We’re on a mission to set our students up for success. This is at the very core of how we do school differently. Follow the pathway you will take in high school … whether you’re heading for college, a trade or career, the military, or a gap year.
Watch your HonuHub dashboard for all dates and sign-ups throughout the year
WELCOME TO YOUR FUTURE
Our HTA counselors’ top tips for getting the most out of high school
Explore with Scoir
HTA pays for this online platform for our high school families. Advisors start introducing students to Scoir in Grade 9.
Scoir is widely recognized as a leading platform in the college admissions space. It’s a one-stop shop where students can research careers, take a character survey, do career assessments, explore colleges and trade schools, stay up to date on HTA college visits, and manage college applications. Build your resumé, including academic, personal, and career interests; plus your self-reported GPA, awards or recognitions.
When it comes to applying to colleges, all of this information is available to colleges that use Scoir. They can even use Scoir to find you — and be impressed — and reach out.
ACCESS YOUR HTA SCOIR ACCOUNT THROUGH CLEVER IN HONUHUB
Follow the high school pathway
Work with your counselor on your 4-year plan and course selections.
Get familiar with the Scoir platform.
Explore college or career tracks.
Branch out with extracurricular activities and HTA clubs.
Aiming for college sports? Make sure you’re on track to meet NCAA academic requirements.
Sign up for the PSAT test in September; sit it in October.
Interested in a military career? Take the ASVAB test.
Aiming for running Start dual-credit classes in your junior year? Talk to your counselor/watch your dashboard for info in March/April.
Keep exploring careers, colleges, future aspirations.
Join in with extracurricular activities and HTA clubs.
Talk to your family about college or trade school financing.
JUNIOR FALL
Talk to your counselor. Make sure you are on track to meet college admissions requirements.
Aiming for Running Start dual-credit classes in the spring? Talk to your counselor; you should start planning applications in October.
Attend HTA’s Junior Launch event.
Take advantage of our Career-Based Learning program.
Interested in the military? Take the ASVAB.
Sign up for the PSAT in September; sit the test at HTA in October.
Create your resumé in Scoir.
Heading for college athletics? Start the certification process.
Start visiting colleges and attending HTA college visits.
Junior WINTER
Start studying for the SAT and/or ACT.
Start building your list of colleges.
Junior SPRING
Interested in the military? Take the ASVAB.
Your college list should be taking shape by now.
Brush up on application requirements for schools on your list.
Register for your senior classes, including Running Start dual-credit college classes.
Research ways to pay for college.
Explore summer internships & opportunities in your HonuHub dashboard.
Junior SUMMER
Study for/take the SAT and/or ACT.
Gain work experience.
Start on your college essay.
Start researching scholarships.
The Common App open Aug. 1.
Senior photo shoot, let’s go!
Here's a handy checklist.
Senior AUGUST
Meet with your HTA counselor; discuss game plan and tasks.
Attend our Senior Launch event.
Take advantage of our Career-Based Learning program.
Review/finalize your college list.
Schedule the SAT and/or ACT no later than October for early decision colleges.
Keep working on your Scoir and Common App accounts.
Ask teachers and other adults if they will write you a letter of recommendation.
Senior SEPTEMBER
Applying for early action/early decision? These start opening next month.
Take the SAT or ACT or ASVAB tests.
Keep working on your Scoir and Common App accounts.
Send transcripts to colleges.
Senior OCTOBER
Schedule and take the SAT and/or ACT asap
Interested in the military? Take the ASVAB.
Continue gathering elements of your college application, including transcripts, recommendations, essay.
Many scholarships open this month.
The CSS Profile for financial aid typically opens this month.
Senior NOV/DEC
Fill out the FAFSA asap.
Sign up for senior conference with campus counselor.
Finalize college applications; many are due by Jan. 1 or 15.
Keep researching scholarships.
Senior JAN-MAY
Stay active. Keep your grades up. Colleges may withdraw an offer if they see a senior-year drop.
Download all material from your HTA account that you wish to keep. Your account expires after graduation on July 30.
Acceptance letters arrive March/April.
Review financial aid awards, choose the best package for your family.
Attend admitted-student campus events if you can.
Make the big decision! Submit enrollment forms to your college and deposit checks before May 1.
To the other schools that accepted you: Write a letter letting them know that you will not be attending. And say “thank you.”
Fill out HTA’s final transcript request form so the info goes to your college — these go out mid to late June.
GRADUATION May 20
The college steps
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Then use the linked contents below to find information, tips, and resources for the individual tasks you will need to check off your list.
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Check your HonuHub dashboard regularly — this is where we will post all events, dates, and sign-ups as they happen throughout the year.
THE TRADES/WORKFORCE
Attending a career-centered trade school will equip you with the skills required for specific occupations. Vocational programs can take less than two years to complete and you can enter the workforce with a competitive edge. This can lead to well-paying jobs with opportunities for advancement. Many trade programs provide apprenticeships or internships that allow you to apply your knowledge in real-world settings, making you even more attractive to employers.
TRADES • GETTING STARTED
YOUR HTA 4-YEAR PLAN
Your counselor and advisors are here to help you plan out your courses so you can reach your goals. Read more about creating your 4-year plan here.
TAKE THE TESTS
There are a range of tests you will come across in high school. They are not just for those who are college-bound. Explore the testing options here.
BE EXTRA
Learn about the different ways HTA helps you boost your high school transcript here. Build your resume in Scoir.
EXPLORE YOUR INTERESTS
What subjects or activities interest you? What are you naturally good at? Take Scoir’s character survey and career assessment.
RESEARCH
Tour schools in your area to get a feel for the environment. Ensure the school is accredited for quality education. Watch your HonuHub dashboard for job fairs or career expos.
CONSIDER YOUR GOALS
Research the demand for skilled workers in your chosen field. What are your salary expectations? Understand the earning potential.
EXPLORE FINANCIAL AID
Trade schools may offer financial aid in the form of grants or scholarships.
Combine education with part-time work. Consider government-backed student loans.
GET HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE
Gain practical experience in your field via internships or apprenticeships. Take advantage of HTA’s Career-Based Learning program to explore and learn valuable skills.
NETWORK
Connect with professionals: Attend industry events or reach out to professionals in your field. Talk to others who have attended trade schools.
TRADES AT THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAI‘I COMMUNITY COLLEGES
The UH community colleges offer a wide range of trade programs, including:
Education
Hawaiian Studies
Construction trades
carpentry, plumbing, electrical, and HVAC
Technology
aeronautics maintenance, automotive repair and maintenance, diesel mechanics
Culinary arts
culinary arts, baking, and pastry arts
Health sciences
nursing, dental assisting, medical assisting, cosmetology
Hospitality and tourism
hotel management, event planning, and tourism management
Agriculture
horticulture, agriculture technology, and animal science
Marine technology
marine biology, marine engineering, and oceanography
To explore the trade programs available at the UH community colleges, visit the UH website.
RESOURCES
Hawai‘i Job Corps is a nationwide program run by the U.S. Department of Labor that provides free education and vocational training to young people aged 16 to 24. The Hawai‘i Job Corps has centers that offer academic, career, technical, and social development training.
@workhawaiiyouthprogram is hosted by the City and County of Honolulu’s Department of Community Services. It posts resources and services on education and training, employment assistance, and personal development.
Department of Education list of licensed private trade, vocational, and technical schools.
Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement Hawaiian Trades Academy: A program focused on workforce development in various trades.
Hawai‘i Pacific University: Provides associates degrees in several fields.
Remember to research each school’s specific programs and accreditation to find the best fit for your goals.
JOINING THE MILITARY
With several major military installations in Hawai‘i, students have access to recruiters and first-hand information about military life. Start by researching the different branches of the military, talking to recruiters, and learning about the commitments and benefits.
MILITARY CAREER BENEFITS
EDUCATION
The military offers generous educational benefits, including tuition assistance and the GI Bill, which can help you pay for college or trade school.
TRAVEL
Serving in the military often involves traveling to different parts of the world, providing opportunities for cultural experiences and personal growth.
LEADERSHIP
There’s a strong emphasis on leadership, providing you with opportunities to develop your skills and take on responsibility.
JOB TRAINING
The military offers a wide range of technical and vocational training programs that can lead to valuable skills and certifications.
SUPPORT
Research the benefits, including healthcare, housing, and retirement savings plans.
GETTING STARTED
Build your HTA 4-year plan: Your counselor and advisors are here to help you plan out your courses so you can reach your goals. Read more about creating your 4-year plan here.
Level up your transcript: Read more here about the ways HTA allows you to boost your transcript and explore your life path.
Take the ASVAB test offered at our Waipahu and Kaua‘i campuses in the fall and spring; Kīhei and Kona students, talk to your campus counselor. The test evaluates your strengths, estimates your performance in academic and vocational areas, identifies possible careers, and helps you develop an education plan. Read more here about the different tests available throughout high school, including those offered directly through HTA.
Research online: Explore the websites of the different branches of the military to learn more about their missions, values, and opportunities.
Visit a military recruiter: A recruiter can provide you with information about different branches of the military, career paths, and the application process.
Talk to veterans: Reach out to veterans in your community to get their perspectives on military service.
TAKING A GAP YEAR
A gap year is a personal decision. Weigh the pros and cons and discuss it with your family and counselors. With careful planning and preparation, a gap year can be a rewarding and enriching experience that fosters personal and professional growth. This can be a time to explore interests, gain new skills and a fresh perspective before starting college or entering the workforce.
BENEFITS
Self-discovery: Reflect on your interests, passions, and career goals.
Skill development: Gain valuable skills through volunteering, internships, or work.
Travel and cultural experiences: Explore new places and cultures, and broaden your horizons.
Reduced stress: Taking a break from academics can help alleviate stress and burnout.
Enhanced college applications: Gap year experiences can make your college applications stand out.
POTENTIAL DOWNSIDES
Will a gap year disrupt your academic momentum, incur financial costs, or lead to social isolation? To minimize these risks, plan ahead, set goals, budget carefully, and stay connected.
SOME WAYS TO SPEND A GAP YEAR
TRAVEL
Explore different countries and cultures.
VOLUNTEER
Give back to your community or a cause you care about.
WORK
A job or internship will give you practical experience in a field of interest.
LANGUAGE IMMERSION
Study a foreign language in a different country.
START A BUSINESS
Pursue your entrepreneurial spirit and launch a venture.
RESOURCES
GAP YEAR PROGRAMS
VOLUNTEER & INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
VolunteerMatch
(search Hawai‘i opportunities)
GOVERNMENT RESOURCES
TRAVEL RESOURCES
If you are planning to attend college after your gap year (and even if you aren’t), our College Steps page will help you plan out your high school years and get all your ducks in a row, from test-taking, to extracurriculars, to financial aid and scholarships.
ALOHA, ALUMNI!
When you graduate from HTA, you will become one of the more than 1,700 HTA grads who are out there in the real world. We’re always so proud but sad to see you go. We hope you stay in touch, and we’ll be inviting you to join our alumni association before you flip that tassel on your cap.
