FAQ - PEAK Program

Frequently Asked Questions:- Peak Program

Before asking any questions, please carefully go through the instructions provided on the PEAK website: http://peak.c.u-tokyo.ac.jp/apply/how-to-apply/index.html

*DISCLAIMER: This is not the definitive and only way to do it and also we do not endorse or are not liable for the information shared in the external website. They are shared only for information.

1. What scores do I need to submit in my application? As a CBSE student, do I also have to submit only my board marks or should I also take the SAT exams?

You will need to submit your Grade 9, 10, 11 scores as well as any scores from your preboard in Grade 12 and first semester results if they are out. PEAK also requires that your school submits a "predicted score sheet" for you.

The offer made to CBSE board students is conditional based on your predicted scores, and once you submit your final CBSE results for 12th grade your admissions decision will be finalised by the school.

If you have appeared for the SAT exam or taken any AP classes, you are free to submit those scores in addition to your school grades and CBSE score. However, for CBSE students it is NOT compulsory to submit SAT scores.

2. Do I need to submit any English proficiency exam scores if I have done all of my schooling in English?

In most cases, English scores can be waived for CBSE students who have had an English-medium education. So NO, you do not need to submit your English proficiency scores.

3. What are the chances of getting a scholarship? How do I apply for a scholarship?

PEAK offers a lot of scholarships to its incoming students. All the scholarships are academic in nature, although they do consider need. Your application will be automatically considered for scholarships when you apply.

4. Is there a possibility to change my major to engineering?

No. PEAK currently offers only two branches of study: Environmental Sciences and Japan in East Asia. Changing your major is possible, however, the engineering major requires you to take all or most of your classes in Japanese.

5. Do I need to know/speak any Japanese for admission in this program?

No. There is no requirement of Japanese language knowledge and ability upon being admitted. However, you will have to take a few compulsory Japanese language courses

(based on your level: from introductory to advanced classes offered) in your first year.

6. When should I start my application and when should I finish it?

Application timeline can be found on the PEAK website. It changes every year so please check their website regularly.

7. What kind of letter of recommendation should my teachers submit?

PEAK provides you with a template in the admissions packet. The teachers have to fill out a form for you and attach a Letter of Recommendation(LoR).

8. How are the students enrolled in the PEAK program like? Are the studies very hard?

The students in PEAK are very motivated and intelligent. Most of them come from the most competitive schools in their countries but are incredibly helpful. Being so diverse, there is also a lot of cultural exchanges within PEAK which make the PEAK community very interesting. Even within the PEAK program, the PEAK students have very different academic interests or concentrations.

The studies in PEAK can be hard if you are not regular with your studies or not motivated. The number of credits you need to take during your four years is fairly large, so PEAK students have to take a lot of classes. At the same time, PEAK students are never competing with each other and are thus always ready to help out their friends and peers. The support system PEAK students have created for each other makes the process of studying a lot less stressful.

9. How should I prepare for the interview? What kind of questions would the interviewers ask me?

The PEAK interview can be an intimidating experience, however, it will also be a very exhilarating and unique experience for most. The interview is usually held at the Delhi office of the University of Tokyo. There will be seven professors present for the interview, out of which one will be present while the others will be connected to the room via Skype.

The questions asked by the professors are straight forward and are about the subjects you have studied in school. They are basically looking at your grasp of the subjects you are studying and the knowledge of the concepts, as well as the reason as to why you want to study at the University of Tokyo and in the PEAK program. They are also identifying your unique skill set and experiences that would contribute to the growth of PEAK.

Most importantly, they are looking for your leadership qualities and skills that make you stand out as a candidate.

Based on the above qualities they are seeking, you should prepare for the interview accordingly. Please do remember to be completely honest, humble and positive during the interview process.

10. What are some examples of the courses available in the PEAK program?

You can find the course list on the PEAK website. The Junior division (first two years) and Senior Division (last two years) of university greatly differ with the subjects offered.

http://peak.c.u-tokyo.ac.jp/courses/index.html