Hello! I am a 17 year old from America who has applied to both mit ED and the mext scholarship. Just by going off of my stats, my chances for both are extremely high. (and I know there will be people in comments that say the chances of getting even one of these are low. I’m aware and that is not what this post is about. I need help making a good decision.)
In the event that I get the MEXT scholarship, I would of course study as hard as I can in an effort to go to UTokyo, Ukyoto, waseda, Keio, or Uosaka. I know it is hard but I am willing to sacrifice whatever it takes to get there.
My problem is, what do I pick in the event that I get both? Through QuestBridge I would have a full ride to MIT, and I would also be going to college for free through mext, + another two years for graduate for free.
I don’t see how I could pass up 5-7 years of living in Japan for free, especially this young in my life. I also don’t want to set myself up for failure, though.
Will an economics major be enough to make a good living in Japan? Could I break through that 一千万円 threshold if I graduated from a Utoyko or Ukyoto?
I think that, for me personally, the experience is priceless and spending 5-7 years in Japan for free is something that no one ever gets to do, especially at my age. If I decline this, it’s over. I could technically go back to mit for my grad or doctorate.
I’m honestly not too sure though and I need help.
7 comments
I would take the MIT anytime of the day and learn Japanese in parallel. If you graduate from the MIT and have a decent level in Japanese it will be super easy to find a work or continue graduate studies in Japan. In the meantime you can learn more about the japanese culture, have a couple trips to Japan or even do a semester abroad to validate your interest in the country.
Are you taking your courses in English or Japanese at the Japanese universities? If it is in English MIT is hands down the better option. The English programs at these uni’s are not nearly as prestigious as compared to their Japanese counterparts, and employers will be able to tell where you studied. MIT is world renowned as a university and would probably offer you better long term options.
MIT, so much greater earning potential.
A degree from MIT means something in Japan too, a degree from Todai doesn’t mean much outside of Japan. Full ride at MIT is a no brainer
I am an MIT alum who is currently living in Japan. I started off working at NASA and was scouted by a Japanese space company based in Tokyo to continue my career. You can spend your summer in Japan while doing an internship for free through the MISTI program at MIT. And once you graduate you can demand a high salary when looking for work in Japan too. My advice – MIT all day. You will open up so many doors for yourself and living in Japan will still be on the table with a high salary at that.
#MIT
Japan is a fcuking joke academically. A STEM degree from MIT will get you the job you want whether it’s Japan or USA.
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^*Source:* ^UCLA/Keio ^grad ^up ^to ^the ^Masters ^level.
The MIT has a way way better reputation worldwide. If you get the chance to study there, then grab it. With a good degree from MIT you’ll be able to find work wherever in the world you want. That’s not the case with a degree from any Japanese uni.