Hello, this is TJ, the CEO of Alpha Advisors!
Today, I’m addressing the question: “Should your child take the junior high school entrance exam?” This article is aimed at parents considering this path, exploring the essential connection between education and career in the global age.

At Alpha Advisors, we’ve supported students not only in gaining admission to Japan’s most competitive universities like the University of Tokyo and Keio University, but also to top global institutions such as Harvard, Stanford, and Columbia. In addition, we’ve helped clients secure roles at leading global firms like Goldman Sachs, McKinsey, Google, and Mitsubishi Corporation.

What we’ve witnessed firsthand is this: even students from Japan’s most elite universities often fail to land jobs at global firms. We frequently hear concerns such as, “I graduated from a top university but didn’t get any job offers,” or “I couldn’t get into the company or industry I wanted.” The reason lies in a major shift in what companies seek: from academic credentials to global talent.

In today’s hiring market, a new barrier has emerged alongside the traditional “academic pedigree filter”—it’s the “study abroad filter.” In other words, if applicants lack overseas experience, they may not even pass the initial resume screening at multinational corporations or global trading companies. Why? Because the question is no longer “Which school did you attend?”—but rather, “Can you thrive in English on the global stage?”

Despite this shift, many parents and students continue to believe that getting into a good school guarantees a secure future. This mindset is particularly common in households aiming for junior high school entrance. Of course, we absolutely acknowledge that the academic abilities and study habits developed through entrance exam preparation are valuable assets. We are not against junior high entrance exams.
However, based on years of direct experience, we must emphasize: that alone is no longer enough to succeed in today’s global society.

In this article, we explore:

・Why even graduates of Japan’s top universities struggle with job hunting
・What global companies value more than academic background
・What successful candidates have in common: study abroad, English skills, initiative
・Whether you should pursue junior high school entrance exams in light of the above

If you’re a parent thinking:

“If my child is working so hard, I want that effort to lead somewhere meaningful.”
“Beyond academic ability, I want my child to gain real-world global skills.”
“We want a long-term plan that spans junior high, university, and career.”

Then this article will provide concrete insights to help you rethink your family’s education strategy.

At Alpha Advisors, we offer personalized coaching programs for elementary to high school students to develop English fluency, non-cognitive skills, and future-oriented career strategies. In particular, our Alpha Genius Program helps students naturally and enjoyably build skills that lead directly to overseas university admission and employment at global firms.

If you’re saying “We’ll do the junior high entrance exam—but we’re unsure what comes next,”
don’t hesitate to consult with Alpha. We will provide tailored guidance and roadmap planning to suit your child’s unique future potential.

▼ Learn more about Alpha Genius > 【Alpha Genius Program for Kids】

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Should You Consider Junior High School Entrance Exams?

Benefits of Junior High School Entrance Exams

There are numerous advantages to preparing for junior high school entrance exams. Being immersed in a high-quality academic environment early on can significantly broaden a child’s future opportunities. Below are the primary benefits.

① Reduced Pressure for Future Exams:

Once accepted into an integrated junior and senior high school program, students can skip the stressful high school entrance exams. Some may continue directly to university through internal promotion systems. Even for those aiming for external universities, many integrated schools offer advanced curricula designed through the 12th grade, allowing early and systematic preparation for university entrance. For instance, a renowned school like Kaisei begins teaching high school-level content from grade 7 and dedicates grade 12 entirely to university entrance preparation. Thus, junior high entrance exams can greatly reduce the burden of future entrance exams.

② Access to a High-Quality Environment and Peer Network:

Top-tier integrated schools attract motivated students who are academically driven and focused on university admissions. This creates an environment where students stimulate and challenge each other, which not only boosts academic achievement but also helps develop lasting friendships and professional networks. Many of these schools boast excellent university acceptance rates. For example, Kaisei High School sends over 200 students annually to elite national universities. These outcomes reflect the outstanding quality of the environment.

③ Early Development of Study Habits and Academic Skills:

The preparation process itself helps students in upper elementary grades develop consistent study habits and a strong academic foundation. Most students begin serious preparation around grade 4 and continue for three years. These habits often persist into junior high, offering a head start in university exam prep. Tackling challenging problems at a young age can significantly strengthen critical thinking and academic fundamentals. Building a daily rhythm around learning from a young age enables students to transition more smoothly through future academic challenges.

④ Unique Educational Programs and Safe Learning Environments:

Many private integrated schools design their curricula based on a clear philosophy of the kind of students they aim to nurture. Some offer hands-on business projects or leadership development courses. Students are typically from families that highly value education, creating a supportive and goal-oriented atmosphere. Additionally, such schools often report lower rates of bullying and delinquency compared to public schools. Choosing a school with the right fit through the junior high entrance process can provide students with a deeply enriching educational experience.

Drawbacks of Junior High School Entrance Exams

On the other hand, junior high school entrance exams come with important drawbacks and risks that families must fully understand. Here are the major concerns.

① Mental and Physical Stress on the Child:

The exam prep process can be extremely demanding for elementary school students. Math problems often exceed the difficulty level found in junior high, and science and social studies require mastery of content above the elementary grade level. Daily long hours of study can lead to significant stress, especially as peers may still be playing or doing extracurriculars. Many children report having virtually no free time and needing to give up activities like games or hobbies. Performance anxiety from mock exams and the pressure of the final exam can lead to a loss of self-confidence and require emotional support.

② Missed Opportunities for Holistic Development:

Upper elementary is naturally a time for varied experiences, but devoting all energy to academics can lead to imbalanced development. Students may lose out on developing communication and teamwork skills that come from clubs or friendships. The intensity of prep may force them to quit extracurriculars or limit social interactions. Additionally, children in this system often have their time heavily managed by parents, which can stifle independence during adolescence. There's a real risk of raising students who excel academically but struggle socially.

③ The Risk of Exam Failure:

Junior high entrance exams are highly competitive, and even strong effort does not guarantee success. For popular schools, acceptance rates can fall below 20%, and some students unfortunately fail to get into any of their chosen schools—a scenario known as "total rejection." Some estimates suggest that 1 in 6 students face total rejection. If this happens, the student must attend a public school, which can be devastating after intense preparation. The shock of such a result can lead to burnout or low self-esteem, underscoring the emotional stakes involved. Families must recognize that these exams involve both high rewards and significant risks.

The Dangers of an Exam-Only Education System

When the goal becomes simply to enter a prestigious school, students risk developing in a narrow and unbalanced way. Japan’s traditional education system tends to overemphasize rote memorization and test-taking strategies, often at the expense of creativity and interpersonal skills.

In today’s world, top academic credentials alone are not enough—total human capability is essential. We see many “elite test-takers” struggle after graduation because they lack practical communication skills. Corporate recruiters consistently say that communication is more important than GPA. In fact, some argue that Japan’s entrance exam system has created academically brilliant students who don’t understand the basics of real-world collaboration.

Another major issue is the lack of extracurricular experience. Japanese university entrance still relies heavily on written tests, while volunteer work and leadership experience are rarely factored in. As a result, test-savvy students often lack real-world experience. In contrast, American colleges emphasize activities outside the classroom. Japanese students often miss out on building public speaking, teamwork, and leadership skills. This contributes to a shortage of leadership and proactive behavior among students.

Language education is another weak point. Japanese students often perform well on written English tests but struggle with spoken communication. Even at elite schools, students may score high but still lack real-world English skills. Despite six years of study, the education system promotes “test-taking English,” not practical fluency—leaving graduates poorly prepared for the global workforce.

In short, there are many crucial life skills that standardized test prep alone cannot teach. We must be aware of the dangers of overemphasizing test performance and focus on building a well-rounded, globally competent next generation.

The Harsh Reality of Job Hunting

One of the biggest risks of an exam-only education path is failure in the job market. Even in Japan, where academic credentials have traditionally played a large role, the idea that “entering a top university ensures a secure future” is becoming outdated. We are seeing more and more students graduating from Japan’s top universities struggle to secure employment. One of the key reasons is a lack of communication skills and personal initiative—the very qualities today’s global employers demand.

Students often fall short not in academics, but in areas such as:
“Unable to clearly present their strengths in interviews,”
“Lack of experience in team collaboration,”
“Unaware of their strengths and weaknesses,”
“Poor preparation for specific industries or companies,”
“Lack of basic interview manners.”
These shortcomings are not academic but rather essential professional skills. No matter how academically gifted a student may be, they will fail to secure offers from global firms if they lack these qualities.

What’s more, in recent years, academic pedigree alone is no longer sufficient. There is now a “study abroad filter” in hiring processes. Without experience studying abroad at a university, graduate school, or long-term program, candidates are increasingly unable to pass the first screening stage at global companies or trading firms.

We’ve heard this directly from Alpha-supported candidates who received offers from major firms like Mitsubishi Corporation or Mitsui & Co. They’ve said: “Everyone who got an offer had studied abroad.” For positions that involve working with international clients and teams in English, it is only natural that real-world overseas experience is expected.

However, many students still cling to the belief that “a strong academic record is enough to land a top job.” This gap between perception and reality—between exam-based education and the needs of global employers—is a leading cause of failure.

Even graduates from the most prestigious universities in Japan will often find themselves placed in domestic retail sales roles if they lack international experience. In today’s world, academic credentials alone no longer open doors to global companies. Without a mindset that leverages the academic and environmental advantages of early education for global impact, students will find their career options severely limited.

Essential Skills for Global Talent

So, what skills are required to succeed as a globally competitive professional today? Whether in Japan or abroad, the following qualities are widely recognized as essential:

1. Language Proficiency:
English, as the global lingua franca, is foundational. From business negotiations to international collaboration, strong English communication skills are a prerequisite. But fluency alone is not enough. Language is a basic tool—it must be combined with other competencies to be meaningful.

2. Communication Skills:
The ability to build trust and understanding across cultures and specialties is critical. Professionals must convey their ideas clearly, listen actively, and engage in constructive dialogue. Even with high English test scores, many still lack real communication skills. Interpersonal understanding and collaboration are indispensable.

3. Leadership:
The ability to lead diverse teams toward shared goals is essential. True leadership is not about giving orders, but about showing respect, voicing one’s ideas, and motivating others. It requires emotional intelligence, decisiveness, and the ability to lead by example.

4. Proactivity:
Global professionals must be self-starters. Identifying problems, proposing solutions, and taking action independently are highly valued traits. Overseas, those who assert “I want to do this” or “This is how I can improve it” earn recognition. Passivity and reliance on instruction are liabilities.

5. Cultural Awareness and Adaptability:
The ability to understand and flexibly respond to diverse cultures and value systems is a must. Professionals who work across borders face situations where their own norms do not apply. Tolerance for diversity and cultural adaptability are crucial for effective collaboration.

6. Other Core Attributes:
In addition to the above, skills like logical thinking, creativity, problem-solving, tech literacy, and ethics are all essential. One particularly critical trait is “learning agility”—the ability to continuously absorb new knowledge and grow. In today’s ever-changing global landscape, lifelong learners have a clear advantage.

In summary, becoming a global professional requires a multifaceted skill set: language proficiency, communication, leadership, proactivity, adaptability, and continuous learning. These are not skills that can be measured by standardized tests. That’s why education must intentionally cultivate them from an early age, through both academic and experiential learning.

Conclusion: We Support Junior High Entrance—But Don’t Stop at Exams. Aim for the World!

Junior high school entrance exams offer clear advantages, providing an opportunity to build a strong academic foundation and expand future options. Study habits, enriched learning environments, and early exposure to advanced content are all valuable outcomes. When approached thoughtfully, without excessive pressure or micromanagement, the academic gains can be substantial.

At the same time, we must not ignore the risks of overemphasizing exam results or overburdening children and families. It's essential to stay focused on the true purpose of education rather than chasing rankings or entrance statistics. While we firmly support junior high entrance as a path, we believe the goal should not be merely "to win exams and enter a top domestic university." Instead, it should be to look beyond—to the world. Our view at Alpha is simple: Don't just aim for Japan’s top universities—aim for top global universities. Let’s move beyond the traditional “Junior High → University of Tokyo” success narrative, and begin building a new model: international higher education.

Junior high entrance exams are great—but don’t stop at Tokyo University. Let’s set our sights on the world’s top universities and soar globally! This is the path to raising true global leaders in today’s evolving world.

Children hold limitless potential. For those capable of aiming for top universities like the University of Tokyo, why stop there? We encourage them to broaden their horizon and take on the world. What kind of future do you envision for your child? What kind of person do you want them to become? Don’t stop at short-term milestones like junior high admissions. Think ahead to your child’s life as a university student, a professional, a leader—and support their development with a long-term global perspective.

Junior High Entrance is Only the Beginning—Global Careers Require Global Education

As we’ve explored throughout this article, junior high school entrance exams are a highly effective way to build foundational academic strength. Developing consistent effort, and refining cognitive skills through accelerated learning, are all undeniably beneficial. But simply mastering exams is no longer enough.

Without the right direction, even exceptional talent and hard-earned opportunities can be lost. Today, we see students graduating from Japan’s top universities—like the University of Tokyo or Keio—struggling to find employment. The era when a name-brand university guaranteed success is over. Now, what’s truly in demand is global capability—individuals who have received world-class education and can thrive in international environments.

That’s why it’s so important, right at this entry point into junior high, to avoid letting your child’s path stop with domestic exams. The strategy must go further. It’s ideal to possess the academic ability to enter Japan’s top universities—and choose instead to attend the world’s best. Many children already have that potential. Let’s design the junior high and long-term education strategy to support that vision—together with Alpha.

From “Junior High → Tokyo University” to “Junior High → Top Global University → Global Leader.”

Schedule your free consultation with Alpha today. We’ll build the perfect education and career roadmap for your child, based on their unique strengths and dreams!

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Alpha is your go-to partner for global education strategy!

Over the past 17 years, Alpha Advisors has helped students gain admission to world-renowned boarding schools—including Andover, Exeter, Hotchkiss, Lawrenceville, and Choate—as well as top global universities. We now specialize in education support for children aiming for overseas boarding schools, high school, and university admissions. Through Alpha Private Coaching and Alpha Intensive Programs, we offer fully customized guidance—from admission strategy and essays to recommendations, interviews, and scholarships.

We also support university students through graduate school admissions, study abroad placements, and international transfer admissions, offering long-term guidance that aligns with each student’s career goals.
Our proven framework and personalized advising ensure that you reach your destination as efficiently as possible.

If you are seriously considering international boarding school or university admissions, start with our “Career Strategy Advisory” (¥48,000, with discounts available) and speak directly with our founder TJ (formerly Sumitomo Corporation → Chicago Booth MBA → Goldman Sachs IBD) to create a clear roadmap. We are here to support your child’s academic success and global career—every step of the way.

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