Tutor Spotlight: “How I Got Accepted to ICU and What Studying There is Like”
Jae is one of our tutors and a South Korean student who studies at International Christian University (ICU), located in Mitaka, Tokyo. ICU is ranked among the top universities in Japan and first among private universities in the Times Higher Education(THE) Japan university rankings.
In this feature, Jae briefly shares her university application journey and what studying at ICU is like for her today.
1. Deciding to Apply for ICU
I wasn’t planning to study abroad at first; I was actually very set on attending university in South Korea, as most Korean students do. However, when I finished my applications and looked over the universities I was accepted to, it didn’t feel right.
My main reasons for feeling that way were that:
Time: The experience of spending four formative years as a university student, in my youth, is something that only happens once. I wanted to make the most of that period before moving on to a full-time career.
Interests: I was still unsure which major I wanted to study, and I wanted to be able to study more than just one or two subjects.
Growth: I wanted to challenge myself by stepping outside of my comfort zone. Living and studying in a new environment such as Japan felt like a valuable experience.
2. Getting into ICU
I enrolled at ICU in April 2024, so the entry process may have changed since then. I hope you’ll consider my experience as a point of reference rather than a definitive account!
Preparation
I started my international university applications quite late, as they were a last-minute decision. I started about ten months before the final application deadline.
During that time, I:
Acquired educational certifications: I essentially crammed for the SATs, studying from early January for the March test date.
Acquired English qualifications: I took the TOEFL as proof of English proficiency. I actually had to take it two times to get the score I wanted.
Received Letters of Recommendation: Because I started my ICU application after graduating high school, I had to regularly go to my high school to speak with my teacher and principal. I worked very closely with them during this time, amidst my busy schedule.
Finalized entry essay: Writing my ICU admission essay took about a month, as I was applying to other universities as well, and the essay writing took a long time for editing and revising.
3. Advice for New Applicants
If possible, start early: This will depend on which university you’re applying to. For me, I wish I had at least a year to prepare.
Be intentional with your essay: Don’t be afraid to show who you are! But remember to take time to revise.
Choose recommenders who know you well: Since I applied after graduating, staying in close contact with my teachers made a big difference.
4. Life at ICU, Now
This semester, I will be a third-year student at ICU! I’m happy to say I have absolutely no regrets taking the leap and coming here. Choosing to study abroad at an international university gave me opportunities and experiences I never imagined I would have before coming. (Stay on the lookout for a deep dive on this, as well!)
Studying at an international university opened my worldview. I am now majoring in psychology, and minoring in literature - something I never expected to pursue, but have learned to truly love.
If you are considering studying abroad, I hope you will take my experience into account and think about attending an international university like ICU. It may open doors you never expected.
