MEXT Scholarship for Postgraduate 2011: General Discussions.

fir · 10 May 2010

@zid:
owhhh yes. i'd told somebody 'bout this blog yesterday.. is it you whose i was talking to?? sorry i forgot your name.. but if i'm not mistaken, zara right??

i think they will not easily reject you just becoz that silly mistake.. i wrote the name at the Q paper very last min.. while waiting for the answer to be collected, i then realise i had wrong answer..but don't have chance to do the correction because the examiner already in front me... i'm just hopeless...*sigh

Aiming High · 10 May 2010

kouun9 said:
Hi Folks
its the same time again to go through the grind of mombusho application and selection procedure.
I am applying for second time for senior MEXT, was selected for junior MEXT but didnt got the final yes from Tokyo.
I tried it last year also, my exam and interviews went well, but my results didn't.
Hope I can make some difference this time.

Really!?! That is horrible! I had no idea that Tokyo would actually refuse to accept someone...I was under the impression that they were just a rubber stamp....did they give you a reason why???

qwie · 10 May 2010

fir said:
@qwie:
i just answer english paper also.. i never learn japanese before.. i need to prepare mentally waiting for the result since there were many candidates took the japanese paper yesterday..
...
plus, there is/are also candidates who already grad from japan.. maybe she has bigger chances to grab for this scholarship..*sigh~
hope for the best!!!

I've learnt japanese before but did not prepare anything for japanese paper because I will not answer it, but after finished with english paper yesterday, I just felt wanna try my luck for japanese.
At the beginning, looking at the first page of japanese paper makes me smiling and feel like really wanna sit for the exam but after looking at the last question makes me change my mind
it's really challenging!
then, I just packed my stuff and left the hall
It's ok fir, we have tried our best right? (even also felt the same as you )
just crossing the fingers waiting for the result :?

qwie · 10 May 2010

blurcheryl said:
Is it? I thought I HAVE to answer those questions so I sat for the paper although I'm just at beginner's level. Gosh, I hope they won't find me insulting the teacher who will be marking the paper cos I'm pretty sure I made lots of mistakes

Sorry for not mentioning this earlier but I've tried to post it the night before we sat for the exam hoping that everyone will read at it before sitting the exam.
actually, I just got the idea to not answer the japanese paper from previous batch of applicants.
They had mentioned that Ms Yin had already told them to not answering the japanese paper if we are only at the beginner stage.
But I'm sure that Ms Yin already informed us yesterday before sitting for japanese paper that the wrong answer will insult us right?

blurcheryl · 11 May 2010

qwie said:
They had mentioned that Ms Yin had already told them to not answering the japanese paper if we are only at the beginner stage.
But I'm sure that Ms Yin already informed us yesterday before sitting for japanese paper that the wrong answer will insult us right?

I thought she said if we really don't understand the questions, don't just simply put an answer. I did try to understand the questions though I'm pretty sure there were lots of mistakes. I was having a hard time selecting between 2 answers for most questions.

qwie · 11 May 2010

blurcheryl said:
I thought she said if we really don't understand the questions, don't just simply put an answer. I did try to understand the questions though I'm pretty sure there were lots of mistakes. I was having a hard time selecting between 2 answers for most questions.

It's okay blurcheryl..just relax and don't felt so depressed.
I'm sure it will not be too horrible as you imagined. at least you have made a try and it is really good actually.
and please don't 100% believe on my thought. I just sharing what i thought.
just wait for the result.
In fact, I'm also worry about it :?
lets keeping fingers crossed :

Foste · 11 May 2010

Hello!

I am applying for the first time, for the undergrad program. I already sent my application out so that's a big step.

Now if you don't mind, I have a few questions concerning the undergraduate scholarship. (as I see most of you guys are trying for the Research projects. Good luck!)

As someone who wants to study linguistics how important is the math exam?
Although the site of my embassy says that it is not necessary to have Japanese language skills will it be advantageous for me if I choose to do the Japanese paper (I have solid Japanese skills.)?
What are the chances to be accepted as an undergraduate student (as compared to the Research students)?
There seem to be low interest in my country for the MEXT scholarship? Will this affect my chances?

Sorry for the barrage of questions, I am just a bit overwhelmed here...

Thanks in advance.

blurcheryl · 11 May 2010

qwie said:
It's okay blurcheryl..just relax and don't felt so depressed.
I'm sure it will not be too horrible as you imagined. at least you have made a try and it is really good actually.
and please don't 100% believe on my thought. I just sharing what i thought.
just wait for the result.
In fact, I'm also worry about it :?
lets keeping fingers crossed :

That's all we can do for now...keeping our fingers crossed for the next three weeks. Did Ms Yin mention that she will notify us even if we fail or she'll just notify those who pass?

PeterSimon · 12 May 2010

Hi guys, I'm also applying.

I have some questions about the most important (probably) aspect of the entire screening - the research project. I checked some of the other threads as well, and I'm surprised there's so little info and advices on the thing that decides for about 90% whether you'll make the cut or not.
Ok, let's make it clear, I realize that people have secret tidbits and don't feel like sharing too much info because it's seen as taking advantage, BUT there has to be some clear criteria about those projects. It's too vague right now and that doesn't make for a good ride.

I'll ask 3 questions with general examples, so that no one would feel like sharing valuable tricks when answering:

1. About how long and how scientifically profound should the research plan be? I know there are paragraphs like goals, expected results, feasability, etc, but:
Let's say for example you're planning a research on how Japanese sushi is important for the development of world culture. Do you write something shorter, clearer, self-focused like "Sushi is an important part of Japanese and world culture. The aim is to prove how sushi contributed for development of world culture by doing this and this... or you go into thorough and detailed description of sushi, what it is made of, its history, habits of eating, preparation, appearance in everyday life, uniqueness, charm, etc, etc, etc...
Now, I know they want it "detailed" but I fear that if you write as much as you know on the topic, the judges will think you're playing a smartass and throw you away.
I'm baffled with the lack of criteria on this. I have two friends who both passed last year - one of them had one single page of research project, shortly written about "practices which generate interest in Japan", the other friend had 4 pages of detailed presentation with many examples, quotes from famous scholars, etc. And they liked both, what?! :?

2. How exactly do you convince them that your research must be conducted in Japan? They can always say that you are able to do your research by reading books or using the Internet. That especially goes for researches which do not involve practical field work.

3. I read that a lot of people are trying for second/third/fourth/...th time. Are they doing this on purpose? Do first-timers actually have equal chances?

Any help will be appreciated. Thanks!~

mozda · 12 May 2010

First of all, congrats!!!! to all of you who are already somewhere in Japan , and "keep your heads up" to those who are currently in application process!!

i'm going all crazy about everything, i don't eat and i don't sleep lol! and i don't know about you people but every time i find the answer to one question, another one pops up etc etc !

well i hope someone can help with this one: i was all excited about some positive answers that i didn't think about some serious questions like for example:
i was asked by Japanese university to send my degree to them because i asked them if i'm eligible to apply or not, so they checked my degree and told me that i am eligible, SO...*now i'm speaking hypothetical*...somehow let's say i pass the preliminary screening by their university, AND is it possible that MEXT turns me down under the: "your college is not recognized in Japan"? (i know they're not going to tell me the reason but...i'm just considering this possibility)...

pleaseeee don't tell me i'm in a wrong thread now!!!

kouun9 · 12 May 2010

Aiming High said:
Really!?! That is horrible! I had no idea that Tokyo would actually refuse to accept someone...I was under the impression that they were just a rubber stamp....did they give you a reason why???

No "Aiming High" they didnt gave any reason, they left it to be guessed. I guess my qualifying marks were not very high, and later I found that one of the univs required JLPT Level 1, and I was JLPT level 2 at that time, though now I have L 1.

I think Tokyo is not a rubber stamp but they have a final say.

Ajay · 12 May 2010

PeterSimon said:
Hi guys, I'm also applying.
I have some questions about the most important (probably) aspect of the entire screening - the research project. I checked some of the other threads as well, and I'm surprised there's so little info and advices on the thing that decides for about 90% whether you'll make the cut or not.
Ok, let's make it clear, I realize that people have secret tidbits and don't feel like sharing too much info because it's seen as taking advantage, BUT there has to be some clear criteria about those projects. It's too vague right now and that doesn't make for a good ride.

Sometimes back I thought about the same thing and proposed that few folks, myself included, who are done with their app may put forward some of their docs for the future candidates to examine and use as a spring board. However few people had some genuine concerns mainly.

1. The selection process is more relative and less about being or appearing perfect. Arguments were giving in favor of letting the process be ambiguous. It was argued that this gives the candidates some idea about the kind of situations they may be facing in real world Japan.

2. Some people argued that the very ambiguity in application process is a part of the selection criteria.

3. Some people were of the opinion that 'polishing' a candidate for the selection process may in long terms prove bad for both candidate and the MEXT as the process is just a test of the situations that a person may face in a foreign land.

There was no general consensus if posting the application material should be encouraged or not. Finally we left it to individual decision.

What I suggest to people applying, is to go and look articles on how to write research proposals, there are quite a few present in the web. Phd candidate do it all the time so you will get some info. Lastly I doubt you need a lot of rigor in your research proposal in terms of details, a general overview should suffice.

eliasrub · 12 May 2010

hi there guys, i am applying for this year's MEXT scholarship, what i want to ask is:
the embassy in my country (Jordan) requires a GPA >= 70%, and mine is 72%, and i am guessing that guys with high GPAs will be applying too, on the other hand i have 3 years of work experience and i think my research proposal is good, so do u think i have a chance or is it going to be the highiest GPA is picked first.???

anyway it is actually nice to have such a forum....i am loving the fact the i am a human being more and more

Ajay · 12 May 2010

eliasrub said:
hi there guys, i am applying for this year's MEXT scholarship, what i want to ask is:
the embassy in my country (Jordan) requires a GPA >= 70%, and mine is 72%, and i am guessing that guys with high GPAs will be applying too, on the other hand i have 3 years of work experience and i think my research proposal is good, so do u think i have a chance or is it going to be the highiest GPA is picked first.???anyway it is actually nice to have such a forum....

You didn't mention what are you applying for, master/phd? Anyways, some work ex always help. It shows that you are a more mature person. As you are eligible, I think it's pointless to think about chances. You want this schol, they are willing to consider you so just go ahead and apply! You can boost your chances by getting reco from a mix on academic ppl and industry folks. Ask you teachers from college to write a good reco for you. I was also having one and a half years of work ex when I applied and it was all useful and positive for me. Best of luck.

eliasrub said:
i am loving the fact the i am a human being more and more

hi hi hi
<Joke>
"I have no interest in ordinary humans and unless you are an alien, a time traveler, a slider or an esper!"
</Joke>

eliasrub · 12 May 2010

hahaha
thanks mate, and i am applying for a master degree in software engineering.

PeterSimon · 12 May 2010

Ajay said:
Sometimes back I thought about the same thing and proposed that few folks, myself included, who are done with their app may put forward some of their docs for the future candidates to examine and use as a spring board. However few people had some genuine concerns mainly.
1. The selection process is more relative and less about being or appearing perfect. Arguments were giving in favor of letting the process be ambiguous. It was argued that this gives the candidates some idea about the kind of situations they may be facing in real world Japan.
2. Some people argued that the very ambiguity in application process is a part of the selection criteria.
3. Some people were of the opinion that 'polishing' a candidate for the selection process may in long terms prove bad for both candidate and the MEXT as the process is just a test of the situations that a person may face in a foreign land.
There was no general consensus if posting the application material should be encouraged or not. Finally we left it to individual decision.
What I suggest to people applying, is to go and look articles on how to write research proposals, there are quite a few present in the web. Phd candidate do it all the time so you will get some info. Lastly I doubt you need a lot of rigor in your research proposal in terms of details, a general overview should suffice.

Thanks for the reply!
And how about people who have already been in Japan? Do you think they'd prefer first-timers over people with experience in Japan?

Aiming High · 12 May 2010

kouun9 said:
No "Aiming High" they didnt gave any reason, they left it to be guessed. I guess my qualifying marks were not very high, and later I found that one of the univs required JLPT Level 1, and I was JLPT level 2 at that time, though now I have L 1.
I think Tokyo is not a rubber stamp but they have a final say.

Congratulations on getting level 1!!!!! That is quite an accomplishment!
I just submitted my documents. I'm hoping to hear from them soon as the deadline in Canada is this Friday.

Good luck on your application!...keep us posted with your progress!!

Ajay · 12 May 2010

PeterSimon said:
Thanks for the reply!
And how about people who have already been in Japan? Do you think they'd prefer first-timers over people with experience in Japan?

Well, we have seen one guy getting repeated rejects for quite sometime and only thing peculiar about him was the fact that he went to Japan on some type of scholarship previously. However, I doubt that just because you have some experience in Japan you will be given less priority. I think it can be helpful as well, for example they do have this Japanese language exam as one possible criteria to check if you can fit in there or not. All these things are more or less a black box, MEXT policies are a big unknown for all of us and they also do change from time to time. Only established pattern that people here have observed is that these folks do give some preference to people from developing countries. A noteworthy point, in my interview they specifically asked if I ever been to Japan or not.

qwie · 13 May 2010

blurcheryl said:
That's all we can do for now...keeping our fingers crossed for the next three weeks. Did Ms Yin mention that she will notify us even if we fail or she'll just notify those who pass?

as what I know, she will call those who success first and also send email for them.
for those who not success, she will inform later through email.

blurcheryl · 13 May 2010

qwie said:
as what I know, she will call those who success first and also send email for them.
for those who not success, she will inform later through email.

☝ let's hope for THE call together...anxiously

architek · 13 May 2010

Hello 2011 applicants! I will also be applying for the MEXT scholarship this year via university recommendation towards an English masters architecture program this year in Tokyo. I would be very interested if anyone else is preparing for architecture admissions in Tokyo as well for 2011 - thanks!

architek · 13 May 2010

Hey - ralukchris

I just saw your post! I'm also applying to a masters in architecture program - specifically at Tokyo Institute of Technology, though via uni recommendation. I also did a project instead of a written thesis and will be including my portfolio along w/ the application. Regarding fields of specializations, as far as Tokyo Tech goes, there is a list of faculty w/ different areas of emphasis posted online and I believe we're supposed to cater our research proposal towards one of these areas or at least show a significant relationship between our interests and the preexisting faculty research areas in order to justify the scholarship. What architecture programs are you applying to?

mozda · 13 May 2010

hey this is the thread for mostly research applications, not master's program, and mostly for embassy recommendation so can you please join us at the thread about uni recommendations? it would be good to have all the info at one place!!

ekoy · 13 May 2010

This might be a little late, but, GOOD LUCK everyone! ^^v

eliasrub · 13 May 2010

hi all;
i have a question, the japanese embassy mentioned that i should not contact any professors before i pass the first screening, but all around the net ppl saying that there will be no time to contact them after the embassy tells us to.
so do u think i should contact professors anyway or not??

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