How can I tell whether a university is a realistic academic target for me?
Do not judge only from your current grades. Check the admissions requirements for the specific faculty and selection method, then compare your scores on relevant mock exams or past papers with available admission benchmarks or past successful applicants’ data. Consider whether the gap can realistically be closed in the time available with a workable study plan, and classify schools as challenging, well-matched, or relatively lower-risk options. These figures do not guarantee admission, so confirm the latest official information.
Key points
- Check the required subjects, weighting, and exam format in the official admissions information.
- Use mock exams and past papers to assess both the score gap and the consistency of your results.
- Evaluate not only your current level but also whether your study plan can close the gap before the exam.
Things to check
- The availability and content of past-admission data or benchmarks vary by university, faculty, and selection method, and may change from year to year.
Admissions route guidance
Applying through a Japanese domestic admissions route
For a Japanese domestic admissions route, first identify your intended department and the specific route you will actually use, such as general selection, comprehensive selection, or school recommendation-based selection, and check the eligibility requirements, examination subjects, and evaluation methods in the latest application guidelines. Because some general selection methods are based on examination scores or score adjustments, do not assess the university as a whole using a single figure; evaluate each department, selection method, and subject combination separately. Past numbers of applicants and successful applicants for each category can also serve as a reference for assessing the level of competition.
Applying from overseas
If you are applying from overseas, identify the specific selection method you will actually use and check the eligibility requirements, required subjects, evaluation methods, and procedures in the latest application guidelines. If you use the special selection for international students, its conditions and procedures differ from those of other methods, so assess how realistic it is based on the guidelines and past admissions results for that category. Do not directly apply the university's overall level of difficulty or figures from other selection methods; evaluate each intended department and selection method separately.
Official sources
- 令和9年度大学入学者選抜実施要項 (2027)
- 2027年度 入試情報・募集要項 (2027)
- 入試結果 (2026)
- 2026年度 入学者選抜要項 (2026)
- 入学者選抜要項 (2027)
Admissions information can change. Check the current official guidance before applying.