Video summary

How I Got Into Waseda University 🇯🇵

Main summary

Key takeaways

Educational

Main Ideas / Concepts Conveyed

  • Purpose of the video: The creator explains how they got into Waseda University (Waseda / “WASEDA”) and shares guidance for students who want to study in English in Japan.
  • Why Waseda stands out for international students:
    • Ranked as the best private university in Japan (as stated).
    • Offers programs where no Japanese language is required (per the creator), allowing students to graduate with strong academic results even with zero Japanese knowledge.
    • Has many international students and multiple English-based degree options.
  • Waseda’s structure relevant to applicants:
    • Located in central Tokyo with three campuses:
      • Nishi Waseda (engineering; the creator’s campus)
      • Toyoama
      • Waseda campus
    • Has six schools offering English-based majors (listed by the creator).
  • Admissions overview (high-level):
    • Two main admission outcome types:
      • Unconditional offer (no interview)
      • Conditional offer (requires an interview/screening)
    • A waitlist program exists, with notifications around late May.
  • Timeline context (Japanese academic year):
    • University starts in October and runs to February (fall semester), followed by breaks including spring break, summer vacations, and winter break.
    • The creator describes the feeling of a “late start/late end.”
  • What to prepare for the application:
    • Use the faculty’s admissions guideline PDF and tailor your requirements to the specific school.
    • Common document categories include: eligibility proof, transcripts, grading scale, standardized test scores, English proficiency (or exemption), essays, passport/photo, and recommendations.
  • Essays are critical:
    • Prompts differ by school/major.
    • The creator recommends starting early because prompts are released before applications open, giving time to revise.
  • Academic benchmarks (as shared by the creator):
    • Personal A-level results: two A*s and two As.
    • Notes that the faculty PDF includes minimum requirements and example averages for successful applicants (for Sales).
  • Advice on applying early:
    • Applicant numbers are increasing (the creator mentions a rise from 2020–2025) and recommends applying sooner rather than later to avoid future saturation.
  • Additional resources offered:
    • The creator points viewers to other videos about dorms and scholarships.
    • Encourages viewers to ask questions via DM.

Application-Focused Methodology

Step 1: Choose the right English-based school/major at Waseda

English-based schools/majors mentioned:

  • School of Political Science and Economics (PSC)
    • Possible majors: Political Science, Economics, Global Political Economy
  • School of International Liberal Studies (often “SILS” / referred to as “Sales”)
    • Creator says it’s the biggest international-student school
  • School of Social Science
    • Example program: Transnational and Interdisciplinary Studies in Social Innovation (transcribed as TISC/TYC)
  • School of Culture, Media and Society
  • School of Fundamental Science and Engineering (FSE)
    • Highlighted area: Mathematical Sciences and Computer Science and Communication Engineering
  • School of Creative Science and Engineering
    • Example programs: Mechanical Engineering, Civil and Environmental Engineering

Step 2: Start preparing before applications open

The creator recommends preparing before the portal opens because:

  • Essay prompts are released early.
  • You need time to revise multiple times.

Step 3: Track specific application windows (example dates)

Example windows (may vary slightly by school):

  • Sales (SILS)
    • Early entry: Jan 8 – Jan 13
    • Regular entry: Jan 14 – Feb 10
  • FSE (Fundamental School of Science and Engineering) (creator’s school)
    • Jan 8 – Feb 10

Step 4: Use the faculty admissions guideline PDF for exact requirements

The creator emphasizes:

  • Find the correct PDF on the faculty/major website.
  • Follow it closely (they say they “relied on this PDF so bad”).

Step 5: Assemble required documentation (general categories)

Common categories mentioned include:

  • Proof of applicant eligibility, such as:
    • Certificate of expected graduation
    • Academic transcript
    • Grading scale
    • Standardized test scores (e.g., ACT, A-levels, AP)
  • English language proficiency score (TOEFL/IELTS/TOEIC) or an exemption
    • The creator states they were exempt if using A-levels, but notes exemptions depend on your previous program—verify on the website.
  • Essay (format/word count depend on major/school)
  • Personal documents, such as:
    • Passport
    • Photo
    • Residence card (if already living in Japan)
    • Proof of payment
    • Recommendation letter

Step 6: Add school-specific extra requirements (example for Sales)

For Sales / SILS, the creator says there may be extra optional items:

  • Academic honors and extracurricular activities (optional but recommended)
  • Optional language proficiency test score for a language other than your first language and English
    • Creator’s principle: quality over quantity

Step 7: Write the essay according to the school’s prompt format

Examples mentioned:

  • FSE / Computer Science major (approximate prompt structure)

    • Reasons to attend FSE
    • Reasons to study at the specific major you’re applying to
    • Vision for the future
    • Approximate length: ~1,000 words
    • The creator references having another video about their essay.

  • Sales / SILS (quote-based prompt described)

    • A set of quotes is provided.
    • Applicants choose two passages/quotes.
    • Then:
      • Elaborate on ideas examining both viewpoints from one perspective
      • Explain your academic interest
      • Explain how your choice connects to future studies in Sales

Step 8: Plan based on grades and minimum requirements

  • Creator’s A-level results: two A*s and two As
  • The creator notes:
    • Minimum requirements are defined in a dedicated PDF.
    • Example averages for successful applicants in Sales included:
      • SAT: 1416
      • ACT: 32.3
      • IB diploma program (including predicted grades): 36.9 / 42

Step 9: Plan for interview vs. non-interview outcomes

Two outcomes:

  • Unconditional offer: no interview required
  • Conditional offer: requires an interview / last screening

Timing:

  • Results generally announced around mid-April
  • Interview dates are sent if needed
  • Waitlist notifications around end of May (around May 25 mentioned)

Step 10: Apply early due to rising competition risk

The creator argues that:

  • Applicant numbers are increasing.
  • You should apply ASAP because intake may become saturated and acceptance rates may drop.

Final encouragement:

  • Rejection is framed as “redirection.”
  • Encouragement to trust personal ability, supported by the creator’s motivation story.

Speakers / Sources Featured

  • Primary source (speaker): The video creator, Ko (also referred to as Kai in the greeting; the creator’s name appears as Ko).
  • Institution referenced for rules/requirements: Waseda University, especially faculty admissions guideline PDFs for FSE and Sales/SILS.
  • Other named speakers: None clearly identified in the subtitles.

Original video