When Parenting Meets University Entrance Exams
From September 16, the application period for Japan’s National Center Test for University Admissions begins. At my daughter’s public high school, a briefing session was held to explain the new procedures.
This year marks a major shift: applications must be completed entirely online. No more attaching printed photos to paper forms—students now upload digital ID photos. While this may sound simple, the reality for many teens (and their parents) is anything but.
My daughter, fresh from her photo session, walked in the door and exclaimed, “Mom, even taking the picture was such a hassle!” She had struggled with downloading a special app just to transfer the data to her phone. For a generation raised with smartphones, even small technical hurdles can feel overwhelming when the stakes are this high.
Three Essential Checks for Application Photos
Mistakes with ID photos can delay applications. Here are three key points every student (and parent) should know:
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Always Save a Copy
Keep multiple copies of the photo data. Since almost all applications now require uploads, easy access to the file prevents last-minute panic. -
Review Photo Requirements in Advance
Applications can be rejected for simple mistakes. Guidelines are strict:-
No hats, masks, scarves, sunglasses, or earphones
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Face must be forward, looking directly into the camera
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Plain background with no shadows
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Hair kept away from the eyes
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Clear visibility of facial contours
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Correct image size and file format
These small details make the difference between approval and costly delays.
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Don’t Miss the Deadline
The submission window is short—September 16 to October 3. If an error occurs, resubmission is possible until October 17, but proactive preparation avoids unnecessary stress.
More Than Just Paperwork: A Step Toward Independence
Applications aren’t just administrative tasks; they represent a student’s first step toward independence. As a famous line once suggested, “The application process should be done by the student, not the parent.”
Submitting an application is symbolic—it’s the student’s personal declaration of intent to take on the challenge of exams. For parents, the role is not to take over but to offer support when needed, and to quietly watch as their child embraces responsibility.
As dual-income families juggle work, household responsibilities, and children’s education, these small but significant moments highlight both the stress and the growth that come with parenting in today’s digital-first world.
May every student submit their applications without error and face their exams with confidence.
