FAQ
How do I start exploring college?
The College and Career Counselors at your school is the best place to start. School personnel have training and experience to help you navigate the process, and the College Connections Advising program is designed to support the help your school offers. We can provide fee-based extra personalized assistance for applications, financial aid and scholarships, and we support the whole family in the challenging but rewarding process of finding the right college fit for you.
What is the goal of College Connections’ Advising?
Individual College Advising aims to help students find a path to college that suits them. We provide the support, but the students, along with their families, set their goals and make their own decisions about college. Ultimately, all of our programs aim to help more Hawaii students get to college, graduate, build a career, and contribute to healthy communities in our home.
How much does it cost?
College Connections Advising packages vary in price, depending on the student’s need. We provide annual packages, or simply hourly consultations. No matter what, your first conversation with an advisor will always be free.
When should I start thinking about College Advising?
It’s never too early to think about college! We start working with students in kindergarten to support the development of reading and math skills, essential to future success. Intermediate and Middle school students should be learning and thinking about career possibilities. Our Individual College Advising services are designed for sophomores, juniors, and seniors in high school.
Is College Connections affiliated with College Admissions offices?
Our focus is on the student. We do our best to learn about what colleges are looking for and what makes a good fit between schools and students, but we place greater importance on helping students through the exploration and application process in a way that best reflect their talents and passions.
GENERAL FAQs
Who does College Connections serve?
Our doors are open to all students in Hawaii, and we make every effort to work with students who seek our help. We also reach out to students who are first in their family to attend college or who are from traditionally underrepresented populations.
Where is College Connections?
Our office is located in Honolulu on Ward Avenue, but the heart and soul of College Connections is in our schools and communities. Almost all of our program activities are offered in schools—where our students spend most of their days, and where our educators are working to give students the best opportunities.
How is College Connections different?
All College Connections services are based on the personal connection between an adult and a child, a teacher and student, a mentor and youth. Because we believe this is one of the foundations of successful education and promising future, we place the highest importance on our one-on-one relationships.
Is College Connections affiliated with colleges?
We are most interested in helping students find a higher education opportunity that suits their passions, talents, and goals. We focus on helping students find schools that fit them, and that will help them succeed. We do work to strengthen relationships with college admissions representatives, both at home in Hawaii and on the mainland.
If College Connections is a nonprofit, why aren’t all services free?
We believe education is an investment a student makes in his or her future. We ask students and their families to pay a small amount for most educational services, but are committed to access and affordability for all.
What are the goals of College Connections?
College Connections envisions a Hawaii where all students have higher education opportunities, regardless of background or circumstances.
