Frequently Asked Questions
Admission
Back to List1. Requirements
GRE, TOEFL, etc.
QHow does UTIPE evaluate GRE and TOEFL? What is the minimum score required to gain admission for each item?
AThe UTIPE makes admission decision based on total evaluation of all information received from applicants and recommendation letters. There is no pre-set minimum standard for each item (TOEFL and GRE). However, faculty members are well aware of standards and evaluation procedures of the top schools in the US and UK and UTIPE admission procedure will be comparable to top graduate schools in economics in the United States and United Kingdom.
QIs taking the GRE a STRICT requirement? Do you take GMAT in place of GRE?
AIt is a STRICT requirement and there is no exception to it. We do not take GMAT in place of GRE.
QDo I need to submit GRE Report of Scores together with other application documents?
AYou can send a copy of your Report of Scores separately from other documents if you meet the following requirements:1.The copy will sure to be delivered within application period.; 2．You have made a request that ETS send the GRE Score Report directly to us.
QDoes UTIPE value GPAs and/or past work experiences?
AWork experience is not particularly positive or negative in our evaluations.
QWould Japanese proficiency help my cause?
AUTIPE does not pay too much attention to Japanese ability, but it would broaden your scope of study and research after you enter teh program. In that sense, some Japanese is a plus.
Math
QHow technical (in Math) does your program require? If I haven't learned dynamic programming before, is that a problem in evaluation?
AMathematics background is very important. The required level of mathematics is essentially the same as those of US economics programs. Linear algebra and calculus are both important. Dynamic programming is preferable, but not a must. We have a mathematics review course which covers the above-mentioned three subjects for the first year students.
QWhat is the average math proficiency of a successful applicant? Should I take classes up through calculus, or differential equations, etc.?
AWe cannot say about the average, but it would be better if you take calculus and linear algebra before entering our program.
Superviser
QDo applicants have to choose a professor before being admitted? Can students decide on the professor after being admitted?
AStudents choose a superviser after the first year core courses are completed, though some students tend to talk to more than one professors on an informal basis from their first year, and they are encouraged to do so.
QDoes an applicant have to be very specific on the topic of research/thesis before being admitted? Can students change the topic of research after being admitted?
ANo, topics of research can be decided with consultation with a faculty adviser, when the adviser is chosen after the first year. Although students are encouraged to think of a research plan before applying for the program, the plan can be changed anytime after entering the program, provided that you find a faculty member who is willing to supervise the research.
Enrollment in April/September
QIt seems this program allows admission in both April and September. Does it mean by applying in August I can select to enter school either in April or September?
AYou can choose to enroll in April or September by checking the box on the "Application for Enrollment" form.
Postponement of admission
QIf admitted, can I postpone my admission into the program?
AAt this point, you can't postpone your admission into our program.
PageTop2. Eligibility
Graduates from Japanese universities/universities in Japan
QAfter getting a bachelor's degree from a university in Japan, I got a master's degree from a university in US. Am I eligible to apply for UTIPE program?
AThose who have graduated from a Japanese university should take a regular (not UTIPE) entrance examination. For further details please check the following website.
QI am currently studying at an American university in its branch in Japan. I am about to graduate with a B.A in economics. Am I eligible to apply for UTIPE program?
AThose who have graduated from a university located in Japan should take a regular (not UTIPE) entrance examination for the admission. For further details please check the following website.
PhD program
QI graduated from one of European universities with a MSc in Economics. Is it possible for me to enter directly into the PhD without obtaining a master’s degree from University of Tokyo first?
AYou can apply to the PhD program which was launched in April 2012. Please note, however, that the hurdle is quite high for a graduate with a master's degree of other universities to enter directly into the program without obtaining a master's degree from the Graduate School of Economics, The University of Tokyo.
Research students
QCan I enter your program as a research student?
ANo. We do not accept research students at this point.
3. Miscellaneous
Scholarship programs
QCan you give me more info about MEXT scholarship? How can I know that if I am qualified for the scholarship or not and how can I apply?
AAs application procedures are different depending upon each Japanese Embassy/Consulate General, you must ask Japanese Embassy/Consulate General near around your residence.
QAre there any scholarship programs available?
AThere are a variety of scholarship programs available which you can apply after entering UTIPE. More information can be found on the Scholarship information site.
Telephone inquiries, etc.
QDo you accept telephone inquiries regarding your program?
AAt this point we do not accept telephone inquiries.
QWill UTIPE host an open campus event (either inside or outside Japan) for prospective students to get to know more about the program?
AWe are exploring possibilities, but we have not decided one way or the other.
Pronunciation of "UTIPE"
QHow do you pronounce "UTIPE"?
AThe pronunciation is the following: "You-Type".
