University of Hawaii at Manoa Top Questions

My overall opinion of this school is that it is acceptable. It isn't excellent because of its limited amount of professors and classes. It isn't horrible because I feel comfortable being in it. Of course the best part about this school is its diversity. There isn't a dominant race or sex. It has a great mix of culture. Chinese people (I am Chinese) seem to be amazed or impressed at people attending this school. However, in my opinion, it is a relatively easy school to get in to.

The best thing about uh is that it's in Hawaii. Many students come to Uh because of its location of course. Its not a college town and there are few opportunities to really mesh and become friends with local cliques. I think it's an alright state school. It's relatively easy(my subjective opinion and obviously, it depends!) and for the most part teachers seem to care. However, if you are wanting to excel and go above and beyond(honors program) uh is really not equipped with very many professors who will support you.

UH doesn't have the best overall academic reputation. Ranked 164th on US News & Report, it's pretty mediocre overall especially for a flagship state school. Most of the standard liberal arts & science programs are vastly inferior to mainland programs. And the students are really, really dumb in some classes (ask anyone who's transferred from here!). However, I think you can make it work academically if you decide to come here for the good stuff, namely - Asian/Pacific studies, Marine Bio, Tourism Industry Management, Geophysics, or international business. There's a few more pretty good programs, and I've had good professors in many programs, but the best ones are still based on Hawaii's geography really. Besides academics, the student diversity is incredible (if you're white, you're a minority - get ready to see how it feels for once), and basically every type of person is represented here. This can be a real pull factor if you don't like those ridiculously homogenous mainland liberal arts schools. There is some racial clique-ing that goes on, but it's not that black and white (lol). It's definitely a party school. Football team is good. You're allowed to drink in your dorm if you're of-age. There's basically no Greek life, but parties are rampant nonetheless. Honolulu and downtown Waikiki can be off the hook if you know where to go. And obviously, the natural environment is amazing. It's hard to tell how much time is passing because it's tropical and the only seasons are dry and wet (summer and winter). If you like outdoor activities and surfing, you will love Hawaii. The bus system is amazing and you can literally decide to go hiking, swimming, etc. any time of day and get there for free with the bus. You can even take the bus to the North Shore, the coolest part of Oahu hands down.

UH doesn't have the best overall academic reputation. Ranked 164th on US News & Report, it's pretty mediocre overall especially for a flagship state school. Most of the standard liberal arts & science programs are vastly inferior to mainland programs. And the students are really, really dumb in some classes (ask anyone who's transferred from here!). However, I think you can make it work academically if you decide to come here for the good stuff, namely - Asian/Pacific studies, Marine Bio, Tourism Industry Management, Geophysics, or international business. There's a few more pretty good programs, and I've had good professors in many programs, but the best ones are still based on Hawaii's geography really. Besides academics, the student diversity is incredible (if you're white, you're a minority - get ready to see how it feels for once), and basically every type of person is represented here. This can be a real pull factor if you don't like those ridiculously homogenous mainland liberal arts schools. There is some racial clique-ing that goes on, but it's not that black and white (lol). It's definitely a party school. Football team is good. You're allowed to drink in your dorm if you're of-age. There's basically no Greek life, but parties are rampant nonetheless. Honolulu and downtown Waikiki can be off the hook if you know where to go. And obviously, the natural environment is amazing. It's hard to tell how much time is passing because it's tropical and the only seasons are dry and wet (summer and winter). If you like outdoor activities and surfing, you will love Hawaii. The bus system is amazing and you can literally decide to go hiking, swimming, etc. any time of day and get there for free with the bus. You can even take the bus to the North Shore, the coolest part of Oahu hands down.

The diversity of students and professors is great. There is also a huge eastern influence on the school which is wonderful, it promotes a different perspective on life than the mainland colleges and universities usual western outlook. Not only is the student body and professor diversity huge, but the wide range of programs and curriculum offered is as well. The school pride is lacking for some reason. No, the school does not look as good as it could, the buildings are a little dilapidated, but everything on the island is. It is hard and extremely costly to upkeep buildings cosmetically in Hawaii do to the constant rain and wind. But, as is told to young children, "Do not judge a book by its cover".