When it comes to higher education in Japan, Tokyo is undoubtedly one of the top destinations for students. With a plethora of prestigious universities, it’s no surprise that competition for admission can be fierce. One of the ways in which students are evaluated for admission is through the use of entrance exams, with one of the most important factors being the university’s “偏差値” or “hensachi” score.
What is “偏差値”?
“偏差値” is a score that represents the degree of difficulty of the entrance exam for a given university. It is calculated based on the average score of all applicants and the standard deviation of those scores. The higher the score, the more difficult the exam is considered to be.
For example, if a university has a “偏差値” score of 70, it means that the average score of all applicants was 70, and that there was a relatively low standard deviation in the scores. In contrast, a university with a score of 50 would have a wider range of scores among applicants, making the exam less difficult overall.
How are “偏差値” scores used?
“偏差値” scores are primarily used as a tool for students to evaluate their chances of being admitted to a particular university. By knowing the score, they can gauge how competitive the exam will be and adjust their study habits accordingly.
Additionally, universities may also use “偏差値” scores as a reference when selecting applicants. However, it’s important to note that these scores are not the sole factor in the admission process. Other factors such as essays, interviews, and recommendations may also be taken into consideration.
Top Universities in Tokyo and their “偏差値” Scores
Now that we have a basic understanding of what “偏差値” scores are, let’s take a look at some of the top universities in Tokyo and their respective scores.
University of Tokyo
The University of Tokyo is widely regarded as the most prestigious university in Japan. Its “偏差値” score for the general entrance exam is around 70, making it one of the most competitive universities in the country.
Waseda University
Waseda University is another highly respected institution in Tokyo, known for its strong programs in business and law. Its “偏差値” score for the general entrance exam is around 65.
Keio University
Keio University is a private university with a long and storied history, dating back to the 19th century. Its “偏差値” score for the general entrance exam is around 65, putting it on par with Waseda in terms of competitiveness.
Hitotsubashi University
Hitotsubashi University is known for its excellence in economics and business, and is often ranked among the top universities in Asia. Its “偏差値” score for the general entrance exam is around 60.
Preparing for University Entrance Exams in Tokyo
Given the high level of competition for admission to Tokyo’s top universities, it’s important for students to prepare thoroughly for the entrance exams. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
Start Early
It’s never too early to start studying for the entrance exams. Many students begin preparing as early as middle school, in order to build a strong foundation of knowledge and skills.
Practice, Practice, Practice
The entrance exams for Tokyo’s top universities are notoriously difficult, and require a great deal of practice in order to master. Students should make use of practice exams and study materials in order to become familiar with the format and content of the exams.
Focus on Weaknesses
While it’s important to study all subjects thoroughly, students should also focus on their weaknesses in order to improve their overall performance. For example, if a student struggles with math, they should devote extra time and effort to that subject in order to improve their scores.
Get Help if Needed
There’s no shame in asking for help if a student is struggling with a particular subject or concept. Teachers, tutors, and study groups can all be valuable resources for students looking to improve their performance on the entrance exams.
Conclusion
“偏差値” scores are an important factor in the university admission process in Japan, particularly in Tokyo, where competition for admission to top universities is fierce. By understanding these scores and taking steps to prepare for the entrance exams, students can improve their chances of being admitted to their desired universities.
