Freshmen applicants to the University of Hawaii have completed fewer than 24 transferable college units or are still in high school. They are required to finish a variety of high school courses before starting at the school, including four years of English and other college prep courses, three years of science and social studies and five electives. Foreign language classes count as other college prep courses. Freshmen must take either the SAT or ACT. A minimum score of 510 is required on each SAT section and a minimum score of 22 on each ACT section. A cumulative high school grade point average (GPA) of 2.8 is also required, and a ranking in the top 40 percent of the graduating class.
Transfer students must complete at least 24 transferable credits before acceptance. Hawaii residents must have a 2.0 cumulative transfer GPA and non-Hawaii residents must have a 2.5 cumulative GPA. Professional programs may require higher GPAs and additional coursework. Each college or university attended must submit official transcripts.
Prospective freshman international students should check with their departments to find out any prerequisite coursework they should complete in high school. They also must take the SAT or ACT. Transfer students must have completed at least 24 transferable credits and have a 2.5 cumulative GPA. International students must also take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). The test validates students can use and understand enough English to succeed in college, whether via reading, writing, listening or speaking. Take the TOEFL via computer, Internet or paper, depending on location. International students must score a minimum of 173 on the computer version, 61 on the Internet or 500 on paper. Some students are exempt from taking the TOEFL based on their SAT or ACT scores, their location or other test scores.
Second bachelor's degree applicants have already completed a recognized bachelor's degree or higher. These students must show there is a definite difference in curriculum between the degree they want to pursue and the degree they have already completed. They must have earned their first bachelor's degree by the beginning of their first term. Second bachelor's degree students must have a 2.0 GPA if they are Hawaii residents and 2.5 if they are not residents.