Japanese Exam Short Summary (Middle/High School Entrance Exams)
Japanese version
I've written about Japan's entrance exam system, especially how middle school entrance exams have become popular recently.
In Japan, getting into schools is extremely difficult, but graduating is relatively easy.
Let's summarize entrance exams. First, my background:Kanto area(Japan's middle and high school entrance exams differ dramatically depending on the location), middle school exam experience, private middle-high school, top private university (liberal arts), close to high school exams.
The most important thing is assessing the child's ability (often called "raw talent"). Easy test: have them do Donguri problems in early elementary. If they can, they're smart—pursue that path. If not, focus on strengths instead. Studying weaknesses is less effective than mastering strengths. Environment matters 50%, ability 50%—can't fully compensate with environment alone.
Middle vs. high school exams? Child's choice. Kids thriving in outdoor play environments might want middle school exams. High school exams let them mature, consider university entrance, and learn from failure—which is valuable. No one asks about middle/high school later; university entrance recovers everything.
Juku (Cram School) Selection
Parents can't choose well by reputation. Child should visit multiple locations, compare conditions, teachers, atmosphere. For high school exams: Can they do remote classes (for club activities)? Are students serious? Let child decide—great life lesson. Same for high school choice. Own decisions and consequences build future judgment.
Timing: "Latest" is Best
Middle school exam: 5th grade start. High school: after 2nd year summer break. Kids who can't study at home with reference books won't magically improve at juku. Lower classes waste time. Avoid SAPIX/iron-green from 1st grade—long-term dependency hurts self-planning skills.
Reference Books (High School Exams)
Complete Saikou Suijun and Tokushin before juku. No weak subjects—aim for balanced proficiency across all.
FAQ
Q1: Is juku essential?
Best option, but possible without via past papers. Short-term juku teaches efficient study methods. Long-term dependency not recommended.
Q2: Aren't integrated middle-high schools better for youth?
Myth. Smart kids face harsher bullying; often single-sex. Regular high school + co-ed offers better total youth experience for most. Top kids quit clubs for studies anyway.
Q3: Private high + university track easiest?
Easy, but no real benefits. Clear worthwhile hurdles in life.
Q4: Best English wordbook?
Word memorization game—use exam-specific books checked by teachers. History dates: all mnemonics. Never underestimate memorization.
Q5: Juku expensive?
Start latest. Top performers get discounts. Elite juku for strong students, not weak-to-strong transformation.
Q6: High school exams need internal grades?
Poor attitude by middle school is pre-study issue. Internal grades (including PE/arts) achievable with seriousness. Many career paths exist.
Q7: Mock exams?
Juku provides access. Sundai most reliable, though inconsistent. Others low quality.
Q8: Why avoid SAPIX/TETURYOKU?
If you can handle endless homework long-term, fine. But lose self-study joy and planning skills.
Q10: Exams ≠ study.
Exams = school entry tests. Real study = what 15yo Japanese should learn, what 45yo should learn.
Q11: Emotionally unstable?
Pre-study issue. Life continues regardless of pass/fail. Treat life as rewritable story—like Steve Jobs' connecting dots.
Q13: Sleepy?
Sleep 8-10hrs (teens). Cut other things, not sleep. Plan better.
Q14: No fun?
Enjoy life basics: sleep, baths, meals. Eat out, try new foods.
