The Shidler Freshman Direct Admit Program (DAP) is designed for high-achieving incoming first-year students who wish to pursue a business major at Shidler College of Business at UH Mānoa and get a head start on their Business studies.
Who is this program for?
Outstanding high-school seniors entering UH Mānoa in the fall may be invited to join DAP following acceptance to the university. Admission to DAP is highly competitive and based on students' Grade Point Average (GPA) and SAT or ACT scores (Since UH Mānoa has been a test-optional school since the 2021-2022 academic year, students who might qualify for DAP but who have not submitted test scores will be contacted to submit a personal statement to help us determine suitability for the program).
How do I apply to DAP?
For many students there is just one step: On your application to UH Mānoa, simply select "Exploratory Business" (or any specific business major) as your first-choice major. After acceptance to the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, all students who selected a business major are automatically reviewed by our selection committee.
If official test scores were not submitted with your application to UH Mānoa, you may also be e-mailed a request to complete and submit a personal statement. Completion of this personal statement is required for further evaluation of your candidacy for DAP.
We recommend that you complete your personal statement by March 1st.
DAP four-year curriculum
DAP students are introduced to the Shidler College of Business curriculum beginning in their first year. Students are grouped in two business-related courses reserved strictly for the DAP cohort of that year. A sample four-year plan may be found below:
AP and IB credits are awarded to students who meet the minimum UH Mānoa criteria. A list of scores needed to obtain AP and IB credit may be found here:
UH Mānoa and Shidler Scholarships
Upon enrollment, Shidler DAP students will be eligible for available scholarships.There are also many UH Mānoa and Shidler College of Business scholarships available through the UH STAR System online at www.star.hawaii.edu/scholarships. The STAR System helps students find scholarships they are eligible for and facilitates the online application process.
Please note the deadlines if you want to be considered for these scholarships:
- For new/incoming DAP students:
- New Warrior Scholarship applications are due early (January 15 in 2026; AND your UH Mānoa application needed to have been completed as early as December 15 of the previous year [i.e., your senior year of high school]) in 2023, and
- Academic Merit Scholarships require no additional application materials
- For continuing DAP students: STAR scholarship applications tend to open annually in mid-November and are due in mid-February.
Why be a Shidler DAP student?
- Enter Shidler College of Business from the very first year, rather than wait until completing 60 credit hours of college-level work (junior standing)
- Shidler DAP students will be eligible to receive a scholarship upon enrollment
- Get involved early with the Shidler network—attend lectures, meet guest speakers, and attend some of the best events on campus
- Join student clubs and organizations, such as the American Marketing Association, Accounting Club, etc.
- Gain early access to advisors in the Shidler Office of Student Academic Services and get started on your future career path
- Join a cohort of the best students on the UH Mānoa campus
Take the Next Step
Contact us to learn more.
Office: BusAd A-202 (Shidler College)
Email: Penny Ching ( pennylee@hawaii.edu )
Phone: (808) 956-8215
Zoom or in-person appointments are available; please email for more information.