Sometimes, it's important to pause and take time to reflect on yourself.
I approached the entrance exam optimistically and became a member of the first graduating class of Department of Data Science.
I approached the entrance exam optimistically and became a member of the first graduating class of Department of Data Science.
# Entrance exam preparation experiences
Yuki Kurosawa
Faculty of Business Administration Department of Data Science
2025.01.31
This time, we interviewed Yuki Kurosawa, a second-year student Department of Data Science Faculty of Business Administration. Ms. Kurosawa took the general entrance exam using the "two-subject" format, where each subject has a significant weighting of points. Having overcome a sudden hospitalization to gain admission to the university, we asked Ms. Kurosawa in detail about her approach to the exam and her recommended strategies for the "two-subject" format.
Please enter your text.
I'd like to ask about the entrance examination system used to get into Asia University.
Q1. Please tell us the type of entrance examination you took and the subjects you took.
This is a general entrance exam with two subjects: English and Mathematics.
Q2. Why did you choose that particular entrance examination method, and what was the reason for your choice?
I was weak in Japanese language arts but good at math, so I chose the two-subject format where math had a higher weighting.
Q3. What were your reasons for choosing your current faculty?
I was originally aiming for Faculty of Economics or Faculty of Business Administration of national or public universities, but I happened to see an announcement on Asia University 's website about the establishment of a new Department of Data Science. I found it refreshing and was intrigued by its content, so I chose it.
This department is a blend of humanities and sciences, as it covers not only business management, which is what I originally wanted to study, but also data science. It's a department that aims to cultivate individuals who can conquer business using their knowledge of data.
Q4. What kind of preparations did you make for the exam?
Since I was aiming for a national or public university, I was studying for the Common Test, which covers five subjects and seven courses. I only started preparing for Asia University entrance exam in January, as the exam was fast approaching. Because it was a newly established department, there were no past exam papers. I solved the sample math problems posted on the website, redid the parts I got wrong, and reviewed the textbooks to prepare. For English, there were no sample problems, so I studied on my own, relying only on the exam syllabus.
I thought Asia University 's exam would have a lot of basic questions, so I figured that if I could get those right and then gain an advantage in mathematics, that would be good enough. In the end, I feel like that worked out well.
Q5. What do you think are the best things about attending Asia University?
I find the field of data science to be fresh and interesting. The professors value communication, and there's a lot of back-and-forth conversation during classes. University Lecture often have a reputation for being dry and monotonous, but the professors in Department of Data Science are the complete opposite. They create an environment that encourages students to actively participate. Also, the hands-on programming is fun, and I'm really glad I enrolled.
I'm currently interested in the field of travel. We had an assignment where we had to imagine a specific location, incorporate its unique characteristics and SDGs elements, create a travel plan in a group, and then present it within a week. Since I've always loved traveling, it was a lot of fun.
I also currently work as a campus concierge, providing support to those considering enrolling at Asia University. As a member of the first graduating class of Department of Data Science, I find it rewarding to convey the appeal of the university to high school students, and I was truly happy when a high school student I had personally advised actually enrolled.
Q6. What do you want to work on during your university life going forward?
I'd like to visit many different prefectures in Japan and learn about the history and other aspects of those regions. Now that I can work part-time freely, I want to use the money I earn to travel and broaden my horizons.
Q7. Please tell us about your dreams and goals for the future.
Now that I've entered Department of Data Science, I have a strong desire to work in an IT-related field or for a company that specializes in data science.
This is a general entrance exam with two subjects: English and Mathematics.
Q2. Why did you choose that particular entrance examination method, and what was the reason for your choice?
I was weak in Japanese language arts but good at math, so I chose the two-subject format where math had a higher weighting.
Q3. What were your reasons for choosing your current faculty?
I was originally aiming for Faculty of Economics or Faculty of Business Administration of national or public universities, but I happened to see an announcement on Asia University 's website about the establishment of a new Department of Data Science. I found it refreshing and was intrigued by its content, so I chose it.
This department is a blend of humanities and sciences, as it covers not only business management, which is what I originally wanted to study, but also data science. It's a department that aims to cultivate individuals who can conquer business using their knowledge of data.
Q4. What kind of preparations did you make for the exam?
Since I was aiming for a national or public university, I was studying for the Common Test, which covers five subjects and seven courses. I only started preparing for Asia University entrance exam in January, as the exam was fast approaching. Because it was a newly established department, there were no past exam papers. I solved the sample math problems posted on the website, redid the parts I got wrong, and reviewed the textbooks to prepare. For English, there were no sample problems, so I studied on my own, relying only on the exam syllabus.
I thought Asia University 's exam would have a lot of basic questions, so I figured that if I could get those right and then gain an advantage in mathematics, that would be good enough. In the end, I feel like that worked out well.
Q5. What do you think are the best things about attending Asia University?
I find the field of data science to be fresh and interesting. The professors value communication, and there's a lot of back-and-forth conversation during classes. University Lecture often have a reputation for being dry and monotonous, but the professors in Department of Data Science are the complete opposite. They create an environment that encourages students to actively participate. Also, the hands-on programming is fun, and I'm really glad I enrolled.
I'm currently interested in the field of travel. We had an assignment where we had to imagine a specific location, incorporate its unique characteristics and SDGs elements, create a travel plan in a group, and then present it within a week. Since I've always loved traveling, it was a lot of fun.
I also currently work as a campus concierge, providing support to those considering enrolling at Asia University. As a member of the first graduating class of Department of Data Science, I find it rewarding to convey the appeal of the university to high school students, and I was truly happy when a high school student I had personally advised actually enrolled.
Q6. What do you want to work on during your university life going forward?
I'd like to visit many different prefectures in Japan and learn about the history and other aspects of those regions. Now that I can work part-time freely, I want to use the money I earn to travel and broaden my horizons.
Q7. Please tell us about your dreams and goals for the future.
Now that I've entered Department of Data Science, I have a strong desire to work in an IT-related field or for a company that specializes in data science.
Q5. What do you think are the best things about attending Asia University?
I find the field of data science to be fresh and interesting. The professors value communication, and there's a lot of back-and-forth conversation during classes. University Lecture often have a reputation for being dry and monotonous, but the professors in Department of Data Science are the complete opposite. They create an environment that encourages students to actively participate. Also, the hands-on programming is fun, and I'm really glad I enrolled.
I'm currently interested in the field of travel. We had an assignment where we had to imagine a specific location, incorporate its unique characteristics and SDGs elements, create a travel plan in a group, and then present it within a week. Since I've always loved traveling, it was a lot of fun.
I also currently work as a campus concierge, providing support to those considering enrolling at Asia University. As a member of the first graduating class of Department of Data Science, I find it rewarding to convey the appeal of the university to high school students, and I was truly happy when a high school student I had personally advised actually enrolled.
Q6. What do you want to work on during your university life going forward?
I'd like to visit many different prefectures in Japan and learn about the history and other aspects of those regions. Now that I can work part-time freely, I want to use the money I earn to travel and broaden my horizons.
Q7. Please tell us about your dreams and goals for the future.
Now that I've entered Department of Data Science, I have a strong desire to work in an IT-related field or for a company that specializes in data science.
I find the field of data science to be fresh and interesting. The professors value communication, and there's a lot of back-and-forth conversation during classes. University Lecture often have a reputation for being dry and monotonous, but the professors in Department of Data Science are the complete opposite. They create an environment that encourages students to actively participate. Also, the hands-on programming is fun, and I'm really glad I enrolled.
I'm currently interested in the field of travel. We had an assignment where we had to imagine a specific location, incorporate its unique characteristics and SDGs elements, create a travel plan in a group, and then present it within a week. Since I've always loved traveling, it was a lot of fun.
I also currently work as a campus concierge, providing support to those considering enrolling at Asia University. As a member of the first graduating class of Department of Data Science, I find it rewarding to convey the appeal of the university to high school students, and I was truly happy when a high school student I had personally advised actually enrolled.
Q6. What do you want to work on during your university life going forward?
I'd like to visit many different prefectures in Japan and learn about the history and other aspects of those regions. Now that I can work part-time freely, I want to use the money I earn to travel and broaden my horizons.
Q7. Please tell us about your dreams and goals for the future.
Now that I've entered Department of Data Science, I have a strong desire to work in an IT-related field or for a company that specializes in data science.
Please enter your text.
I'd like to ask you in detail about exam preparation and mindset.
Q8. Do you have any recommended countermeasures?
I recommend re-solving the problems you got wrong after some time has passed. Continue this process to gradually fill in your gaps in understanding.
Q9. What were some of the difficulties you faced in preparing for the exam?
I continued studying while dealing with a condition called pneumothorax. Thanks to that, it was a year in which I was able to grow mentally. I didn't get into my first-choice university, but I don't think this year was wasted at all.
Q10. Have you ever overcome a slump? What was the trigger for that?
My experience of being hospitalized due to illness made me more relaxed about my approach to studying for exams. I became more optimistic about everything, and my mental strength improved, which I think allowed me to see my exams through to the end.
Q11. Do you have any recommended ways to relax or unwind?
I used to listen to rock music at full volume. It would get me pumped up before studying. My friends invited me out, but I turned them all down. Looking back, I think it would have been good to take a day to refresh myself.
Q12. Were there any people, words, or triggers that supported you?
My parents have always been on my side. They supported me when I was feeling down because of my poor grades, and even when I was hospitalized and couldn't visit due to the pandemic, they brought me snacks and things like that.
And then there are the teachers. My homeroom teacher, in particular, made time to meet with me even when I was studying for my entrance exams, and gave me words of encouragement. My friends also contacted me on LINE saying things like, "Let's hang out once the exams are over." I was supported by so many people.
Q13. What was your method for cramming right before the entrance exam?
I kept the actual exam in mind. For example, if the test was 60 minutes long, I would shorten it to 50 minutes. I figured I'd be too nervous during the actual test and wouldn't be able to stick to the time limit. Thanks to that, I was able to approach the exam with enjoyment.
Q14. What did you gain from your experience of taking entrance exams?
What I learned is to be more optimistic. When you're studying for exams, your perspective tends to narrow, and your mind can become constricted. Then, I was hospitalized due to illness, which gave me time to reflect on myself and allowed me to think about everything more optimistically. I realized how fortunate I usually was.
If you're feeling overwhelmed with exam preparation, it might be a good idea to take a break. Try contacting a friend or finding some way to refresh yourself. I hope this has given you some helpful hints.
Q15. Please give a message to high school students who will be taking the same entrance exam.
I believe mathematics is crucial for Asia University 's general entrance exam, which consists of two subjects, so I want you to focus on mastering the fundamentals of mathematics. You should be able to pass if you can understand the content in the textbook, so don't panic if you can't do the application problems. For English, the basics are also important, so make sure to memorize the vocabulary.
I recommend re-solving the problems you got wrong after some time has passed. Continue this process to gradually fill in your gaps in understanding.
Q9. What were some of the difficulties you faced in preparing for the exam?
I continued studying while dealing with a condition called pneumothorax. Thanks to that, it was a year in which I was able to grow mentally. I didn't get into my first-choice university, but I don't think this year was wasted at all.
Q10. Have you ever overcome a slump? What was the trigger for that?
My experience of being hospitalized due to illness made me more relaxed about my approach to studying for exams. I became more optimistic about everything, and my mental strength improved, which I think allowed me to see my exams through to the end.
Q11. Do you have any recommended ways to relax or unwind?
I used to listen to rock music at full volume. It would get me pumped up before studying. My friends invited me out, but I turned them all down. Looking back, I think it would have been good to take a day to refresh myself.
Q12. Were there any people, words, or triggers that supported you?
My parents have always been on my side. They supported me when I was feeling down because of my poor grades, and even when I was hospitalized and couldn't visit due to the pandemic, they brought me snacks and things like that.
And then there are the teachers. My homeroom teacher, in particular, made time to meet with me even when I was studying for my entrance exams, and gave me words of encouragement. My friends also contacted me on LINE saying things like, "Let's hang out once the exams are over." I was supported by so many people.
Q13. What was your method for cramming right before the entrance exam?
I kept the actual exam in mind. For example, if the test was 60 minutes long, I would shorten it to 50 minutes. I figured I'd be too nervous during the actual test and wouldn't be able to stick to the time limit. Thanks to that, I was able to approach the exam with enjoyment.
Q14. What did you gain from your experience of taking entrance exams?
What I learned is to be more optimistic. When you're studying for exams, your perspective tends to narrow, and your mind can become constricted. Then, I was hospitalized due to illness, which gave me time to reflect on myself and allowed me to think about everything more optimistically. I realized how fortunate I usually was.
If you're feeling overwhelmed with exam preparation, it might be a good idea to take a break. Try contacting a friend or finding some way to refresh yourself. I hope this has given you some helpful hints.
Q15. Please give a message to high school students who will be taking the same entrance exam.
I believe mathematics is crucial for Asia University 's general entrance exam, which consists of two subjects, so I want you to focus on mastering the fundamentals of mathematics. You should be able to pass if you can understand the content in the textbook, so don't panic if you can't do the application problems. For English, the basics are also important, so make sure to memorize the vocabulary.