TLDR; Are entrance exams for Art grad school programs handwritten? What do they usually consist of?
Is it worth paying ~$5k for language school & its art grad school prep program?
I graduated with a BA in Art & Design a little over a year ago. I want to study at Musashino Art University for a master’s degree in sculpture, but I would like to apply to other schools as well. I signed up (and paid for) a Japanese language school / grad school prep course in Tokyo which was supposed to begin shortly after I graduated, but due to COVID I wasn’t able to leave as planned so I’ve been building up my portfolio, saving money and studying for N2. I’m starting to wonder if I really need to spend that much on the language school but I’m worried about getting through the application process on my own. I’m confident in my speaking, reading and typing ability but never put much effort into handwriting. I recently found out most entrance exams are handwritten, which would be totally impossible for me at my current skill level. I’m also curious what other technical skills will be tested. I also read on here that MEXT scholars can be exempted from entrance exams and are assisted with the application process overall, should I just apply directly to the research-masters course scholarship first instead of language school? My art practice does align well with a research oriented approach. Any advice, info or resources would be much appreciated!
I would love to talk with anyone with experience in this area as well!