• Welcome to the Hawaii Technology Academy College & Career Center!

    At HTA, setting our students up for success is at the very core of how we do school differently. We believe in providing our students with the necessary tools and information that will assist them in their unique paths to a fulfilling future. This webpage was designed to offer support and guidance to college bound students and families as they matriculate to post-secondary education. 

    Taking into account that each student is equipped with unique, distinctive gifts, and that we are all on different paths in life, the College and Career Counselor will work collaboratively with students and their families to map out a best-fit plan for each individual. Whether on a career track or a college route, our goal is to highlight students’ individual strengths and skill sets as they embark on a journey to achieve their goals and dreams.

    College & Career planning is indeed a journey; one that evolves over time. We encourage you to enjoy the self-discovery, growth, and changes that may take place throughout the process. Remember: you are in complete control of your future--we are simply ensuring that you have the knowledge and tools to get there. Finding the right college, university, or career path will require that you conduct your own research about colleges, majors, cost, financial aid, and admissions requirements. In-depth career exploration and career trajectory is an exciting endeavor! The possibilities are limitless. Expect to commit yourself, your time, and your energy to the process. 

    During the process, remember to embrace challenges, relish discovery, and always remain honest with yourself about your interests, strengths, and passions. 

    We look forward to working with our future innovators, entrepreneurs, designers, and creators. This is your time to shine!
  • 2022-23 SAT Test Dates & Registration Deadlines 
    To register please visit     collegboard.org. Registration deadlines to be updated upon release from the College Board.
    ​TEST DATE
    REGISTRATION DEADLINE
    ONLINE/PHONE LATE REGISTRATION DEADLINE
    ONLINE SCORE RELEASE
    May 6, 2023
    April 7, 2023
    TBA
    TBA
    June 3, 2023
    May 4, 2023
    TBA
    TBA
    2022-23 ACT Test Dates & Registration Deadlines
    To register please visit act.org. Registration deadlines to be updated upon release from the College Board.
    TEST DATE
    REGISTRATION DEADLINE
    LATE REGISTRATION DEADLINE
    ESTIMATED SCORE RELEASE
    April 15, 2023
    March 10, 2023
    TBA
    TBA
    June 10, 2023
    May 5, 2023
    TBA
    TBA
    July 15, 2023
    June 16, 2023
    TBA
    TBA

  • Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT)

    SAT is a standardized test used by most colleges and universities in the acceptance and admissions process. The SAT is a multiple-choice test created and administered by the College Board.  The purpose of the SAT is to measure a high school student's readiness for college. The SAT test covers four academic skill areas: Reading, Writing and Language, and Math w/calculator and Math w/out calculator.
    ​
    Official Scholastic Assessment Test  (SAT)  practice test
    • 8 full-length, real practice tests and content
    • Thousands of practice questions, videos, lessons, and hints plus study and test-taking tips and strategies
    • Get constant feedback and progress so you know where you stand​

    Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) Registration 
    • Each edition of the SAT includes a Verbal and Math section, with a specific number of questions related to content. 
    • SAT I: SAT Reasoning Test
      • The SAT I is a three hour and forty-five minute examination that is primarily multiple choice in format. The SAT I is designed to measure verbal and mathematical abilities. 

    The American College Testing (ACT)

    ACT is a standardized test used for college admissions in the United States. It is currently administered by ACT, a nonprofit organization of the same name. The ACT test covers four academic skill areas: English, mathematics, reading, and science reasoning. It also offers an optional direct writing test.
    Most colleges and universities will accept scores from either test, not favoring one test over the other. The difference between SAT and the ACT is that the ACT has a science section, the SAT does not. The SAT does not have a dedicated science portion of the test but identifies scientific skills through other sections. It is advisable for students to take both tests, at least once, as students may find better success with one test over another. Below is a brief overview of the differences.

    College Test Prep

    Khan Academy
    • Students practice at their own pace, first filling in gaps in their understanding and then accelerating their learning.
    • Created by experts, Khan Academy’s library of trusted, standards-aligned practice and lessons covers math K-12 through early college, grammar, science, history, AP®, SAT®, and more. It’s all free for learners and teachers.
    College Board
    College Board is “a mission-driven not-for-profit organization that connects students to college success”. Each year, the College Board helps more than seven million students prepare for a successful transition to college through programs and services in college readiness and college success — including the SAT and the Advanced Placement Program. The organization also serves the education community through research and advocacy on behalf of students, educators and schools. About the College Board video.



  • Scholarships and Financial Aid

    Worried about paying for college? No need to fear, financial aid is here! There are multiple ways that financial aid can help students and their families pay for college. Note that there are difference and similarities between the different types of financial aid, so do your research, meet the appropriate deadlines, and apply for the college of your dreams! Your future is in YOUR hands.
    Financial aid
    Financial aid is money to help pay for college or career school. Grants, work-study, loans, and scholarships help make college or career school affordable. Financial aid can come from federal, state, school, and private sources to help you pay for college or career school.
    Types of Financial Aid (Video)
    • Grants
    • Scholarships
    • Work-Study Jobs
    • Loans
    • Aid for Military Families
    • Aid for International Study
    • Aid and Other Resources From the Federal Government
    • Aid From Your State Government
    • Aid From Your College or Career School
    ​
    Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
    The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the form you need to fill out to get any financial aid from the federal government to help pay for college. ... Lots of states and colleges also use the FAFSA to determine which students get financial aid—and how much they'll get.
    The office of Federal Student Aid provides more than $120 billion each year in grants, loans, and work-study funds for college or career school. Hawai‘i's completion rate:
    • 2015-16: 5,471 applications
    • 2016-17: 6,099 applications
    • 2017-18: 6,056 applications
    For more information please visit FAFSA Preparing for College.
    Application Deadlines
    • Opens October 1
    • Forms must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. Central time (CT) on June 30, 2021. Any corrections or updates must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. CT on Sept. 11, 2021

    ​Scholars App
    PDF of APRIL available scholarships 
    • Scholars App looks for new and upcoming scholarships that could be relevant to students in the state of Hawai’i. 
    • All scholarships are screened by counselors. No spam, no marketing, no fees. Students received over $20M in 2019
    • Tens of thousands of scholarships. We match each student with the right ones based on their profile.

    Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club Scholarships
    The philosophy of the National Association of Buffalo Soldiers and Troopers Motorcycle Club is:
    • To promote the history of African American veterans
    • To be a positive role model for youth in our community
    • To support our veterans by visiting local veterans, their families, and supporting our fallen heroes
    • To support charitable organizations in our community
    • To uphold the traditions and standards of the National Association of Buffalo Soldiers and Troopers Motorcycle Club
    • To promote motorcycle safety in our community        
    The National Association of Buffalo Soldiers and Troopers Motorcycle Club (NABSTMC) is comprised of five (5) Frontiers (Northeast, Southeast, Great Lakes, Central, and Western), which encompasses 35 states with an international chapter located in Camp Humphreys South Korea. The NABSTMC has over 113 chapters organizational-wide.                        
    There will be 60 recipients across the five frontiers for a total of $50,000.00, and a single National Scholarship of $5,000 will be awarded to one recipient. The NABSTMC will award a grand total of $55,000.00 to college-bound graduating high school seniors in 2021.
    • Scholarship application deadline May 10, 2021         
    Applications may be downloaded from www.nabstmc.com. Under the tab scholarship, you will find the application and the email address to return the completed application. For questions contact, Scholarship Representative (SR), James “WHEELS” Sharpe, at james.sharpe@inbox.com.        

    Aviation Scholarship
    Are you interested in flight training or aviation maintenance, apply for Epic Flight Academy's 3 aviation scholarships. They are located in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, and welcome applicants from all around the U.S!
    Epic Flight Academy is rewarding $65,000 this year!
    • Open to current high school juniors and seniors for flight training and seniors for aircraft mechanics
    • Awarding 3 scholarships ($20,000 and $5,000 for flight training; $20,00 for aircraft mechanics)
    • The deadline to apply is October 1, 2021
    • Read about scholarship recipient Ryan Groel who completed his Commercial Pilot License just 7 weeks after graduating from high school!

    Paubox Kahikina Scholarship
    The primary objective of the Paubox Kahikina Scholarship is to encourage Native Hawaiians to pursue careers in computer science and software development. The Paubox Kahikina Scholarship is recurring in nature. In other words, recipients receive $1,000 per year until they graduate (5 year maximum).
    Kahikina Scholarship Criteria:
    • be interested in pursuing Computer Science and/or Software Development as a career
    • be in the field Computer Science & IT
    • be applying to a 2-year or 4-year study
    • currently be a high school senior or undergraduate freshman, sophomore or junior
    • be Native Hawaiian​
    PDF for various scholarships received via fax to HTA. Additional link, Student Scholarships
    Hawaii Community Foundation:
    Variety of ongoing scholarship opportunities.  Eligibility requirements varies by scholarship. Please be sure to read the details of the scholarships you are interested in.  Students click here to set up an account in order to access the scholarship application.

    Chaminade University STEM Project Scholarship
    This prestigious national scholarship is perfect for students who are interested in science and technology!
    The program seeks students who:
    • are passionate about science, technology and seeking solutions to humanity’s biggest challenges, and have the talent to succeed.
    • are planning careers in science and technology, from lab research to policymaking, from the environment to cyberspace.
    • wish to explore a science education enriched by Hawaiian and Pacific culture and knowledge.
    • To learn more click HERE!

    Fastweb
    • Fastweb is the leading online source resource in finding scholarships to help you pay for school. Fastweb is your connection to scholarships, colleges, financial aid, and more.

    College Is Within Reach Hawaii
    College Is Within Reach Hawai’i resource page. Here, you’ll find links to tools and information that can help to make college within your reach!
    ​
    Sallie Mae
    • Scholarship Search is the free way to get access to more than 5 million college scholarships worth up to $24 billion.
    • Every scholarship you’ll find through Scholarship Search has been approved—they’re all current, and new scholarships are added daily.
      • Create your profile and make updates at any time.
      • Get matched with scholarships based on your skills, activities, and interests.
      • Get email alerts when scholarships matching your profile are posted
    • Sallie Mae Preparing for College
    • Within Reach​

    GEAR UP Hawaii
    GEAR UP Running Start Scholarships continue to be available to support the participation of economically disadvantaged students in Running Start classes! Scholarships cover the cost of tuition, fees, and books for one 3-credit or 4-credit class per semester for eligible public school students.  We don’t anticipate that scholarship funding will be limited this year, so our office will be able to provide scholarship awards to students who previously received a scholarship from our office.  

    Our partners at Hawaii P-20 Partnerships for Education help to manage the State of Hawaii's GEAR UP grant. GEAR UP Hawaii is a $39 million, seven-year matching grant funded by the U.S. Department of Education (2018-25) with the mission to significantly increase the number of low-income middle and high school students who are prepared to enter and succeed in college. Given the financial hardships faced by so many Hawai’i families right now, we’d like to strongly encourage eligible students to apply for GEAR UP Running Start Scholarships for the Spring 2021, Summer 2021, and Fall 2021 terms!  Deadlines for these terms have been posted on the Dual Credit website.
    • Spring 2021 DEADLINE: Friday, October 23, 2020
    • Summer 2021 DEADLINE: Thursday, April 1, 2021
    • Fall 2021 DEADLINE: Friday, April 23, 2021
    The first GEAR UP Hawaiʻi state grant (2000–2005) recruited about 6,000 8th grade students from low-income public middle schools to become GEAR UP Scholars. It established college preparation clubs, provided information about higher education and awarded college scholarships to qualified participants.
    The second and third state grants (2005–2011, 2011—2018) expanded GEAR UP Scholars statewide to become Step Up Scholars, which included more than 13,000 mostly low-income students, and encouraged participants to take rigorous high school classes, apply for college and financial aid and develop college and career transition skills.
    In addition, the third state grant, in a partnership with Harold K.L. Castle Foundation, piloted the successful Early College program, bringing college courses to thousands of high school students statewide.

    Hawaii State Department of Education; preparing for college
    Going to college is more than a decision — it's a process. Here are helpful resources to guide students and parents as they prepare for college applications, acceptance and success.

    Student Scholarships
    Deadlines from April 30th - June 30th, 2021

  • College & Career Pathways

    Our Counselors are available to assist you in achieving your academic and career goals as a student at HTA. Throughout your high school career, we will be guiding and supporting you in the following areas:
    • Developing a career path/goal
    • Advising and Developing a plan of the high school courses you need to take in order to apply for chosen majors in college/university
      • We help you identify what courses you need to take in high school to prep you for your career aspirations
    • We support and guide you through figuring out which college/university/trade schools/technical schools fit your career interests
    • Exploring career options and opportunities
    • Identifying interest and skills
    • Applying for an internship or job opportunities
    • Developing your resume and cover letter
    • Gaining interview tips
    • Practicing for the Interview
    • Conducting a job search 
    • Planning for and applying to universities in the majors that align with your career goals

    Want to enroll in college courses ahead of time? You have options!

    General Procedure for Enrolling in the Dual Credit Program (Running Start or Early College):
    • Contact your high school College and Career Counselor about the different early college programs (details below).
    • Discuss the program you are interested in with your parent or legal guardian. Please understand, these are college courses with higher-education-appropriate content.
    • Submit an online UH System Application and select “Running Start, Early Admission and Jumpstart (Non-Degree)” as your planned Course of Study. 
    • If you are receiving both high school and college credit for courses, complete a Dual Credit Application as well. See details below for other possible required enrollment forms specific to your program of choice.
    • Review our various placement measures for math and English classes. For more information: Placement Testing and Test Center
    • Submit all required documents to your high school counselor who will then review and submit them to the Admissions and Records Office.
     
    Running Start 
    Open to public high school Juniors and Seniors who are academically accomplished or vocationally gifted. Running Start is a statewide program that provides the opportunity for students to enroll in University of Hawaii college and community college courses. The classes are offered on the college campuses. Students get credit in both high school and college.

    The unique partnership between the Hawaii State Department of Education and the University of Hawaii System allows public and charter high school students to attend college classes during the fall, spring, and summer while earning both high school and college credits. Any public high school and charter school student considered to be eligible and meets campus admissions requirements within the state of Hawaiʻi who: is under the age of 21 as of September 1st of the school year in which the college course is taken.
    Early College
    Early College is an initiative that allows high school students to take college classes on their high school campus.  For the most part, students in an early college class are taught by college professors and built into their regular high school schedule. Students who successfully complete the college class receive both high school and college credit.
    Early College opportunities are different at each high school.  Some high schools may be offering Early College classes as part of a pathway that leads to a college certificate or associate’s degree; other high schools may just be offering one Early College class per semester to students. 
    Please note *** The Early College program is specific to the Oahu campus. For additional information please contact Mrs. Toilolo, ttoilol@myhta.org.

    Memorandum-of-Agreement (MOA)
    Some colleges call the Early College program the Memorandum-of-Agreement (MOA). It is open to high school students at participating schools who wish to take college courses at their high school campus. Please contact your high school counselor in order to determine how HTA is participating, and how to get enrolled.

    Tuition: all college expenses (tuition, books, lab fees, transportation, etc.) are the responsibility of the Early College student, however, some students may be eligible for various types of financial assistance. Students should inquire with their high school counselors to see if any financial assistance is available.

    Early College Program Contacts
    Please contact your College and Career Counselor at your high school for Early College information.
    Early Admit
    Open to public or private high school Juniors and Seniors who are academically, artistically, or vocationally accomplished. To enroll as an Early Admission student, you must meet all the following conditions:
    1. be currently enrolled in high school
    2. be in good academic standing
    3. course requested is limited to classes not available at the high school
    4. have the high school's approval
    5. Request for Early Admission Form

    JUMP START
    Open to public high school Seniors at participating schools who are interested in CTE programs. Students will spend their Senior year at one of the participating UH schools as a full-time student in the CTE program of their choice.
    Jump Start is a program that allows public high school seniors to enroll full-time in career and technical education programs at participating Community Colleges.
    Students earn high school credit for college courses they successfully complete during their senior year. Students can also still participate in their high school co-curricular activities such as sports, clubs, band, prom, and special committees.

    What is the purpose of the Jump Start program?
    The Jump Start program has been established to provide career and technical education opportunities to high school students whose interests are not currently being served by their high school.

    Jump Start students will enroll full-time (12 or more credits) per semester, in a program that leads to a CTE-related Associate's degree or Certificate of Achievement and successfully complete one year of credits at the end of their high school senior year.

    What are the advantages of participating in the Jump Start program?
    The program offers dual credit to the participating high school students. For each community college course students successfully complete, students will earn high school credit toward graduation while working towards a college degree or certificate.

  • HTA'S Career-Based Learning Educational Model

    At HTA, we equip our students with the necessary tools that will set them up for a successful future. Our unique Career-Based Learning Model, a robust co-curricular program that occurs throughout a student's educational experience, is at the very core of how we do school differently. Providing our students with the opportunity to engage in place-based internships with a variety of community partners and meaningful project-based experiences allows students to apply their academic knowledge and technical skills in a real-world setting. After all, education should extend well beyond the walls of a traditional classroom. We believe that the best way to learn is through experiential learning: learning through hands-on, personal experience. This kind of educational approach furnishes our students with the skills, confidence, and knowledge needed to make a difference in the world around them. 

    Our College and Career Counselors, Advisors, and High School counselors help you explore careers you may be interested in pursuing in our Career-based Learning Program. 

    We guide you through the following Industry Led Curriculum Design: 

    HTA's Work Based Learning Program

    Fall 2020 Work-Based Learning Electives

  • Student Athletes

  • College Applications

    Common Application
    Early Decision Application Due Date: November 1
    Regular Decision Application Due Date: January 1
    The Common Application is an undergraduate college admission application that applicants may use to apply to any of more than 800 member colleges and universities in 49 states and the District of Columbia, as well as in Canada, China, Japan, and many.

    Coalition Application
    Early Decision Application Due Date: November 1
    Early Action Application Due Date: November 1
    Priority Deadline Application Due Date: November 1
    Regular Decision Application Due Date: January 1

    The Coalition Application is a new college application platform currently described by the popular media as a direct competitor to the Common Application. The Coalition's aim is to increase transparency and ease throughout the college application process.  

    University of California (UC) Application
    Application Due Date: November 30th
    You can apply to all UC schools (campuses) using the same application, My UC Application. Keep in mind that you will need to pay a $70 application fee for every school you apply to. This fee can be waived if it represents a financial hardship for your family, however, UC only waives the application fee for up to four campuses. Each school you apply to considers your application separately. 

    One Application for 10 colleges across the state of Hawai’i:
    Application Due Dates are dependent on the individual college. Please visit the college website for a specific due date.

    University of Hawai’i Community Colleges
  • SCOIR is Hawaii Technology Academy’s “one stop shop” for all things College and Career! Students can complete assessments to discover career pathways and research colleges and careers, to aid in the post-secondary planning process. Students can access their personal SCOIR account using their school login details. If you have questions or need assistance accessing your SCOIR account, please contact Ms. N!

    SCOIR Link: https://app.scoir.com/signin    ​

  • College Visits

    College Admissions Counselors may sign up for virtual or face-to-face college visits with HTA by visiting and logging into SCOIR. 

    Upcoming College Visits

  • Summer programs are a great opportunity for students to engage in extracurricular activities. Oftentimes, colleges will hold summer camps that allow students to be on a college campus. Given this opportunity allows students a chance to experience what it’s like to be on a college campus. Summer programs have many benefits,  they look good on college and job applications, and students are given an opportunity to participate in college activities and explore areas of interest that they may be limited to in their regular academic school year. 

  • Have a question? Please contact us using the following information:

    College & Career Counselor
    Tara Niedermeier, tniedermeier@myhta.org

    ​Oahu Campus
    Secondary Directors:
    Vivian Shaw, vshaw    @myhta.org
    Kaleo Ramos, kramos@myhta.org
    Career and College Counselor: Tara Niedermeier, tniedermeier@myhta.org

    ​Hawaii Island Campus
    Campus Director: Ms. Paakaula, spaakaula@hta.org 
    Counselor: Ms. Kolba, kkolba@myhta.org

    Kauai Campus 
    Campus Director: Mrs. Sullivan, tsullivan@myhta.org

    Maui Campus
    Campus Director: Ms. Trapp, atrapp@myhta.org 
    Counselor: Mrs. Atay, matay@myhta.org

    ​