ELIGIBILITY FOR ADMISSION
The University of Hawai‘i - West O‘ahu is a four-year baccalaureate degree-granting institution offering courses at its Pearl City campus and the Island Pacific Academy in Kapolei. UH West Oahu also offers distance learning options for Neighbor Island residents. A student may apply as a freshman, or as a transfer student. Freshmen Admission Requirements:
1. High school GPA: 2.7 cumulative GPA (on a 4.0 scale) based on the coursework listed below
2. High school coursework: (minimum 22 credits)
· 4 English credits
· 3 Math credits (including Algebra II and Geometry)
· 3 Natural Sciences credits
· 3 Social Studies credits
· 4 College Prep credits (e.g., Language, Fine Arts)
· 5 Elective credits
3. SAT-I or ACT test scores
Applicants who meet the freshman admission requirements 1 and 2 above, will automatically be admitted to UH West O‘ahu. Applicants are expected to submit official records for all admissions requirements.
Applicants who do not meet the minimum 2.7 cumulative GPA or the minimum 22 credits of coursework will be evaluated on SAT-I or ACT scores. Additionally, applicants will also be required to submit one letter of recommendation from a teacher and/or counselor and a one-page personal essay (Essay topic: Tell us about yourself and explain why you have chosen UH West O`ahu for your academic studies).
Transfer Student Admission Requirements:
A student who has successfully completed at least 24 semester credits of college coursework at any campus of the University of Hawai‘i or other regionally accredited college or university with a grade point average of 2.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale may be eligible for admission. (May have already completed 12 credits with 12 credits in progress.)
Students who have graduated with an Associate in Arts degree from a University of Hawai‘i community college or other accredited institutions with a grade point average of 2.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale are eligible for transfer. Students with an Associate in Arts degree in the liberal arts will be accepted as having completed general education requirements.
International Student Admission Requirements:
International students who apply for admission must meet special requirements in addition to the general requirements.
1. A complete and certified English translation of the student’s official record of achievement (transcript) must be submitted showing courses taken, a brief description of the course content, grades earned, passing and maximum grades, and student’s standing in class. Transcripts will not be considered official unless they are sent directly to the University of Hawai‘i - West O‘ahu by the previous institution.
2. The student must be able to read, write, speak and understand the English language. Applicants from countries where English is not the primary language, are required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and have the Educational Testing Service send the results to the Student Services Office. The TOEFL results are necessary in order to evaluate the student’s English proficiency in terms of probable ability to complete a degree at the University of Hawai‘i - West O‘ahu effectively. Information regarding the test dates, location and fees is available at: www.toefl.org.
3. University of Hawai‘i Supplementary Information Form for International Applicants must be completed. In addition, applicants must provide documentation that sufficient financial support is available to adequately cover all expenses while attending college in Hawai‘i.
4. A satisfactory physical examination report as specified by the University, including chest x-ray films, is required. In addition, students must carry complete health insurance for the period of their stay at the University.
5. The I-20 form, required by the United States Department of Justice, Immigration and Naturalization Service for a student visa, will be provided by the University after the special requirements outlined above are fulfilled, and the student has been accepted for admission.
6. The deadline for application and submission of all required documents is June 1 for the fall semester and November 1 for the spring semester. However, international students are encouraged to submit their applications as early as possible to allow adequate time for evaluation by the University.
Health Requirements:
State public health regulations require that all persons enrolling in any of Hawai‘i’s colleges and universities, submit a certificate indicating that they are free from active tuberculosis. This requirement applies to both part-time and full-time students. The examination for tuberculosis must be performed within twelve (12) months prior to post-secondary school enrollment.
A negative tuberculin skin test is required to certify that there is no active tuberculosis. If the skin test is positive, a chest x-ray will be required. The certificate must be submitted to the Student Services Office as part of the University’s admission requirements.
Written approval to attend class from the Department of Health must be obtained before any person found to have active tuberculosis is enrolled.
A tuberculin skin test can be obtained at any State Health Center. In the Leeward area, students may obtain skin tests at the Leeward O‘ahu Public Health Office, or the Leeward Health Center in Pearl City. Skin tests are also available at the Lanakila Health Center. Students are advised to call for information regarding service hours. X-rays may also be obtained at the Lanakila Health Center.
Students are also required to provide evidence of immunity to measles (rubeola). Those born in or before 1957 are assumed to have acquired natural immunity. All others must provide evidence of being vaccinated (MMR – two shot series). Health insurance coverage is required of all international students.