For this article, we are considering that you are not starting from scratch, but you are just trying to fill in the gaps. If you must study from zero, then you will need much more time to prepare for this scholarship.
The main challenge with the MEXT scholarships is that there is no official syllabus. Therefore, it is difficult to know what to study. As many of you have already noticed, there are many similarities between the EJU syllabus and the MEXT tests. Consequently, you can use the EJU syllabus as a guide when you are studying. However, you need to understand that the EJU and the MEXT tests are not the same, so, the EJU syllabus might be incomplete compared to the MEXT tests.
What tests will you have to take
You need to be very organized and focused, especially if the time is short. Make a clear list of the subjects that you will have at your MEXT exam. The compulsory exams are English, Japanese, and Math (A or B). You might also have Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. You will know for sure which exams you take when you decide on the field of study and course that you want to pursue in Japan. More info on the MEXT exams on our mobile app.
You should learn differently and have a separate notebook for each subject. For some, you need to memorize, and for others, you need to practice. For Japanese, you should have two notebooks, one for kanji practice and the other one for grammar, vocabulary, and additional notes.
Where to start
- Test yourself.
Give yourself a mock test, following the exact time you have at the MEXT exam. All the exams are taken on the same day, so you must do the same during your mock test.
Check your score. You should strive for at least an 80% score in the tests. In some subjects, you will be better than in others. Know your weak points and try to improve on those. If you have enough time, you can also polish the subjects where you are more comfortable and strive for an enhanced score.
This kind of mock test will allow you to find out and ameliorate your weak points.
- After you finished the first set of tests, take each question or problem that you didn’t know or you were unsure of and analyze it.
- Make a special notebook for each subject and write down the theory, formulas, grammar that you didn’t know at the mock test and learn it.
- Re-test yourself. Retake the tests or the parts you didn’t know the first time.
Let’s say your mock test was from 2016. Now, after you finished with this one, move on to the next test, for example, 2015. You might need to hire a tutor to help you with the most challenging problems. All mock tests are available for free on our mobile app.
Learn differently for each subject
For English and Japanese, memorize the vocabulary in context. Don’t just learn a word from the dictionary, but put it at least in a sentence, if not a dialogue or short text. Study and practice advanced grammar points. And last but not least, read extensively.
There are two ways of reading when studying a foreign language. The first one is when you read shorter texts to learn new vocabulary, analyze grammar, or to practice pronunciation. The second one is when you read more extended materials, such as books. Here you read for understanding and entertainment. You don’t stop for every word that you don’t know. You keep on reading. To become proficient, you need to do both of these types of reading.
The same applies to kanji as well. It is best to study the kanji ideograms in a context, the reading within the context, and then practice and visualize the way of writing it. If you find the same kanji within another context, with another reading, then you will practice again and learn the second reading.
With Math, it’s all about practice. You also need to memorize formulas. To better memorize formulas, do similar exercises that require that particular formula. After some time, try to solve again the problems you didn’t do at the first mock test.
Conclusion
The MEXT exams are demanding, but not impossible. You need to be focused and organized when you study for the MEXT undergrad tests. Furthermore, you must give yourself plenty of time to study before sitting for the examinations.
We each have our way of studying. There is no one ideal way you can prepare or practice for these tests. In the end, you must find out what works for you. But one thing is for sure, and it applies to each of us: it is easier when we know what to expect if we are familiar with the types of problems, format, exam structure, and syllabus.
Make studying and testing fun for yourself, become familiar with the exams themselves, and also become relaxed with the idea of taking the tests. You can do it! Good luck with your studies.