How much should mock-exam rankings influence my final application list?
Mock-exam rankings are useful evidence when choosing where to apply, but they should not determine the final list by themselves. Rather than relying on one result, review the trend across several exams, subject-level scores, the target program’s tested subjects and weighting, your performance on past questions, and schedule conflicts. Then balance ambitious, realistic, and safer choices.
Key points
- Look at trends across multiple exams and identify subject-specific weaknesses, rather than relying on one ranking.
- Compare mock-exam results with the target program’s subjects, score weighting, and your fit with past questions.
- Include a mix of ambitious, realistic, and safer choices, while checking application-date conflicts.
Things to check
- The meaning of a result varies by mock-exam provider and rating method. Check the latest official requirements, subjects, score weighting, and application rules for each university and faculty.
Admissions route guidance
Applying through a Japanese domestic admissions route
For domestic admissions, do not rely solely on mock-exam assessments; make your decision in light of the assessment materials used for your chosen admissions method. General selection primarily uses academic examinations, essays, and similar materials. Comprehensive selection uses materials such as a statement of purpose, activity report, study plan, and interview, while school recommendation-based selection primarily uses the school report and, in principle, also uses interviews and similar assessments. Check the application guidelines and admissions policy, and consider whether an admissions method will evaluate your strengths when choosing where to apply.
Official sources
- 令和9年度大学入学者選抜実施要項 (2027)
Admissions information can change. Check the current official guidance before applying.