International Students

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TOEFL Testing

Since HPA offers TOEFL testing on our upper campus, international tudents do not need to travel to take the exam. Juniors are encouraged to take the TOEFL in the spring semester.  Seniors are scheduled to take the TOEFL for a second time in the fall semester.  HPA tuition covers the cost of two TOEFL administrations. Additional tests will be charged to the student's account.  Students must schedule their TOEFL test dates with their ESL teacher.  Some seniors will also schedule to take an additional TOEFL in Honolulu or their home country during school breaks.  These test registrations are done independently.

Understanding your TOEFL scores.  It is important for international students to understand their TOEFL test scores when developing an appropriate college list.  Different colleges have different expectations.  Please talk with your HPA college counselor to learn more about TOEFL scores and college placement.

Link to TOEFL Concordance Table*

IMPORTANT: International Student Declaration of Finances

With each application to an American college or university, international students must send a document certifying the amount and source of income available to the student for study in the United States. Colleges or universities will provide the necessary forms. You must complete the form and have the financial information certified by an officer of your bank. You will need a separate form for each application, and each must be certified. Colleges will not accept a photocopy or a fax of the form. It must be an original with the actual bank seal affixed. You may photocopy the blank form, itself, but not the signature or the seal. We encourage you to get the forms as soon as possible, fill them out right away, have them certified by your bank and then give them to us to include with applications. Send one form for each application (five applications require five forms). On each form you must write the amount of money you are able to provide each year. The minimum amount required will differ from college to college. However, we suggest you use the figure $50,000. That amount will take care of all of the differences between colleges.

Link to NACAC Form*

While international students are not eligible for US federal aid, a growing number of American colleges and universities provide both merit and need based aid for international students. To see a current list of these schools, please see your HPA College Counselor.

Important Websites

Here are some of the best sites for international students looking for help on various subjects including international application, financial aid (loans and scholarships) and immigration status.

http://www.edupass.org - This site provides information for international students who are thinking about pursuing an education in the United States. It has "information about everything an international student needs to know about studying and living in the United States. It covers every topic, from college admissions and financial aid to culture shock and clothing sizes." There is also an Ask the Advisor section for asking questions via email.

www.internationalstudent.com - General resources for study in US, UK, and Austalia

www.toefl.org - The official homepage for the TOEFL exam