Want to apply for Tsukuba University (Japanese Uni), but am I qualified?

Applying to College
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I’m not sure if this is in the right section or not but… (This may become a long post. Sorry…)

I have been interested in attending The University of Tsukuba for the past 5 years now, however it was only until recently that I realized I needed to get my grades together. I use to have a 2.7 in my Freshman year of high school, and then in my sophomore I ended my year with a 2.9. I have a learning disability (A.D.D, and occasionally my generalized anxiety disorder will affect me as well) So I am not sure that will be taken into account.

Now, I am a junior, and I now have a 3.25, but I am planning on raising it up to a 3.70. I am really motivated to go to college in Japan, but I’m very worried about my grades.

I don’t really stand out compared to other students, I don’t do a lot of extracurricular activities because I live so far away from my high school. I go to an agricultural high school, and it’s an 45 minute drive from my house to the school. I don’t have enough time to stay after, and I have been trying to find jobs so I can work.

But I’ve already been to Japan before for a language school. I was there for 2 weeks and I even got a certificate from it. The company that I went to is even willing to write me letters of recommendation for me. However, I still don’t think that it’s enough.

As previously stated, I’m not an academically strong student. I’m average, but I try hard. Yet I’m going to have a competition for the university, especially since I want to get into the sociology major. 504 students apply for it, but only 84 are accepted all together.

These numbers scare me. I come from a family who barely even go to college and never aim high. Yet here I am. I want to secure myself at least a small spot of hope, yet every time I feel like I’m one step closer, I fall 2 steps back. I’m scared that all this time and effort will go to waste, and I’m only setting myself up for a major disappointment.

I am VERY passionate about studying at Tsukuba to the point where I have researched all I can about the university. But will that be enough? Probably not. Yet I still want to try, and I want to succeed.

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あなたが日本語を話しますか？
With a 3.7, you should be fine academically, but you should know that most Japanese university admit students based on an admission exam. As a foreigner, you will have to take the Japanese University Admission Exam for International students. Then you need proof of your previous schooling. What I hear from American students who studied abroad in Japan is that they were fine with everything except the sciences as the high schools didn’t prepare them to the same level as Japanese ones. But, your best bet would be to speak to the international ambassador for the university on whether you’ll be competitive. I know some people who’ve done what you’re trying to, albeit at different unis there, so if there’s anything you want me to ask them, let me know. Good luck! :slight_smile:

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My Japanese level isn’t very high. I don’t have any language classes at my high school which is why I want to join a university that has the Global 30 program. They allow me to get a degree in English while learning Japanese.

What are some things that are on the Japanese University Admission exam? Like, what will I have to study for?

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There’s a Japanese section, but if you’re getting your degree in English, they may waive it for you. You’ll likely have to know the basics though: hi, my name is, can you help, im lost, where is etc. There’s a science(physics, bio, chem) section or a history/social studies section (you take one or the other). Then there is the mathematics section. As my friend put it, “I hope you like trigonometry!” My friend says that you should look at Asia Pacific University (aka Ritsumeikan) even if not to attend, their staff is very knowledgeable about the processes and committed to assisting international students, they could help you or connect you to your would be contact at Tsukuba. Hope I helped!