#Japan #Tokyo #Kei-Net #College Open Campus #University Selection

Exploring University Open Campuses: Insights from High School Students

As high school students gear up for their university entrance exams, many are keen to attend open campuses, especially during the summer. A recent survey conducted by Kei-Net, a university admission information site by Kawaijuku, revealed intriguing insights into students' participation in open campuses.

Survey Overview

The survey targeted Kei-Net correspondents, mainly university alumni and current students. Conducted in November 2024, it gathered 190 valid responses, offering a glimpse into the trends surrounding open campus visits.

Key Highlights

1. Optimal Timing for Attendance: The majority of participants attend during their second year of high school, making up 70% of the respondents. Notably, 79% of students participated in either their first or second year, showcasing a growing trend over the years.
2. Expectations from Open Campuses: An impressive 90% of students expressed the desire to experience the university atmosphere firsthand, emphasizing the importance of this factor in their college selection process.
3. Average Participation Rate: Students averaged 4.7 universities during their open campus visits, with 36% attending more than six campuses—a significant 23% increase since the previous survey.
4. Who Accompanied Them: Interestingly, over half of the respondents attended with a parent, reflecting a growing trend in parental involvement in the college selection process.

Attending Open Campuses: Year of Participation

Among the respondents, a staggering 70% participated in open campuses during their second high school year. The survey indicates that as students approach graduation, they are increasingly proactive in exploring their options. This proactive attitude has led to higher participation rates across all grades compared to the previous year.

Expectations from Open Campuses

Students mainly attended open campuses to get a feel for the university environment and facilities. These visits play a crucial role in helping them visualize their future role at the university, which aids decisiveness in choosing a suitable school. With a clearer understanding of their preferred universities, students report heightened motivation for exam preparation.

Number of Universities Visited

With an average of 4.7 schools visited per student, the trend highlights a shift toward thorough research and decision-making. More students are taking advantage of a combination of in-person visits and online participation to compare various institutions effectively.

Accompaniment to Open Campuses

A notable trend from the survey indicates that parental involvement during campus visits is growing. A 9% increase from the previous year shows that parents play an essential role in guiding their children's choices. However, about 20% of students prefer attending solo, allowing for independent exploration. Balancing both approaches could be key in maximizing campus experience.

Attending open campuses offers a prime opportunity for students to gather vital information, compare different schools, and ultimately choose one that fits them well.

The Kei-Net site plays a crucial role in facilitating open campus visits, providing comprehensive resources for students. They offer tips and a searchable database of open campus events that students can use to plan their visits effectively.

Alumni Experiences

Many students provided feedback based on their past experiences at open campuses:

• - "In-person visits allowed me to understand the university atmosphere that I couldn't capture through brochures."
• - "I gained clarity on the unique features of each institution, significantly aiding my decision-making."
• - “I underestimated the requirement for prior registration and missed several sessions."
• - “If you find yourself lost on campus, don’t hesitate to ask nearby student staff for help."
• - "I wish I had prepared a list of questions beforehand to ensure I covered all my interests during the visit."

Useful Information

• - Kei-Net Open Campus Information: Kei-Net offers checklists and preparatory information for students planning to visit open campuses. A comprehensive database featuring over 740 universities is available to assist with event scheduling.
• - University Festival Online Fair: Unifes is hosting a joint online information session for over 100 popular universities on July 19 and 20, 2025. This is an excellent opportunity for students to compare universities before attending their open campuses in person.

In conclusion, participants in the survey reflect a motivating trend in proactive university exploration. It is essential for students to leverage both in-person and online opportunities to make informed decisions about their future education.