Entrance Examination

Japanese Name

じゅけん

juken

Description

An entrance examination is a test taken to gain admission to a school or university.
It evaluates a student's academic knowledge, aptitude, or subject-specific skills.
These exams are often competitive, especially for prestigious institutions.
Subjects tested vary but commonly include math, language, and science.
High scores can determine not only acceptance but also scholarship opportunities.
In many countries, students spend months or years preparing for these tests.
Private tutoring and cram schools (like Japan’s juku) are common.
Entrance exams can be paper-based, computer-based, or interview-based.

Entrance exams have existed in some form for centuries.
In ancient China, the imperial examination (keju) was used to select officials.
Modern academic entrance exams began in Europe in the 19th century.
Japan adopted entrance exams during the Meiji era, influenced by Western education.
By the 20th century, standardized tests like the SAT (US) and Gaokao (China) emerged.
In Japan, the "examination hell" (juken jigoku) became a well-known social issue.
Many countries have tried to reform entrance systems to reduce stress and inequality.
Today, entrance exams remain a key gateway to higher education worldwide.

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