How Many International Schools Should You Apply To in Tokyo?
Updated: Oct 7
If you are applying to international schools in Tokyo, how many schools should you actually apply to? There is no magic number, but as a general rule, I would usually suggest families seriously consider around 2–7 schools.
This range can change depending on your child's age, the schools you are considering, your child's profile, and whether you are applying from overseas or already living in Tokyo.
Applying to just one school can be a bit risky. However, if it your dream school and you are really confident it is a strong match for your child, you may decide to take that risk.
2–4 schools is usually a very sensible approach because you have at least researched the schools carefully and have an idea whether or not they would be a good fit for your child.
5–7 schools can make sense if you want a few more options.
But once you start getting into the 10, 15, or 20+ range, I think it is worth asking yourself whether you are being strategic or simply applying everywhere because you cannot decide which schools are actually the right fit for your child.
Applying to a school is not just filling out an application online.
It can involve school tours, interviews, assessments, meetings, paperwork, and sometimes multiple visits to the same school.
That can be a lot for a child.
They are meeting new people, visiting unfamiliar environments, taking different assessments, answering the same questions again and again, and constantly being taken out of their normal routine.
Some children manage this well.
Others don't.
Some families can manage all of the application process on their own. Others want help figuring out which schools are realistic, what their child needs to be ready for, and how to approach the admissions process.
If you're not sure how many schools you should be considering, or which schools are realistic options for your child, this is something we can talk through. I can help you look at your child's strengths, needs, and readiness and think through the type of school that may be a good fit.
For families who need more detailed help with the admissions process itself, I can also connect you with an admissions specialist I trust. Kinota Braithwaite - Learning & Assessment Specialist
More Than Just Tutoring Tokyo
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