Hawaii Pacific University Top Questions

IF I COULD GO BACK IN TIME I WOULD TELL MYSELF TO GET MY DEGREE WHEN I LEFT HIGH SCHOOL AND NOT PUT IT OFF. TRANSITIONING FROM HIGH SCHOOL TO COLLEGE ISNT DIFFICULT IF YOU KEEP UP WITH THE WORK AND DONT ALLOW YOURSELF TO GET BEHIND. IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS DONT BE AFRAID TO ASK THEM CAUSE YOU PROBABLY AREN'T THE ONLY ONE WITH THAT QUESTION. THE REASON I SAY DON'T PUT IT OFF IS THAT, THE LONGER YOU ARE OUT OF SCHOOL THE MORE YOU FORGET AND ONCE YOU HAVE A FAMILY IT IS HARDER TO BACK TO SCHOOL. I NOW HAVE TWO BOYS 1 AND 3 AND MY HUSBAND IS IN THE MARINE CORPS, SO IT IS HARDER TO GO TO SCHOOL FULL TIME AND STILL BE ABLE TO TAKE CARE OF EVERYONE'S NEEDS AT HOME. HOWEVER IT IS NOT IMPOSSIBLE EVEN WHEN MY HUSBAND IS GONE.

If I could go back into time to better prepare myself for college would be is the manage my time well. Partying will always be there but right now is the time to focus on school because it will determine the rest of your life. True friends will be there to support you through everything and don't worry about losing friends. Most importantly now is the time to develope good study habits because you don't college is going to give you a rough time. Set an ultimate goal and then set smaller ones to help you achieve your ultimate goal because that is what big goals are; just a bunch of small goals accomplished one after another.

I would tell myself to read more books and gain as much knowledge as I could retain. When I first got to college after high school I didn't always comprehend what I was reading. If I could go back I would advise myself to read more educational books and sharpen my vocabulary skills. I would also advise myself to not just do the things neccessary to get by but excell in everything no matter if it was big or small. I would also tell myself to seek pride in my accomplishments and that I dont have to impress teachers but to just be proud of myself and what I have achieved. Other than those few things, I am proud of who I was then and Who I am now. I wouldnt change anything else. I graduated with honors and am now in a Surgical Technology program at my college. Im very proud of myself, i just wish I would have seeked more knowledge back then so that I can be the best at what I do now.

The best advice I could give myself would be not to be influence by others too easily, and college is pretty much the same thing like high school but a little more reading and studying.

Dear Tierra, I am writing to you to to give you some insight regarding post high school. I know high school should be fun but I want you to take into consideraion everything you want after high school because your choices now will deifinitely have a impact on you later. After high school you are in total control of your decisions and no one is going to be there to tell you what to do, it is truly up to you in everything you do. Don't see yourself short, if you want something then go get it. Anything is possible if you put your mind to it, but in order to achieve you need to put in the effort (you get what you put in). Last but not least I want to let you know that school isn't cheap, it takes a toll financially. So I would recommend that you keep those grades up, stay involved with school, and try to get as much scholarships as you can. It will be all worth it in the end, work hard now, play later.

I know that for me, finding the right college was a little challenging. There are so many options and when you are fresh out of high school, you don't always know exactly what you're looking for. I would tell parents and students, in search of the right college, to make a list of everything they would like for their school to include; such as sports, majors, housing, student population ...etc. After they have completed their list, I would look for schools that seem to fit for them and then visit a few of them. Many schools may be very different than they appear to be online, so a visit to the campus can often be a deal breaker. As for enjoying and making the most of your college experience, I would tell students to live it up. Get involved in sports and clubs, make new friends and really try to enjoy yourself. If you feel homesick, remember it will pass. Don't hold anything back and just take a chance. College is an amazing place to find out who you really are, get a great education and make life long friends...enjoy every minute of it!

Make sure that the school provides enough financial aid

One thing I would suggest is to have a list or preconceived notion of what you are looking for in a college. For example, I wanted a school that had smaller class sizes because that was what I was used to and felt would be the most conducive to my learning process. Secondly, if you do not have a major already picked out, try to choose a school that has a variety of majors that appeal to you. If you already have a particular career choice, make sure that the school is properly accredited. Furthermore, if you have a prospective candidate, I would also suggest scheduling a tour of the campus. Once enrolled, it is always important to keep in mind that although school does come first, you should always take time out for yourself (whether that be through reading or exercising or just hanging out with friends). College is more than just another schooling process; it is a once in a lifetime event that should be experienced to the fullest.

The one thing I appreciate about my parents is how they allowed me to attend this school knowing that it is a private school as well as an expensive school. Follow your heart and your dreams is what I'd tell students/parents. Any college or university is good as long as the individual is happy being where they are. College is the icing on the cake to becoming an adult. It's the time to have some last childhood memories as the same time as learning to grow up. It's the time to find yourself and be the person you want to be and not what others want you to be. This is the time that you need to be you.

Go and visit the colege and then talk to multiple students and take the consenus of all to get overall feeling behind the school.

I would advise parents to be more concerned about the environment of the school. I never realized what kind of school I was going to until I actually got there. The main thing is to choose a place were you know your kids will be happy and willing to succeed.

Like the NIKE commercials JUST DO IT!!! At first I was really home sick, it just took me time to settle in and find my place amongst friends. Everyone in Hawaii is so nice and helpful. I also love how the students are very diverse in cultures, because there are many international students. I get to hear, taste and see some of these cultures first hand. They end up being good friends and acquaintances at the time I?ve been here at HPU.

When looking for a school, I believe it is best to find areas that make you comfortable as well as areas that help push you to be the best you can be. It is best to find a college that will help you come out as a person, something that will truely make you experience college life and know your self better.

MY ADVICE FOR PARENTS IS THAT THEY SHOULD GO WITH THEIR CHILDS WISHES IN ATTENDING A COLLEGE AND SUPPORT THEIR OPTIONS IN ATTENDING THEIR OWN CAREER BECAUSE IF THEY CHOOSE WHAT THEIR PARENTS WANT, THEY WOULDN'T SUCCEED IN EDUCATION AND LIFE. JUST BE HAPPY THAT YOUR CHILD HAS A SET GOAL FOR THEMSELVES AND MAYBE YOU CAN OFFER SOME PLANS BUT DO NOT PUSH THEM TO DO WHAT YOUR DREAMS ARE.

I think parents need to pick schools that are friendly and focus on the students needs. Hawaii Pacific University is able to do this by having smaller classes. Everyone feels close together and by the end of the semester you feel like family. It's great when you feel like you belong which increases your desire to do well. I am so happy to get my education at HPU and make life long friends as well.

I would suggest you look for the program you are interested in and apply to at least 5 colleges to give you a choice.

You need to decide where your interests lie and make your choice based on thoses interests.

I would tell incoming students to research and visit universities. Talk to advisors and staff, make sure the university is the right fit for you.

To find the right college, parents and students need to first ask the question "what do I value?". Most college transfers leave the colleges they were attending because it failed to meet a desire that the student valued as being an essential, whether it be college life, the campus, academics, career path, or, in many cases, affordability. By making an honest and self-reflective list of what is desired most from a college, making the right choice will be much easier, and the college experience will be much more fulfilling. However, some desires may clash, such as college experience versus affordability. In a day where college is being viewed as the standard instead of the extra step into a good career, some sort of value needs to be assigned to the outcome of college, and this will lead to the question, "what is this college going to do for me?". Students need to remember that very often the first four years is not going to be the end of the higher education process, and that a jump-start into a good career may mean making that 6-8 year commitment.

Follow your desires, dreams, and goals. The key thing to remember, education is the key success. The sky is limit, and never let any obstacle stand in the way of your goals. College is a time that can fly by, so remember to enjoy ever moment and never take a class for grantite. Remember, to have fun and just follow your heart. You are in it, for you!

Determine what is most important to the student: a new environment, nearness of family, career choice, etc. Pray and trust that God will provide all your needs as you (parents and students) open yourselves up to a new chapter in your lives. Things have worked out amazingly for me and I know that God is the reason. Don't be afarid to step outside of your shell, it's totally worth it! I'm extremely greatful and blessed!

I think that it's most important to go to the college walk aroudn the campus and see what they have to offer for you... DON'T BE AFRAID TO GO FAR AWAY

For students, I would advise them to look at the size of the school and the activities or clubs that are provided. By looking into this information it will help you meet close friends and enjoy yourtime at school. Parents should look closely at the Financial Aid to make sure that your son/ daughter is eligable before apply, otherwise you might be stuck paying a lot of money. One major thing to keep in mind is to not go to a certain school because your friends are, most of the time people move on and find new friends.

If you are planning on attending a 4 year college I suggest to find a college that best fits you and one that you know you will be focused and most concentrated at because at the end, your choices and what your outlook on college is will mosty definitely benefit you in the end and everything you went through in college will be well worth it.

Visit the campuses.

The most obvious things to consider are Major, Location, Housing and Costs--however, there is much more to consider . Has the student ever been away from home for a significant amount of time? If so, how did the student do? Location is a huge factor, most students do best about an hour or two from home. A safe enough distance to provide freedom without excluding students from their safety net. Next comes finances: will the student live on or off campus, how is food provided (school cafeteria or out of pocket), how will the student get around (personal or public transportation), and what is the cost of living in prospective state? Personal experience lends me to suggest that students need to think seriously about comfort zones (roommates, distance, social scene) and plan accordingly. Arrange your class schedule early to plan time for jobs, papers, and the much needed social time. Above all, make sure that the student provides an "out" for his/herself . Overworking and high-stress situations occur most frequently during the first year, students should try to schedule a day or two off per week for themselves in order to accomplish maximum goals.

In order to choose the right college for the student, they must know what they are interested and how they would like their surroundings to be. If one is a student athlete they should consider the college's sports program in their specific sport. Also the most important is what field they are interested in going into. If money is a consideration then one would also have to see the price range for the college one thinks they are interested in. Once the student knows what they want to do and what they like it is easier to find your college.

To parents of students entering into college, make sure your child chooses the school that they want to go to and not where you want them to orelse they will simply go through college regretting the choice that they made. There are a million schools to choose from with the same opportunities from each school, so it is your child's choice to take the opportunity. After all, your child will be the one stuck in the school most likely for four years. Also, don't force your child into a career, they will choose one that they enjoy doing. To students entering into college, only you are resposible for making the most out of your college experience. Take a visit to the colleges you plan to apply to and try to picture yourself into that environment. Only you are responsible for your choice of college, not your parents. If your parents choose, then you probably won't enjoy it as much as you'd like to. You will make friends as you go along, so don't exclude yourself. Enjoy yourself and make the most of college. Study hard, have fun and you'll do fine.

Go to the best college in the country for the major you intend on completing.

Some advice i would give to students atending college is remember that your college experience is what you make it. Time management is key, there is always time to do everything that you want if you spend your time wiesly. Priorities, remember that school is first, class is important and always make time for fun too. Save your money and spend what you have wisely. Be grateful of your parents, they just want whats best. You dont have to know what your doing with your life right when you get to college, its all about finding what you want. For parents sending there kids to college. Remember that you were once their age, they will learn and please push and support your kids in what it is that they want, they will thank you in the long run.

Take your time when you are making your decision and go with your gut. Make sure you check out all of your options, but don't go to college for anyone but yourself!

i would say look at all the campuses and decide which one is best for you. look to see if the major you want is offered at the school and how well is the program. and turn in all your papers on time. and dont stress about anything!

you really need to ask the students when you visit beforehand. not just one or two but research should be done about teachers, faculty, living situations

In my experience as a parent, I would encourage my children to strive hard and set their goals as high as possible. I would advice students that are already attending college to take any opportunity given or risks that is offered to them because it could eventually led to where you want to be in life. Be sure to take the time to find out as much information and resources that you can utilize to get the best education that you could possibly imagine. There is nothing in life that comes easy but if you work hard at it, all your dreams will come true. Enjoy every experience and keep an open mind to the many possibilities that could be. Keep your head up. Be confident and trust your instincts in the choices that you make as a student. It is alright to make mistakes, it reminds us that we are part of the human race. Make the most out of every college experience that you will ever encounter. Be proud of who you are as a person and all the accomplishments which brought you to a whole new level of education.

make sure you know the real story about your college before you attend it

Do your research!!! Look and travel to campuses and take into consideration the surroundings and how your children feel about the surroundings the college in particular. What do you feel about the college and is it for your child? Make sure you plan in advance and just do your research. Ask people what they think, ask them how the professor?s was and overall experience.

The toughest part of the journey is digging deep to the feelings inside you. First lead with your head to direct you in the right direction, but once you have found that path, let your heart lead the way. Finding a college that meets your needs is the first step, but that's not enough. When you step foot on campus for the first time and it just feels right, that's when you'll know you have found the school for you. Making the most of the college experience is all about having fun. Do what you have to do, work, class, homework, exams, but make sure to have fun. Talk with teachers to make the class more interesting, get help on homework, and study ahead for exams. This will lessen stress and allow for more "down time" to just relax and enjoy life. Meet with friends between classes to just chat or have lunch, and always focus on the "NOW" don't concentrate on what is to come or what has happened. We live in the present and it is the biggest gift of all. Why else would it be called a present?

I would strongly encourage the students and their parents to visit the college(s) they want to attend and get a campus tour.

Help your child find out what they want to major in before they begin college. Being in school for something they don?t want to learn lessens the enjoyability of school, and wastes time and money. Once I switched to the major that I am truly passionate about, I liked school more. Since I am in nursing school, which is demanding, it is hard, but I have fun in school. When you have a major, you know the classes you need, to take, and you know the goal you are trying to attain. However, when you are just taking classes because you don?t know what else to take, it becomes boring and pointless. In order for your child to know what they want to pursue before college, encourage them to volunteer in different settings. If perhaps I had ever volunteered at a hospital in high school, maybe I would have known right away that this is what I wanted to learn and be in school for. Encourage our child to learn about the different possibilities out there, not just the few that have been exposed to them.

Scour every single college in existence; evaluate all the pros and cons of each school that piques your interest. Visit the school as early as possible as it will certainly factor into your decision for going to college. No college is truly out of your reach unless you think it is, so the stars and moon are your limits. If you're worried about the cost, then start with AP Tests and take community college courses and transfer into your dream school later on. In the end, this is your education, no one else's and you have to the most out of it. Remember to never stop learning, ask questions, and take nothing for granted.