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UNDERSTANDING THE PROCESS
UNDERSTANDING THE PROCESS
With college in the horizon, students are reminded their academic performance is the first component post-secondary institutions (colleges and universities) will look at when reviewing an application. Students are encouraged to take rigorous courses and maintain consistent grades throughout their high school years. Inconsistent final grades or a lighter course load during your senior year, may not present you as a competitive applicant.
With college in the horizon, students are reminded their academic performance is the first component post-secondary institutions (colleges and universities) will look at when reviewing an application. Students are encouraged to take rigorous courses and maintain consistent grades throughout their high school years. Inconsistent final grades or a lighter course load during your senior year, may not present you as a competitive applicant.
2025 Hawaii College Guide Article (Honolulu Magazine, 2025)
Recommended Minimum 4 Year College Admissions Requirements
Recommended Minimum 4 Year College Admissions Requirements
It is recommended that more math and science be taken to be competitive in college admissions. Advanced Placement courses are also highly recommended. Cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) needs to be as high as possible to be competitive. Upon graduation, applicants should have completed:
It is recommended that more math and science be taken to be competitive in college admissions. Advanced Placement courses are also highly recommended. Cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) needs to be as high as possible to be competitive. Upon graduation, applicants should have completed:
- 4 years of English
- 4 years of Social Studies
- 3+ years of Laboratory Sciences
- 3+ years of Math (including Algebra 1 & 2, Geometry)
- 2+ years of Foreign Language
- 1+ years of a Fine/Performing Art
With thousands and thousands of schools across the national and around the world, how does a student determine which college is best for them?
With thousands and thousands of schools across the national and around the world, how does a student determine which college is best for them?
First, students need to know there is no perfect school and they should not pay attention to national rankings. A successful college experience is based upon willing the student is to become an active and engaged partcipant in their campus community. Just because you attend the number one ranked school, does not guarantee you will have an amazing experience or that you will be sucessful later in life.
First, students need to know there is no perfect school and they should not pay attention to national rankings. A successful college experience is based upon willing the student is to become an active and engaged partcipant in their campus community. Just because you attend the number one ranked school, does not guarantee you will have an amazing experience or that you will be sucessful later in life.
Secondly, students must determine characteristics, preferences and realistic needs in the following categories to help create a match or fit unique to them:
Secondly, students must determine characteristics, preferences and realistic needs in the following categories to help create a match or fit unique to them:
- Academic Fit: Is your academic record (GPA and test scores) similar to those accepted in the previous group of first-year students? Does the college offer a program/major in your career of interest?
- Personal Fit: How will a college support your personal, extracurrciular, social and academic interests? Is the college located in an geographical area you can thrive in for a number of years?
- Financial Fit: Can you afford this college? What types of aid can you qualify for to help off-set the cost? Students and parents must have a conversation to determine realistic financial contributions early in the application process.
Finally, students are reminded to give it their best shot. They will never know unless they try!
Finally, students are reminded to give it their best shot. They will never know unless they try!
The Right Way to Choose a College (Article from The Wall Street Journal by Denise Pope, 2019)
College Admission Glossary: Learn the Lingo (Webpage from College Board's BigFuture)
What is Trending in College Admissions? (Article from Forbes, Dec. 2020)
How to Help Teens Find a Good College Fit, From a University President (Webpage from Gown & Flown, Nov. 2020)
15 Hidden Costs of College to Consider Before Your Teen Leaves Home (Webpage from Grown & Flown, Aug. 2019)
A "Fit" Over Rankings: Why College Engagement Matters More Than Selectivity (Executive Summary from Challenge Success)
FEE WAIVERS FOR
FEE WAIVERS FOR
COLLEGE APPLICATIONS
COLLEGE APPLICATIONS
Graduating students who have limited financial resources may qualify for a fee waiver to be used towards certain college applications.
Graduating students who have limited financial resources may qualify for a fee waiver to be used towards certain college applications.
To determine eligibility, parents must qualify for the National School Lunch Program (also referred to as the Free Reduced Lunch Program), TRIO Program or Upward Bound.
To determine eligibility, parents must qualify for the National School Lunch Program (also referred to as the Free Reduced Lunch Program), TRIO Program or Upward Bound.
If families have not already completed this form through the Department of Education, they may complete MBTA's online form found on our website, under Admission - Forms or click HERE to link directly.
If families have not already completed this form through the Department of Education, they may complete MBTA's online form found on our website, under Admission - Forms or click HERE to link directly.
Confirmation of eligibility must be verified PRIOR TO submitting any college applications.
Confirmation of eligibility must be verified PRIOR TO submitting any college applications.
Email the College Counselor upon completion to verify if a student qualifies for the fee waiver.
Email the College Counselor upon completion to verify if a student qualifies for the fee waiver.
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