#Japan #Bunkyo, Tokyo #Takeda Juku #College Choice #Student Opinion

Survey on High School Students' College Choices: Insights and Regrets

In a recent study conducted by Takeda Juku, a nationwide chain of learning centers in Japan, the college selection habits and preferences of students who enrolled in liberal arts programs at private universities were examined. The survey found that a significant number of students—approximately 80%—finalized their college choices during their third year of high school.

Key Findings:

1. Timing of College Decision: About 31.7% of the students made their final decision between September and November of their senior year. Meanwhile, 26.2% did so between June and August. This indicates that a considerable percentage of students make critical decisions quite late in their high school careers.

2. Factors Influencing College Choice: When asked about the most important aspects influencing their choice of school, 57.1% of students prioritized the ability to study their desired subjects, while 45.2% valued the campus atmosphere and environment, and 43.7% considered the commute distance to be crucial.

3. Regrets and Reflections: Alarmingly, about 31% of respondents reported experiencing regrets regarding their college choices. The most common feeling was that they wished they had compared more universities before making a decision.

Study Methodology

The research was conducted via an online survey by IDEATECH using its proprietary research marketing tool, Risa-Pea®. The survey took place from December 25, 2025, to January 13, 2026, with 126 satisfied students from private universities participating. They had all been admitted through the general entrance exams.

Student Concerns and Realities

When further examined, approximately 29.4% of students expressed that they struggled to understand which university suited them best during their decision-making process. This was closely followed by 23.0% who noted that they were unaware of the realities of student life at their chosen institutions.

To tackle these challenges, many students turned to their families, with 32.2% indicating they had frequent discussions with parents or relatives to find direction. Attending open-campus events was also popular, with 25.6% participating in such events to gain firsthand experience.

Desired Support

A striking 39.7% of students indicated that they would have appreciated opportunities to hear candid insights from current students. This highlights a clear need for increased accessibility to authentic student experiences in the college selection process. Other valuable support elements wished for included comparative information on multiple universities (27.0%) and guidance on identifying which universities matched their needs (24.6%).

Lessons Learned from Responses

When reflecting retrospectively, 38.5% of those who felt regret wished they had taken the time to evaluate more universities. Among the sentiments shared, many emphasized that simply looking at university rankings or imagery was insufficient; instead, understanding the curriculum and teaching quality was essential.

Several students also suggested that personal opinions should weigh heavily without being overly influenced by parents or peers.

Conclusion

The findings of this survey highlight the timing of decision-making and the emotional toll it can take on students. While there’s a clear focus on academic interests and campus environment, students still face the complex decision of where to study under tight timelines. Efforts to create more connections between prospective students and current college students will likely improve decision-making quality for those embarking on their higher education journeys.

About Takeda Juku

Established in December 2004, Takeda Juku is unique within the Japanese education landscape as it does not hold traditional classes. The institution emphasizes self-study and independent learning, providing the tools and frameworks needed for students to excel autonomously. Takeda Juku's approach underscores the importance of personal motivation and catered learning strategies, offering individualized support that aligns with students’ learning styles.

For more information regarding Takeda Juku, please visit their website at Takeda Juku.