Transforming University Entrance Preparation: The My Baton Note
In recent years, the path to higher education for students in Japan has become increasingly competitive, with nearly half of university admissions relying on Comprehensive Selection and School Recommendation processes. This shift demands that students effectively articulate their ambitions and experiences in the essential ingredient of admission – the motivation letter. Recognizing this pivotal challenge, two esteemed organizations – Rizapuro Inc. and NOLTY Planners – have partnered to create an innovative tool designed to support high school students navigating this process: the 'My Baton Note.'
Background of My Baton Note: Bridging Vision and Action
As a response to the urgent need for effective self-analysis and future planning among students, My Baton Note has been meticulously crafted to enhance the way students approach their motivation letters. The collaboration harnesses Rizapuro’s extensive success rates and teaching methodologies in Comprehensive Selection and NOLTY's expertise in developing student-oriented growth programs through their renowned study planner, the 'Scola Notebook.' This partnership aims to equip students with the necessary tools to develop their motivation letters independently and with confidence.
Key Features of My Baton Note
1.
Self-Reflection and Future Planning:
This notebook guides students through a reflective process that encourages them to consider their interests and what actions they can take towards their future aspirations. The structured reflection on previous activities helps to articulate personal growth and prepare them for future challenges.
2.
Streamlined Content and Structure:
The 2026 edition will focus on the three essential evaluation aspects for university admissions: 'Learning', 'Activities', and 'Human Qualities.' By narrowing down content to these three categories, students can manage their reflection more efficiently, with reduced workload leading up to the preparation of their motivation letters.
3.
Practical and Effective Framework:
The tools within My Baton Note are specifically designed based on the latest insights from admission officers, focusing on self-analysis that consistently aligns with the goals from high school through university and onto future ambitions. This 'backward design' strategy helps students identify what they should be doing in the present to reach their intended future goals.
4.
Enhanced Learning Experience:
Lessons learned are clearly articulated through periodic reflections, which allow students to visualize their successes while identifying areas for improvement. The notebook condenses its original 80 pages to just 44, ensuring students can complete their reflections in a timely manner with minimal disruption to their learning schedules.
5.
Robust Support for Motivation Letter Creation:
It includes worksheets that empower students to compile their recorded reflections systematically, aiding them in crafting compelling motivation letters without external assistance.
Future Goals and Implementation
The My Baton Note will be introduced at schools participating in the NOLTY Scola Program starting April 2026. It will serve as a paid option available to those who have purchased the Scola Notebook. Both Rizapuro and NOLTY Planners believe that enhancing students' ability to articulate their experiences and aspirations will have a profound impact on their educational journey and future successes.
As Son Tatsuhiro, CEO of Rizapuro Inc., states, 'The quality of a motivation letter is determined not merely by expressive skill but by the ability to organize one’s experiences. The My Baton Note is structured to help students articulate their learning and growth consistently.' The tool is specifically aimed at expanding students' choices for the future, acting as a foundational piece for their educational development.
For further inquiries regarding the My Baton Note, please visit
NOLTY Planners or
Rizapuro. Together, we look forward to supporting the next generation of students in their academic endeavors.