Four-year colleges/universities
Four-year colleges/universities
A 4-year college offers advanced education, and diverse bachelor's degrees, and prepares you for rewarding careers while making you a well-rounded citizen.
Is four-year college for me?
Is four-year college for me?
College expands your education and career opportunities but is expensive—plan financially early.
Reduce student loan debt by selecting the right school, applying for financial aid, and seeking scholarships.
It's okay to switch from a 4-year college plan to a 2-year college if needed.
Colleges consider your GPA from 9th grade onward—keep it high for better acceptance chances.
Choose a major that aligns with both your passion and financial goals.
While some colleges de-emphasize SAT/ACT scores, preparing well can still benefit you.
Meet with your counselor to explore majors and college options.
4-Year College Application Process Guide
4-Year College Application Process Guide
Freshman & Sophomore Year (Preparation)
Focus on Academics – Maintain a strong GPA and take challenging courses (AP, honors, Early College if available).
Extracurricular Involvement – Join clubs, sports, or community service activities to build leadership and passion.
Career Exploration – Research potential careers and college majors to help guide future decisions.
Summer Enrichment – Consider internships, summer programs, or volunteer work related to your interests.
Junior Year (Research & Testing)
Take the PSAT – Helps qualify for National Merit Scholarships and gives SAT practice.
Standardized Tests – Take the SAT or ACT (spring semester)
College Research – Create a list of colleges based on academics, location, cost, and career goals.
Campus Visits – If possible, tour colleges to get a feel for campus life.
Letters of Recommendation – Start building relationships with teachers and mentors for future recommendations.
Senior Year (Applications & Decisions)
Summer Before Senior Year
Finalize your college list.
Start writing your personal statement and essays.
Fall (August – November)
Apply for Early Decision/Early Action (if applicable) – Deadlines are typically in November.
Complete College Applications – Submit applications through the Common App or individual college portals.
Request Letters of Recommendation – Give teachers and counselors a minimum of 2 weeks to write them.
Winter (December – March)
Apply for financial aid (FAFSA and CSS Profile if required).
Submit scholarship applications.
Send mid-year transcripts to colleges if needed.
Spring (April – May)
Review acceptance letters and compare financial aid offers.
Make a final college decision and submit your enrollment deposit by May 1.
Prepare for housing applications, orientation, and course registration.
Getting Ready to Apply
Getting Ready to Apply
College Admission Decision Types
College Admission Decision Types
Early Decision (ED) – A binding agreement where students apply early (typically by November) and commit to attending if accepted. This can improve acceptance chances but restricts the ability to compare financial aid offers.
Early Action (EA) – A non-binding option allowing students to apply early (usually by November) and receive an early response (December or January) while retaining the freedom to apply to multiple schools.
Regular Decision (RD) – The most common application process, with non-binding deadlines typically between December and March. Students receive decisions in spring and can compare multiple offers before the standard commitment deadline (May 1).
Rolling Admission – A flexible process where colleges review applications as they arrive and issue decisions on a rolling basis, usually within a few weeks. Some schools continue accepting applications until all spots are filled.
Restrictive Early Action (REA) – A non-binding early application option where students cannot apply early decision or early action to other private colleges. However, they may still apply early to public universities.
Open Admission – A non-selective policy where colleges accept all applicants who meet basic requirements, such as having a high school diploma or GED. Common at community colleges and some four-year institutions.
The DOE and Hawai'i P-20 have partnered to help you go to college
The DOE and Hawai'i P-20 have partnered to help you go to college
Hawaii_P20_Road_Map_05.28.24.pdfStart your research!
Appily.com - College Search, Match, Virtual Tours, Scholarships, and more
Career search links- FSA or College Board
Common App - Some of you might end up using something called the Common App to apply to college. Go to this link to find helpful information that will acquaint you with the Common App. You will learn how it works, understand some of the unfamiliar terms, and more.
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