Frequently Asked Questions

1. UH Manoa GEAR UP:

a. Which students does UH M?noa GEAR UP target?
The first UH M?noa GEAR UP partnership cohort graduated in the year 2006.  The second cohort are the current seventh and eighth graders of Kal?kaua Middle School. 

b.  Who can be a part of GEAR UP?
The GEAR UP program is designed to increase the number of students each year and guide them to enter and succeed in postsecondary education.  GEAR UP grantees to serve an entire cohort of students beginning seventh grade year and follow the cohort through high school.

c.  How do I join GEAR UP?
You do not have to be selected to participate in GEAR UP as long as you belong to the class of 2011 and 2012 in Kal?kaua Middle School and continue your education at Farrington High School.

d.  Is there a cost for GEAR UP services?
No. Most services and activities are free. If in any case there will be a fee in the service that was offered, it will be noted in any sign-up materials.

e.  What services does GEAR UP offer to help parents?
GEAR UP offers a variety of workshops and events.  We offer information on college awareness, financial planning for college, computer skills, and how to help their kids with homework such as after school tutoring and summer camps.

f.  What are the goals of GEAR UP?
The goals of GEAR UP are to:

Prepare students to access opportunities for post-secondary education.

Ensure that parents value higher education, access resources, and support their children in pursuit of post-secondary education.

Assure that teachers and staff are prepared and committed to mitigate the negative effects of poverty on students and their access to higher education.

Establish a system to acknowledge academic achievement and to award financial assistance to GEAR UP students.

g.  How can I contact GEAR UP UH Manoa?


2.  UHM

a.  How much does it cost?
As of 2006, UH M?noa tuition is approximately $2,300 per semester for residents and $6,200 for non-residents.  According to the Honolulu Advertiser, the latest tuition proposal will cost a Hawai'i resident undergraduate classes at UH-Manoa will rise from $3504 this coming year to $8400 by 2011-12.

b.  What are UH academic requirements?
High School Course Requirements (Carnegie Units)
4 English
3 Math (including Algebra II and Geometry)
3 Science
3 Social Studies
4 other college prep (higher math, additional science/social studies, foreign language)
5 electives

Test Scores
SAT: verbal/reading/math: Residen 510/510/510;
TOEFL (for nonnative English speakers): Resident/nonresident 500
Cumulative GPA Resident 2.8; nonresident 3.2
Rank Upper 40% of graduating class

3.  COLLEGE
a.  Where can I go after high school?

- Military
- University
- Community College

b.  What benefits could I get from having a college education?

- higher salary
- more knowledge
- more resources to further career
- meeting people and learning about yourself
- experiencing independence
- Getting the future job YOU love!

c.  College is expensive. What resources can I use to pay for college?

- Financial Aid
- Scholarship
- Student Loans
- Grants
- Federal Work Study
- Jobs