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2 people having their photo taken with UH Manoa logo
Students and families showed off their UH Mānoa spirit at the Rainbow Warrior photo booth.

More than 13,000 University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa applications for enrollment were submitted this academic year, the most received in a quarter century, thanks to continuous recruitment efforts by the Office of Admissions.

Among the many recruitment initiatives is the annual Explore Mānoa: Application Day held at Campus Center on November 19.

This year, more than 500 prospective students and their families attended the afternoon event to learn more about what UH Mānoa has to offer. They met with faculty and staff from academic programs and student services and could compete their applications that day.

person holding UH Manoa informational bag
Students received an exclusive UH Mānoa tote bag at the event.

“The resource fair was good. My daughter is undecided in her major so she visited at least five booths and it helped her find more information,” said Faye Morinaga-Pant, parent of a prospective student who attended the event.

More than 40 high school seniors completed admissions applications in the computer lab, where they could receive immediate assistance from admissions officers. Seniors also utilized the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA>) Lab that was staffed by financial aid specialists. Students who already completed an admissions application and/or the FAFSA prior to the event could check their application statuses.

In addition, families participated in information sessions that highlighted ways to finance college, including the FAFSA and UH Mānoa scholarships. Tours of the campus, residence halls and the Warrior Recreation Center were also provided.

Shared Kapolei High School senior Matthew Rukstela Jr., “The campus tour was very informative and I learned a lot. Being on campus was very exciting.”

When asked about their likeliness to enroll at UH Mānoa, 86 percent said that they are definitely enrolling.

“This was our third Explore Mānoa and I must say it was a great success,” said Ryan Yamaguchi, associate director of admissions. “We are currently up by 19 percent in applicants in comparison to the year prior. This year at Explore Mānoa, we were able to assist more families on completing their applications and FAFSAs, while also providing an expert for them to speak with regarding their majors. We are excited that this event brings students from different parts of Hawaiʻi as well as visitors from Washington and Illinois.”

Prospective students and their families tour the UH Mānoa campus.
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