MEXT Research Scholarship questions

[arctos]

Please bear with me if any of the following questions have been asked and answered in the 51 pages long thread. It is a little long to read through all of it. ^^;

Recommendation forms
I read in the aforementioned thread that it can be any two persons whom you think is most likely to give you good recommendations, is that true? So it does not have to be from your supervisor (for your graduation project/thesis) and your current employer?

Japanese/English written tests
Most people here are more worried about the English test, however I'm more worried about the Japanese one. As someone who's only around JLPT4 level, does this mean I don't stand a chance at all? The person from the embassy in my country says they only select people with good scores from all the tests, even though a 6 months Japanese language course is provided.


If my Japanese proficiency really proves insufficient I wouldn't mind waiting a year before trying again. It's just that my work schedule isn't accommodating towards taking cram courses, but I can't just quit my job and take up language course full time either. >.<

Any advice from fellow hopefuls and Monbukagakusho seniors?

 

[clockworkorange]

Hi arctos,

I think the best thing you could do would be to check with the embassy. Different countries probably do it differently.

Recommendation forms
For my application last year, i only sent in ONE recommendation letter from my final year research project supervisor. It was not necessary to send in a letter from my employer so i didn't. and that was it.

I have heard of ppl submitting two letters, both from their university professors and i have heard of ppl seeking letters of recommendation from their japanese teachers. But I don't know anyone personally and so can't refer you to someone. I can only tell you what my experience was.

Japanese/English test
Well, I was more worried about the English test because that was the one that mattered in the selection. According to the embassy in Malaysia, they grade the English papers first and anybody that scores above a certain percentage (70%-80%) gets considered for the next round of selection. Obviously, if you know Japanese and do well in the test it is an advantage but from my experience, the japanese test did not figure very much in the selection. I only took the English test as I know very basic Japanese (i don't think I'm even at JLPT level 4). But i have been lucky enough to have been selected as a scholarship recipient.

But this is in Malaysia.

So check with the embassy again. I would ask directly if a person who did not know any Japanese would have a chance in securing the scholarship.

All the best!!

 

[arctos]

Hi clockworkorange,

Thanks for the info. Actually I did go to the embassy personally to check, but when they told me passing ALL the Japanese tests was a requirement, I got so bummed out I clean forgot to ask my other questions (like the recommendation form and whether the original transcript from the uni, or a photocopy will suffice).

But then I stumbled upon JREF, and realised that the posts here suggests that prior Japanese knowledge isn't a must.

I like the language, but I can't afford to take full-time classes to get it up to speed in time for the application. ^^;

 

[clockworkorange]

Hey arctos,

yeah i do get what u mean. I'm working as well...i don't have both the time and money to take a full-time Japanese course.

You're right, Japanese language ability is not a prerequisite...maybe the embassy in Singapore does it differently but in any case, i say go ahead and apply.

Well, I can only tell you what i did for my recommendation forms. as for the transcripts and degree certs, i got my university to certify the photocopies (meaning the university's exam dept stamps the photocopy with a "CERTIFIED TRUE" or something like that and signs it). The embassy in Malaysia accepted that last year but we had to bring the original copies during the interview. After the interview, they give you back the original copies though. They just want it for verification i guess.

So i hope this info helps in some way. Once again, all the best.

If in the end, you don't get conclusive answers, I'd suggest just sending whatever you think is required and see how it goes. It doesn't hurt to try.

 

[kuzma]

hello guys
i'm applying mext prog this year for 2010, already passed first level, but i'm sure won't success next two levels, lol
however wanted to ask u weather u knw anything abt exams, i've contacted with japanese embassy in my home country, but the only thing they told me tht it would be tests n tht's all. But i'm still wonderinf if english tests will be in TOEFL or IELTS format and maths in GMAT? don't u knw anything abt this?
will be very glad to hear from u

 

[ykk]

hello guys
i'm applying mext prog this year for 2010, already passed first level, but i'm sure won't success next two levels, lol
however wanted to ask u weather u knw anything abt exams, i've contacted with japanese embassy in my home country, but the only thing they told me tht it would be tests n tht's all. But i'm still wonderinf if english tests will be in TOEFL or IELTS format and maths in GMAT? don't u knw anything abt this?
will be very glad to hear from u

About english tests:
You can check the past year's exams here: studyjapan.go.jp/en/toj/toj0308e.html#1 (add the www) but it has been said in this forum that this year's examination has changed its format.

 

[kuzma]

omg!!!!! thank you very much!!!!!!
hehhe

 

[serabidopsisis]

hi guys,
im the one of applicants of mext research schoolarship 2010 but unfortunatelly I found this site a little bit late coz I desperately tried to find some advices related with the study plan parts. It was the most difficult part for me. finally I wrote them and I applied but think that I made some mistakes when I read the members writings about this part. therefore, I lost my hope
our preliminery results will be announced this monday...and im scared to death of looking at the results at that day...God pls help!!!

 

[ykk]

hi guys,
im the one of applicants of mext research schoolarship 2010 but unfortunatelly I found this site a little bit late coz I desperately tried to find some advices related with the study plan parts. It was the most difficult part for me. finally I wrote them and I applied but think that I made some mistakes when I read the members writings about this part. therefore, I lost my hope
our preliminery results will be announced this monday...and im scared to death of looking at the results at that day...God pls help!!!

What do you think you did wrong about your project?
The first time I applied I wrote an study plan of about about 30 pages with photos, anexes, biography, etc.
This time I'm only handing in one page width oly 300 words...
What a change, right?

 

[serabidopsisis]

@ ykk
oww, its a really big change
I felt that I did not mention properly my study program, I just wrote very few things about it. Also, mentioned myself and my interests in Japan a lot more than my research project. I did not write anything about my research's benefits to my country so that I think, I should have written more about my project rather than myself

btw, best of luck with your application this time.

 

[kuzma]

@ ykk
oww, its a really big change
I felt that I did not mention properly my study program, I just wrote very few things about it. Also, mentioned myself and my interests in Japan a lot more than my research project. I did not write anything about my research's benefits to my country so that I think, I should have written more about my project rather than myself
btw, best of luck with your application this time.

it's ok! my friend told me tht one fella passed through 2 levels with just few words writing
so good luck n be well prepared for tests n interview!!!

 

[ykk]

it's ok! my friend told me tht one fella passed through 2 levels with just few words writing
so good luck n be well prepared for tests n interview!!!

Yeah same here... a friend of mine got the scholarship just with half a page of research and no study plan...

I may add I'm handing in 300 words AND a Graphic for my study plan.
It was hard anyway! my first drafts were of 3 or 4 pages... and then cutting, cutting, re-writting... I'm happy with the results but who knows what may happen. I'm trying not to put many expectations on this again.

serabidopsisis: I think it's ok to talk about yourself, did you have the enterview? maybe there you can explain more about your interests, feelings, and such... When I had my first interview I didn't talk at all about the project, it was all personal information.

 

[kuzma]

oh, wooow, u had an interview already?!
tht's cool, i think it runs in common way.
r u applying this year too?
so they have more than 1 interview huh... very interesting

 

[ykk]

oh, wooow, u had an interview already?!
tht's cool, i think it runs in common way.
r u applying this year too?
so they have more than 1 interview huh... very interesting

I had an interview 2 years ago, but I wasn't selected
This year I'm applying again.
For what I've been told, you are called for a second interview only if they have any doubts or want to ask you something else that they didn't the first time.
Not everybody is called for a second time, you may get selected in the first.
Or, in the worst case, they may not select you even in the second time

 

[kuzma]

aww... i hope this time u'll pass all levels of selection i'm sure!!!
all interview things a lil confuse me don't even knw, wht kind a questions they may ask, plus not sure if i can reach tht day loooool
btw, the most interesting thing tht our embassy don't give any specific info! seems like there is big competition. First level passed 60 ppl in our country. Don't u knw, is there any statisics available about competition rates?

 

[ykk]

I don't know the stats all around the world, in my country only 10 people are selected.
1 or 2 for undergraduate and the rest for postgraduates scholaships.
The person in charge of the scholarships in the embassy told me that they make such a difference because the people applying for undergraduate scholarships can't manage to pass the exams (maths, biology, etc...) because are too difficult.
When I first applyied about 20 people showed up for the exam (postgraduates)... only 2 didin't pass the english/japanese exam.
This year, @the ambassy they made a teleconference with a guy living in Kobe, to tell us how he was doing with the scholarship and encourage people to take a chance. About 60 people showed up! the place was packed! I hope not all of them show up for the exam The truth is I'm too afraid of competition

 

[serabidopsisis]

it's ok! my friend told me tht one fella passed through 2 levels with just few words writing
so good luck n be well prepared for tests n interview!!!

Really! Im relief now
thank u kuzma n ykk u really make me feel better.my hope has just come again. then, Ill just wait till monday.
@ykk,
I havent got d interview yet coz Im still waiting 4 preliminary selection.Its my first application maybe thats why im very anxious.
n I want 2 ask smt, I understood that u both got d tests. today, I did previous tests but incorrect parts I failed I didnt find even a wrong sentence or I found them all wrong! ıs that d most difficult or tricky part of d test?

 

[kuzma]

as for me, i havent tests yet, i will on 27th... so... lil nervous

 

[ykk]

I did previous tests but incorrect parts I failed I didnt find even a wrong sentence or I found them all wrong! ıs that d most difficult or tricky part of d test?

That part is the worst ever!!!
It has been said in this forum that the exam changed a little and, even though I'm not 100% sure) that excersise may no longer included.
Still, don't rely on this too much, just study normally.

 

[serabidopsisis]

im very depressed now I didnt pass the preliminary selection! they announced it now and my name was not written in their site. Im terribly unhappy I couldnt manage it but hope u guys will do..

 

[kuzma]

aww ☝
sorry to hear tht!!!!
CHEER UP! i knw, its the most stupid thing i could say, but u knw, next time u'll do ur best!!!!!!
good luck n don't depress at this point! it doesnt worth it!

 

[serabidopsisis]

thank u kuzma.
only thing that I could do is to try next year. until that time, I guess I must learn japanese coz all the guys that are selected know japanese! (I searched them in google ) I dont know why I did such a thing ;searching name like a crazy on net but maybe im searching for the reason why I wasnt selected. and I think I found it.
but im still depressed although I know it doesnt worth it. To feel better, I need a few days.

 

[ykk]

thank u kuzma.
only thing that I could do is to try next year. until that time, I guess I must learn japanese coz all the guys that are selected know japanese! (I searched them in google ) I dont know why I did such a thing ;searching name like a crazy on net but maybe im searching for the reason why I wasnt selected. and I think I found it.
but im still depressed although I know it doesnt worth it. To feel better, I need a few days.

I totally understand you. I was devastated when heard I wasn't selected. not because of the exam, I was hurt because I saw my dream vanising, and wait for a year is just too much...
But, you know, a year pass like a blink of an eye When you realize it's the deadline again! So don't worry! In the mean time study more japanese and you will feel more confident next time!

And don't feel bad about googling people. I do it all the time! If you need an answer of the reasons why you weren't selected, can't you call the embassy and ask what you did wrong? I know it's embarrassing but... what the hell...

 

[serabidopsisis]

I totally understand you. I was devastated when heard I wasn't selected. not because of the exam, I was hurt because I saw my dream vanising, and wait for a year is just too much...
But, you know, a year pass like a blink of an eye When you realize it's the deadline again! So don't worry! In the mean time study more japanese and you will feel more confident next time!
And don't feel bad about googling people. I do it all the time! If you need an answer of the reasons why you weren't selected, can't you call the embassy and ask what you did wrong? I know it's embarrassing but... what the hell...

I guess I overcome d depression cuz I feel better today I dont want to call embassy, I did it so many times before.
at first glance, it seemed that my dreams were all gone and that really hurt my heart even my signature lost its meaning but to think of it , I have still chance for next year.so I dont feel depressed anymore.
if I dont succed it again, I'll go to Japan for holiday
now, im waiting to hear good news from u and hope that u'll make it!..Best of luck!!!!..

 

[Hedonist]

Hello everyone!
I am having my interview next tuesday and I am PANICKING!!! :O I want to get the scholarship sooo much! But I am a bit confused with all the Research thing. I have no plan, no design, just some ideas... In my application I have only written about my interests and what I would like to do, but nothing concearning the research itself. For some reason I thought that I will have to join some research group I choose, not to conduct my own research...
This research scholarship does not give any dergee or anything... Can somebody explain please, what exactly do I have to do as a Research student?!? Bit late question, I know, but I have submitted my application in such a rush, didn't even have a chance to think it all through