not academically sound by any means, I would just like to see where they fall in the stats.
Laid back and chill. That’s UH student life. It’s a huge public school so there are wild groups and there are quiet groups. You just hang out with the people you like. You don’t have to worry about wardrobe for sure. If you have several t-shirts and shorts, you are covered. You don’t even need shoes. Eveyone walks around barefeet. (well, not everyone, but that’s the vibe)
I spent at UH one year for undergrad and three years for grad school. I eventually got cabin fever. I’m from a big city and was used to all the concerts and musicals and museums, etc.etc. which were not easily available in Hawaii.
I loved the experience of the Hawaiian culture and it sure enriched my life. It’s like my second home. (I was in UH marching band and I also took Hula class!) It’s one of a kind place. But if you want the academic rigor, maybe it’s not a place for you (unless you want East Asian studies, Astronomy or Marine Science.)
California is a big state, so you can go to a UC or CSU that is away from where you grew up and still get in-state tuition.
UH is in the Western Undergraduate Exchange for most majors, so there is a discount from the usual out-of-state tuition. See https://manoa.hawaii.edu/admissions/undergrad/financing/wue.html and http://www.hawaii.edu/finaid/tuition.html .
In terms of campus life, UH has about 57% of frosh living in the dorms, so there is a substantial commuter population, due to being in the largest concentration of population in the state. See http://www.collegedata.com/cs/data/college/college_pg05_tmpl.jhtml?schoolId=1100 .
UH incoming frosh academic stats can be found at http://www.collegedata.com/cs/data/college/college_pg02_tmpl.jhtml?schoolId=1100 .
Be sure to talk to your parents about what they are willing to contribute money-wise for your college costs.