HawCC is open to any high school graduate or person 18 years of age or older who can benefit from the instruction offered. We have a very diverse student population, which creates a very dynamic learning community. We welcome you to join us and experience for yourself the benefits and advantages of higher education. Admission to Hawai'i Community College is based upon an "open door policy". This means that we do not selectively choose who will be accepted and who will be denied admission. As long as you submit all of the requested documents for admission, you should be acceptanced. No SAT scores, high school transcripts or GED/high school diploma is necessary in order to be admitted to HawCC.

For state of Hawai'i applicants, or native Hawai'ian applicants, it's free to apply! So check out the steps necessary to apply today!

Easy steps to apply

Step 1: Pick up a "University of Hawai'i System Application Form" from:

1. Your local high school counselor
   
2. Admissions and Records Office at HawCC (Manono Campus)
   
3. University of Hawai'i Center at West Hawai'i, Student Services Office in Kealakekua
   
4. Call (808) 974-7753 to request an application be mailed to you
   
5. E-mail hawccar@hawaii.edu to request an application
   

This application form (which is really only the last page of the booklet) should be turned in to the Admissions and Records Office (Manono Campus if attending in Hilo or West Hawai'i campus if attending in Kona). If you are not a Hawai'i Resident, there will be a $25 application fee for processing. Once the application is completed, it generally takes about 2-3 weeks before receiving your acceptance letter in the mail.

Step 2: Submit proof of TB Clearance & Measles Immunity to A&R
All new and returning students must submit proof of TB Clearance and Measles immunity (if you were born after 1956). TB proof can be in the form of 1) TB card issued by the Department of Health or your doctor 2) a form issued by the UH-Hilo Student Health Services Nurse or 3) a chest x-ray. The date of proof must be less than a year old.

In Hilo, TB testing is available for $3.00 at the Student Health Service (808) 974-763, Campus Center, Room 212 on Mondays from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. You must return for your reading in 2 to 3 days. No appointment is necessary. Free TB testing is available at the Department of Health, 191 Kuawa St. on Mondays from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Or, inquire at your private doctor's office.

All new and returning students born after 1956 are expected to be immunized against measles (Rubeola). If you need to be immunized, measles (MMR) immunizations are available for $3.00 at the Student Health Services Office on Monday and Thursday between 8:30 a.m. and 12:00 p.m.

Okay! That's all you need to do to apply for admission to HawCC...now, follow the next few steps to ensure that you've done everything necessary to prepare for your first day of class!

Step 3: Complete the Financial Aid application (if aid is needed)
The Financial Aid form can be picked up from any local high school, the HawCC Counseling Office or the Financial Aid Office located on the Manono Campus. For more information click on the Financial Aid website.

Step 4: Take the Placement Tests (Reading, Writing & Math)
Don't worry too much about the placement tests. It is not something you "pass" or "fail", it is not a test of right or wrong...we just want to determine your level of reading, writing and math. To make an appointment for the placement test, call (808) 974-7503. Testing is free and takes approximately 3 hours. A photo ID showing Social Security number and self-addressed stamped envelope are required. The placement tests are administered at The Learning Center, located on the UH-Hilo campus. In West Hawai'i, contact Student Services at (808) 322-4856 for appointments and information on testing times and locations. For students with disabilities needing accommodations, contact Karen Kane at (808) 974-7741.

Step 5: Have you previously attended another college?
If you have, then you may want your transcripts to be evaluated at HawCC. Request an official transcript to be sent directly to Hawai'i Community College, Admissions and Records Office, 200 W. Kawili St., Hilo, HI 96720. We also need copies of course descriptions if you attended a school outside of the state of Hawai'i. You may also want to request an unofficial copy of your transcript for yourself. During registration, you can use this unofficial copy to help with selecting appropriate classes. If you have previously taken English and math classes, this may eliminate your need to take the placement exam. Check out this link for more information on Transfer Credit Evaluations.

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Transfer Credit Evaluations

Transfer students are those who previously attended another college or university (including UH-Hilo) other than HawCC. Students who are transferring to HawCC can arrange for their official college transcripts to be sent to the Admissions & Records office to start the evaluation process. Transfer Credit Evaluation is a lengthy process, generally initiated after a student enrolls for classes. In addition to official transcripts, course descriptions may be required in order to complete the evaluation.

The following are guidelines regarding transfer credit evaluations:

1. Schools attended must be accredited institutions (during the period of enrollment).
   
2. Courses accepted must be at the 100-200 level, no 300+ coursework accepted.
   
3. Grades of D or better are accepted for UH System schools, outside of the UH system, grades of C or better are accepted.
   
4. There is no general timeframe of how long credits are good for.
   
5. International transcripts must be translated into English.
   
6. Some military courses are acceptable for credit at HawCC.
   
7. Only credits, not grades are transferable at HawCC.

Step 6: Attend SOAR (Student Orientation, Advising & Registration)
Orientation is a very important first step in succeeding in college. Please check out our Orientation page for more specific details.

International Students
HawCC welcomes international students from around the world! We invite you to apply and take advantage of the wonderful learning opportunities available to you at Hawai'i Community College. To become a student here, follow these additional steps:

1. In addition to following the application steps outlined above, international students must also request and submit supplementary information forms at least 2 weeks prior to the published deadline dates. These supplementary forms can be obtained through our Admissions & Records Office. Call (808) 974-7753 or e-mail hawccar@hawaii.edu for forms to be mailed to you.
   
2. To be eligible for admission, international students must submit the results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). The minimum accepted score at HawCC is 470. Information about TOEFL may be obtained from the American Embassy or Consulate offices in most countries, or by writing directly to: Test of English as a Foreign Language, Box 899, Princeton, New Jersey 08540, USA or visit them at www.toefl.org.
   
3. All non-resident international students must demonstrate proof of enrollment in a health and accident insurance program. Insurance plans may be available through the Student Health Services office, contact them for further information.
   
4. Applicants must also submit evidence of having completed the equivalent of a U.S. high school education. Such evidence may include an official copy of secondary school academic records, and/or official certificates of the results of qualifying exams. All transcripts must be in English
   
5. Since Financial Aid is not available to students from other countries (except those from Micronesia), international students must provide verification from a sponsor of financial support. A minimum of $18,000 U.S. dollars must be verified as being available for use in case of financial emergency. Proof can be submitted in the form of a bank statement.
   
6. As a non-resident student, there is a non-refundable application fee of $25. Make checks or money orders payable to Hawai'i Community College.

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Special Early Admit (for current high school students)
The Early Admission Program is intended to encourage highly motivated and academically and/or vocationally talented high school juniors or seniors to advance in their schooling by supplementing their regular high school work with selected college courses. After consultation with their high school counselor and the College Admissions staff, qualified candidates may be admitted on a part-time, non-degree status. Acceptance is valid for a particular semester only and continuation in the program is dependent upon the maintenance of a 2.0 grade point average (GPA). Any student interested in seeking early admission can contact the Counseling Office at (808) 974-7741 for more information

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Residency Information
Definition of a Hawai'i Resident: A student is deemed a resident of the State of Hawai'i for tuition purposes if the student (18 years or older) or the student (under 18) and his/her parents or legal guardian have:

1. Demonstrated intent to permanently reside in Hawai'i
   
2. Been physically present in Hawai'i for the 12 consecutive months prior to the first day of instruction
   
3. Has not been claimed as a dependent (whether adult or minor) for tax purposes by his/her parents or legal guardians who are not legal residents of Hawai'i.
   

1. Voting/registering to vote in the state of Hawai'i
   
2. Filing Hawai'i State Resident Personal Income Tax Return
   
3. Permanent employment
   
4. Leasing or owning a home/land in Hawai'i
   
5. Obtaining a Hawai'i State Drivers License and/or registering a vehicle in Hawai'i
   

Veterans
HawCC is an approved educational institution for education and training under the Veteran's Educational Assistance Act (GI Bill) and Dependents' Act. Information regarding eligibility, entitlement and types of training authorized may be obtained from the Veterans Administration Regional Office.

Veterans who are registering for the first time under the GI Bill must present a certified copy of Form DD 214 (formal discharge papers) and form 22-1990 (Application for Education Benefits) to the Admissions and Records Office. Dependents of disabled veterans and survivors of veterans whose cause of death was service related, who register for the first time under any provision of the Federal Veterans' Bill, must complete and present VA Form 22-5490 to the HawCC Admissions and Records Office, Manono Campus. For more information, call 1-800-827-1000 or (808) 974-7662.

To meet with a counselor regarding veteran benefits, contact Karen Kane at (808) 974-7741.

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Summer Session
Admission to summer session is open to high school juniors and seniors, high school graduates and individuals 18 years of age or older. Juniors & Seniors must obtain a letter from their high school counselor or principal certifying that they are in good academic standing and capable of performing at the college level.

Special applications are made available for each summer session. Applications can be obtained through A&R, Manono Campus or the WHSS Office in Kealakekua. Please note that attendance during summer session does not constitute admission to HawCC's Fall or Spring semester as a degree candidate. A separate application would need to be submitted for Fall or Spring enrollment.

For more information regarding summer session enrollment, contact Admissions & Records at (808) 974-7661.

University of Hawai'i Center at West Hawai'i
If you live on the West side of the island of Hawai'i, you can attend classes at the University of Hawai'i Center at West Hawai'i in Kealakekua. For more information about the West Hawai'i Campus check out their website at:
http://www.hawaii.edu/ovppp/distlearn/uhcenters/ucwh/welcome.htm

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