School Life
University Guidance
The MBIS Guidance Counseling Department
Helping students navigate their journey to higher education.
Our Guidance Counseling Team
Our Guidance Counseling team is here to support students in their academic pathways, offering students guidance on university and post-secondary opportunities—both internationally and within Japan.
We guide students through the university application process, offering global university insights, and resources for informed decision-making.
How we support you
Personalized College Guidance
Tailored support to align with each student’s unique needs and aspirations.
Students Workshops
Preparation classes and information sessions to equip students with college-ready skills and knowledge.
Informative Parent Sessions
Workshops, Q&A forums, and resources to keep families informed and involved.
Grade-Specific Action Plans
Clear, step-by-step guidance to help students stay on track throughout high school.
Grade-by-grade action plan
A grade-by-grade action plan developed to ensure students make the most of high school and prepare for the next chapter.
Grade 9: Laying the Foundation
- Develop strong study skills.
- Prioritize academic excellence.
- Engage in extracurricular activities.
- Talk to your parents about college plans, including financial considerations.
- Utilize BridgeU to explore colleges, programs, and costs.
- Consider visiting colleges and universities during holidays.
- Plan for a college tour after Grade 11, preferably during the summer.
- Seek advice from counselors, teachers, administrators, and alumni.
- Make productive use of your summers through personal development opportunities, jobs, internships, or volunteer work.
- Read, read, READ! Make a habit of reading every day.
Grade 10: Building Momentum
- Review high school course offerings and create a study plan.
- Maintain a focus on academic achievement.
- Continue involvement in extracurricular activities.
- Attend online and in-person college events within and beyond Japan.
- Begin creating your university list using BridgeU.
- Take the PSAT/NMSQT.
- Make the most of your summers with personal development experiences, jobs, internships, or volunteer work, while keeping detailed records.
- Research summer school programs for high schoolers at colleges and universities.
- Read, read, READ! Make a habit of reading every day.
Grade 11: Taking the Lead
- Challenge yourself with appropriate coursework.
- Stay engaged within your school and community.
- Attend online and in-person college activities.
- Take the PSAT/NMSQT.
- If necessary, prepare for the SAT and take the SAT.
- Collaborate with your family to plan for college finances.
- Consider visiting universities you’re interested in.
- Enhance your profile through volunteering, interesting jobs, internships, or summer programs.
- Schedule individual meetings with your guidance counselor to discuss personal university plans.
- Dive deep into your college search using BridgeU, tracking preferences, researching majors and careers, exploring financial aid options, and compiling a list of 15-20 colleges that pique your interest.
Grade 12: The Final Stretch
- Collaborate with your counselor to finalize your list of colleges.
- Prepare application documents, including financial records.
- Create a comprehensive calendar with all relevant dates, such as test dates, application deadlines, financial aid deadlines, and scholarship opportunities.
- Complete recommendation requests for teachers and counselors in BridgeU.
- Draft and refine your application essays, with guidance from your counselor.
- Submit your college applications.
- Retain copies of all materials sent to colleges.
- If applicable, confirm the receipt of all application materials with colleges.
- Stay vigilant about checking your email and application portals.
- Make a thoughtful and informed choice when selecting your college.
The Senior Year Timeline
A roadmap to help MBIS students navigate their final year of school.
- Welcome back! Start your final year with enthusiasm.
- Narrow down your college list—focus on your top choices
- Polish your essays and personal statements.
- Keep an eye out for scholarship opportunities.
- Stay actively involved in extracurriculars.
- Begin your college applications.
- Retake the SAT, if necessary.
- Request recommendation letters from teachers and counsellors.
- Ensure all required documents are submitted to your chosen colleges, with your counselor’s guidance.
- Monitor application deadlines and complete your applications.
- If you applied for Early Decision, carefully consider offers and make a decision.
- Review available scholarships.
- Retake the SAT, if needed.
- Send mid-year reports to colleges that require them.
- Arrange interviews, if necessary.
- Reassess available scholarships.
- Regularly check your mailbox for updates.
- Engage in detailed discussions with your family regarding college costs.
- Make your final college decision.
- If financial aid falls short, consider making an appeal.
- Complete all necessary paperwork.
- Congratulations, you’re headed to college!
Other resources
University Representatives
To schedule visits, kindly contact our Guidance Counselor, Mrs. Hulya Park
Students and Parents
Stay informed with the University Guidance information for the latest updates and information.
