Japanese Boarding School Admissions 101
by Trent Baumbach
Japanese Boarding School Admissions 101
Introduction
Japan is known worldwide for its rich cultural heritage and educational prowess. It’s also home to some of the world’s most prestigious boarding schools. Whether you’re an elementary, middle, or high school student hoping to gain admission to these schools, we’ve created a comprehensive guide that breaks down key steps and other factors to keep in mind.
Do you want to improve your chances of getting into a top-tier university? Schedule your consultation with Tokyo Academics today!
What is Japan’s boarding school landscape like?
First, let’s get acquainted with the boarding schools in Japan. Below is a list as outlined in our previous blog, Japanese Boarding Schools.
- Kaiyo Academy (Aichi)
- Linden Hall (Fukuoka)
- Meitoku Gijuku (Kochi)
- Academy for the International Community in Japan (AICJ) (Hiroshima)
- Kumon Kokusai Gakuen (Kanagawa)
- Toin Gakuen (Kanagawa)
Additionally, the following stand out as the top Japanese boarding schools for international students.
- UWC ISAK (United World College ISAK) (Nagano)
- Jinseki International School (JINIS) (Hiroshima)
- Harrow International School (Iwate)
How do I get into a Japanese boarding school?
In order to stand out from the many intelligent international school students who strive to get into Japanese boarding schools, focus on the following factors:
Academic Excellence
Top boarding schools in Japan prioritize students who excel academically. Some schools may also have specific entrance exams or other requirements like the Upper Level SSAT. Students can stand out by pursuing research opportunities, with over 90% of Tokyo Academics research students receiving offers from their top choice boarding schools and universities.
Extracurricular Activities
Japanese boarding schools value holistic development, whether through sports or other extracurricular activities. If students want to show a particular connection to Japan, playing sports like baseball, kendo, or judo, or having a cultural interest such as taiko or the Japanese language itself can make your application stand out.
Supplemental Materials
While it varies by school, many boarding school applications also require letters of recommendation, personal statements, and/or interviews.
For letters of recommendation, focus on forging strong connections with teachers or mentors who can vouch for your potential. For recommendations, build strong relationships with teachers who can vouch for your potential and understand your target school’s curriculum.
When writing a personal statement, ensure you include genuine stories that narrate authentic experiences highlighting your character and aspirations. Be sure to connect these experiences back to the school you’re applying for by detailing how the specific school aligns with your future objectives.
While interviews can feel intimidating, practicing typical boarding school interview questions via mock interviews will boost your confidence and refine your ability to speak with clarity and conciseness. Again, remember to familiarize yourself with the school’s core values and detail how they resonate with you.
In any case, Tokyo Academics’ Boarding School Consulting is a perfect companion as you craft your application. Our students get the academic preparation and supplemental support needed for admission into the top boarding schools worldwide.
What else must I consider when applying to Japanese boarding schools?
Top-tier boarding schools in Japan provide an unparalleled education, but they can also be quite pricey. To prepare fully, review the financial aid information on each school’s website before deciding on applying. Boarding schools want the best and brightest students, and will generally offer scholarships as needed.
Lastly, try visiting your target schools in person to engage actively with current students and faculty, get a firsthand feel for the environment, and better understand the pros and cons of boarding school. You might be surprised which school feels most like home for you!
What should I do next to get into a Japanese boarding school?
Securing a spot in one of Japan’s elite boarding schools entails a blend of academic prowess, extracurricular accomplishments, and alignment with the school’s values. Tokyo Academics is here to support you on your academic journey and provide the guidance needed for admission into these exciting schools. Whether you want the support of a private tutor to help with reading skills, an SSAT tutor to help learn test-taking strategies, or a vocabulary tutor to learn unique words, our private lessons are proven to help students achieve their goals. Please reach out to learn how we can help you get into Japan’s best boarding schools!