We recommend that prospective students complete four years of English, four years of history or social science, three years of math, and two years of science.
HPU encourages students to take honors sections of courses and Advanced Placement (AP) courses if available at their high school. Students who have taken AP examinations or higher level courses in the International Baccalaureate Program should have the results forwarded to the Office of Admissions. These results will be evaluated for proper advanced standing and/or credit.
SAT I or ACT scores are required for U.S. students applying directly from high school. If these scores are not posted on your transcript please contact the appropriate testing office to have your scores sent directly to HPU.
The personal statement is your opportunity to let the admissions committee know more about yourself. You may submit writing samples, a personal essay or poetry, it's up to you and how you wish to express yourself. There is no set length required.
Letters of recommendation may be submitted but are not required for all applicants. You will be notified if letters of recommendation will be required to complete your application.
We do not use a formula of your GPA, class rank and SAT I /ACT score to make an admission decision. We take a more holistic approach. When reviewing your transcripts we consider not just your GPA but also the strength of your class schedule, SAT I and or ACT results, extracurricular activities, the personal statement you provide and your academic area of interest. An admission decision is made based on all of these factors. Our priority deadline for fall semester is March 1st, however, applications are reviewed on a rolling basis year-round. Once your application is complete it usually takes two weeks for an admission decision, depending upon the time of the year. If you have questions regarding your admissions decision contact the admissions office with the email link on the left of this page.
Admissions into Marine Biology, Oceanography, and Environmental Science majors.
For admission to these scientifically rigorous majors as a freshman with regular status, students must have a secondary school record that clearly demonstrates both ability and motivation. In addition to satisfying all the regular Hawai'i Pacific University requirements, students must have completed three years of high school science courses including biology, chemistry (physics is recommended), and mathematics through trigonometry (calculus is recommended), with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better in these courses.
