Generally speaking, the organization of the curriculum, the device of new teaching methods and adequate educational and vocational guidance of students based on their abilities and aptitudes have not proved very satisfactory. Further investigation should be made to develop various school curriculums, new teaching methods, programs for the measurement of abilities and aptitudes, and adequate guidance programs. At present, selection of applicants for admission to higher educational institutions is the independent responsibility of each university. Admission to upper secondary schools is based on examinations conducted by each prefectural board of education. Under the current entrance examination system, there has been unwholesome competition in the examinations because of the imbalance between the number of qualified applicants and the numbers permitted to enter individual universities or individual departments therein.
Admission is permitted only at the beginning of each school year.
Applicants failing of admission must wait a full year before re-applying. Admission is based on the pre-determined numbers to be allowed admission. Consequently many full competent students are denied admission year after year. In judging eligibility for admission to Japanese universities, little serious consideration is given to students' upper secondary school records or recommendation due to an almost complete absence of contact between the higher institutions and the secondary schools. In Japan, the Education Test Research Institute has been conducting a study of common tests including both scholastic achievements and aptitude inventories and also initiated experimental application of these since 1963, with a view to improving both the present system of selection of university applicants and the future career guidance for upper secondary school students.