How are students selected for admission?
Admission to Punahou is competitive. Test scores, interviews, observations made by Punahou teachers, reference report cards, citizenship, and teacher report forms are all considered. At upper grades, talents and leadership qualities are also considered. (See Testing)

Are any applicants given special consderation?
Yes. Punahou reserves the right to give special consideration to qualified candidates who are: children of alumni, faculty or staff; children of Hawaiian descent; descendants of Punahou's missionary founders; or siblings of enrolled students. However, admission is not automatic for applicants with special consideration.

What are the chances of a student with no special consideration being admitted?
More than half of the students admitted each year to Punahou do not have special consideration.

How does the Admission Committee weigh test scores, previous academic records and teacher recommendations?
The Committee is interested in placing students who will benefit from and contribute to the School community. There are no pre-determined percentage weights designated.

Does Punahou have a wait pool?
Yes. At each grade level, some candidates are notified that they are placed in a wait pool. This is an unranked group of applicants who are eligible for admission if additional openings develop during late spring and summer. Those admitted from this pool will be notified by phone.

Is it advisable to reapply if not admitted?
The Admission Directors, Admission Counselors and Assessment Specialists will confer with parents of applicants who have not been admitted. At this conference, admission criteria are reviewed and parents are advised as to appropriate reapplication plans.

Is summer school a requirement prior to being admitted to Punahou?
No. Many families use the summer school program as an introduction to Punahou, but enrollment in summer school is not a requirement for admission.

Does a request for financial aid jeopardize an applicant's chances for admission?
No. A family's financial status is not part of admission criteria. The Financial Aid Committee grants aid on the basis of Punahou's calculated financial need.