University of Hawaii at Manoa Top Questions

What should every freshman at University of Hawaii at Manoa know before they start?

Nino

Life's not a race its good to take things at your own pace. If you're unsure about what you want to do at life you're not alone. Have fun on campus, make friends, take a variety of courses if you're not sure of what you want to do. If you're set on your goal then work hard for it. To some people it doesn't matter where you graduate from as long as you can work effectively in your career.

Elizabeth

I think anyone can make their college experience. You want to make sure you are at a place where you might know someone just in case there is trouble meeting people. You should get involved in sports and other acitivies. My school has dodgeball tournaments, concerts, and other students gathering acitivies that always bring the students together. The best advice is to find friends in classes and dorms so it will be easy to have study groups and stay involved in school activites.

Cortney

Really dig into the researching project but don't be afraid to be daring and just get out there and go somewhere you have never been. Life is an adventure an the time to experience all that there is to offer is now while you're young. Keep up with dates and deadlines as you apply and especially when you have decided where you want to go. Remember though that no matter where you end up everyone is in the same boat and the fact is if you are nervous and afraid it's ok because you are not alone. That's the comforting news. Once you have started your acedemic adventure don't get behind! It's so much harder to catch up! Above it all have fun and remember you're still learning about life and it's ok to make mistakes so long as you don't repeat them.

Casey

that students and parents should go to any on campus tour or see what the life is like during the actual school year if thats possible.

Caitlin

Go with your gut. College is a big step and if you don't follow your instincts you may not be as happy. I applied to two schools. Northern Arizona in Flagstaff and the University of Hawai'i in Manoa. Arizona was closer to home, in the comfort zone, and Hawai'i was an island I had never been to and over 3000 miles away. Growing up is about pushing yourself and knowing what you can and can't do. Somehow I knew deep down I could pack up my life and move to a place I had never even visited. I went with my gut and I have never been happier.

Lacey

I believe that the best thing to look at when choosing the right college is how the atmosphere is on campus. If you're a person who wants a whole new side of learning and likes to just listen to lectures and take notes on your own, you should think about attending a school with a high enrollment number. Another plus to this is that there might be more diversity, such as my school, and you'll get to know people from all over the world. But if you're the opposite of this, wanting more smaller classes, you should attend a school with a lower enrollment number. Even though there aren't as much people on campus, you really get to know your teachers and the people in your class. In order to make the most of one's college experience, I would say that you should study hard, be an active student, and just have fun. Complete your school work, get involved with your school or community, and also get to know your new-found friends. If you're satisfied with your college life, it means you're making the most of your experience.

Matt

On your college visit pretend you are a student there, people tend to be fake nice to possible applicants. Pretend to be a freshman and see what the school is like.

Edward

Do research and make sure it what you want to do.

Meghan

Choosing the right college today is like choosing the red or blue wire in a high-action flick. If you cut the right one, you save the day. If you cut the wrong one, you ruin your entire life and that of everyone around you. In reality, stressing over which college to attend is unnecessary and consuming. Life is much more complicated that a transcript may suggest. It is not so important to choose the perfect school for academic success as it is to live the experience and really be part of the environment. I?ve had job interviews, and instead of wondering why I got a B in world history, they were interested in how I did in men?s intramural basketball and how I managed to be one of the few that graduated from a school surrounded by the ocean in four years. College is about discovering who you are and what you want in life. The tests in life overrule those with set grades. But don?t trust me, I followed my heart in a crazy decision to move to Hawaii for school without ever having visited, and it was the best decision I have ever made.

Christin

Examine your needs as an individual to grow and mature, then pick a college that may fall in line with your goals and values. The college right for you will guide you in the direction of your aspirations and allow you an opportunity to experience diversity in life so you may become a stronger person by knowing yourself inside and out.

Clinton

When choosing the right school for yourself, there are obviously many factors to consider (the school's reputation, the specialty of the school, location, etc.). Taking this into account, though, the main thing that should attract you to a school isn't so much the curriculum, but you should carefully consider how comfortable you would feel going to that school. Even a top tier school like Havard can feel overwhelming for some people. You should remember that college isn't only about classes; it's also about the experience. During your four years of college life, you have the opportunity to make some friends that will last you your entire life. You can join clubs to meet other with similar interests to you or even try different things by broadening your mind. So if you are accepted to a reputable school, you should of course definitelly consider going there, but don't hesitate to actually visit campuses. By actually being there in person you can get a feel for the place that you just can't do with pictures or brochure alone. You have to make your college experience worth the tuition price. So don't be afraid to live.

Jon

This is truely one of the most influential times in your childs life, I cannot express enough how important it is to find a University that fits your child well. It will ultimately decide where and what they will do in life. College is about what your child makes of it and happiness, belongingness, and a motivated setting is extremely important. You are the parent this is crucial that you let your child know how important college is, remember, its their life and its ultimately their decision, but its always nice to hear what your parents have to say. Best of Luck!

Sean

If you are not absolutely sure what you want your major to be, dont try to force yourself to finish one because of what people have told you you should do. Take a little of everything and find out what you enjoy doing.

Qian

First, try to find the college which you can live at home. Renting is really expensive. Maybe go to a community college to finish your general requirement first, so you can save some money. Then, go to a university to begin your major study. If your 4-year-college is not very good for you, you can always apply for your favorite school as graduate school. You can go to ratemyprofessor.com to review the comments of professors, this is very useful for you to choose class. Don't take too many classes. Keep your GPA as high as you can. Social life is important, but you come to school to study, so remember which is more important. Try some couses which are not your major related at the first semester. Make some friends in clubs. Usually if you are in accounting club, you may all have the same classes in future. You can ask each other about professors and may exchange textbooks. Don't miss any chance to earn extra credits. You don't know when you are going to need it. Don't miss classes, even it's boring. You don't want it to become a habit.