University of Hawaii at Hilo

By Aarti Sarin

Undergraduate enrollment: 3,182

Male-female ratio: 2:3

Application deadline: July 1; March 1 (priority)

Tuition: $1,212 in state; $3,996 out of state

Academic credentials: The University of Hawaii-Hilo offers more than 32 undergraduate majors.

It is the only university in the world where students can earn a masters degree in indigenous language studies. Also, Hilos location makes it a natural place for the study of volcanoes, astronomy and the marine sciences.

Campus life: Hilo is known for its diverse student body. The school ranks in the top 10 for both ethnic diversity and the low percentage of students with debt at graduation, according to U.S. News & World Report.

Hilo also belongs to the NCAA Division II Pacific West Conference. The university is also near the sparkling beaches of Hawaii.

Admission requirements: If you have an average GPA and SAT score, you are sure to be accepted.

Scholarships: The colleges two most prestigious awards, the Regents Scholarship and the Presidential Scholarship, are available only for Hawaii residents.

But other scholarships are available to children of engineers, contractors and construction workers, as well as students enrolled in the College of Arts and Sciences and those majoring in business, economics, history, English, astronomy, political science and computer science.

Information: Visit www.uhh. hawaii.edu or call (808) 974-7414

Aarti Sarin, 16, is a junior at Western High School.