And So Much More ...
This is your one-stop-shop to learn about choosing a college, how to apply, taking college entrance and placement exams and so much more!
Where does a person begin when they start searching for a college and career which is right for them? They can spend hours doing research online, they can watch inspirational videos, they can talk with a counselor, friends and family. Some begin thinking about careers as young children; as preschoolers when they visit the fire station; as elementary school students when they visit the zoo or the parks; as middle and high schoolers as they observe family, different professionals, and community members on the job.
It may come as a surprise to some, but your Kindergarten through Senior years of school will help prepare you for college by teaching you to study, to note take good notes, and by encouraging you to have a good work ethic by attending school every day. It all adds up!
Students who are interested in going to good colleges and universities and who want to receive scholarships should be taking Advanced Placement courses and keeping their Grade Point Averages as high as possible. They should also be "well-rounded" individuals who are involved in sports, doing community service, participating in student government, becoming a member of the National Honor Society etc. Of course they should also keep a clean record when it comes to following school rules. These are things that colleges and universities want to see when they read letters of reference and reccomendation from teachers, counselors and others.
University of Hawai`i System Links
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Community College Online Application
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Apply, request a tour, request literature, get admissions requirements, transfer credits etc.
Why might you choose to start your post high school education at a community college? Well ... for many reasons! It's less costly, they tend to be smaller, perhaps you are not ready for a big university, and community colleges have lots to offer. Also, I did my first two years at Windward Community College on Oahu and tranfered directly to UH Manoa without even having to take an SAT or ACT! Here's a great article to read to find out more! Three Reasons Why Students Choose Community Colleges.
If you think you are ready for any Hawai`i Community College, you will need to apply. To apply click on the link above (University of Hawai`i & Community College Online Appliction) ... It's free! Once you apply you will receive an acceptance letter with instructions on what you need to do next. This letter will give you a UH ID number which you need to take the required COMPASS placement test.
Community CollegePlacement Testing
The COMPASS Test is a required placement test for Hawai`i & most other community colleges.
It is NOT a pass or fail test, but it is a tool which will help your college decide what level math and English courses you should be placed into. They want you to be successful and to begin at a comfortable level. That being said, scoring low can cost you lots of time and money in the long run, so study and take it seriously.
West Hawaii Community College Test Center - Near the Kona Airport. Phone number 969-8830. This test center tests Monday through Friday twice a day on a first come first served basis at 8:30 AM and 1:30 PM. They reccomend that you show up 20 to 30 minutes early. The test will take each testor a different ammount of time to finish so take that into account when you make your plans that day. Bring a picute ID (school ID is ok) and your UH ID number. It is free the first time.
Hale Kea Testing Center at Hilo Community College - Phone Number 934-2540. Testing is on week days only and an appointment is required. You will need your UH ID number from your acceptance letter and a picture ID. Testing is free on your first time.
Studying for the COMPASS
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Doing well on your Compass Test can help you start college on the right foot. Discover test taking tips, score information, Compass Exam Prep free Compass sample exams at Test-Guide.com
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Use this self-assessment to find out how ready you are for the test at Test Prep Review.com
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A few more sites which will help you prepare for the COMPASS are: Study Guide Zone.com & ACT.ORG/COMPASS/Sample
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This Columbus State Community College website has MANY links to help you study and practice. Be sure to scroll down to the lower half of the page to see them.
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Varsity Tutors - Varsity Tutors is a live learning platform that connects students with personalized experiences to accelerate academic achievement. Free tools to test your knowlege and improve your your skills!
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Mometrics - If your COMPASS test scores are low, you may need to take basic or remedial courses at first. On the other hand, if you score well, you can save a lot of time, money, and boredom by skipping these courses. These free COMPASS test videos offer lots of tips and techniques to help you achieve a high score.
SAT & ACT Testing
Four year universities will require you to take one of these tests to show them if you are eligible for their indstitutions. Universitites expect perspective students to acheive specific scores in order for you to be accepted into their institutions. There are also some scholarships that will require these test scores.
Ka`u High and Pahala Elementary School host 5 SATs per year here in our Band Room. Mrs. Walker provides students who qualify for free or reduced lunches with two fee waivers per student per a life time. These fee waivers will save you over $50 per test!
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For SAT online registration, study options, and much more - go to https://sat.collegeboard.org/home
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For more information on registering, test dates and more for the ACT go to http://www.actstudent.org/
Helpful Links on Choosing a College
College Search Databases
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CollegeSurfing.com: Browse by zip code and career interest to find the best possible college for you.
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InsideCollege.com: Get the inside stats and facts about colleges right for you.
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MatchCollege.com : Check out this free college search site for information on admissions, financial aid, tuition and more.
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UndergradZone.com: Get ready for college with these college and test prep checklists.
Training for Careers!
Hawai`i School of Dental Arts - These folks offer 10-week or 12-week Sessions which are dynamic, practical & informative. Acquire the skills necessary to learn an art and become a knowledgeable healthcare professional!! They have a Kona location on the Big Island and another site in Honolulu. Take a 10 week course in Art of Dental Office Administration, or a 12 week course on The Art of Clinical Chairside Dental Assisting. To learn more visit their website at http://www.hawaiischooldentalarts.com/index.html to learn more. Contact HSDA for additional information at 1 (808) 941-2277.
