How to Get Accepted to Waseda SILS? A Complete Guide for International Applicants

Hello, this is TJ, CEO of Alpha Advisors!

The School of International Liberal Studies (SILS) at Waseda University offers an English-based curriculum and a highly international environment, making it the ideal choice for international applicants and those who aspire to build global careers.

All courses are conducted in English, and about half of the student body consists of international students. This multicultural learning environment is perfect for those who want to play an active role on the global stage. However, competition is intense, with outstanding applicants coming from all over the world. To succeed, strategic preparation is absolutely essential.

In this article, I will clearly explain the specific steps international applicants should take to secure admission to Waseda SILS. Drawing on my experience at Chicago Booth and Goldman Sachs, I will guide you on the path to success.

What Makes Waseda SILS Attractive?

Founded in 2004, SILS is Japan’s first liberal arts faculty offering all courses in English. Students can explore a wide range of disciplines such as politics, economics, culture, and science, while specializing through a flexible curriculum. For international applicants, the key attractions of SILS include:

・A highly international environment, with around 50% of students coming from abroad, fostering a global perspective
・No Japanese language requirement, as admissions emphasize English proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS)
・Extensive opportunities for study abroad through exchange programs with partner universities worldwide
・Diverse career paths after graduation, including multinational companies, international organizations, and top graduate schools abroad

From my own career experience at Sumitomo Corporation and Goldman Sachs, I can say with confidence that an environment like SILS is the perfect place to sharpen both global perspectives and logical thinking. Studying here can greatly expand your career possibilities.

Waseda SILS Admissions (AO Admission, International Qualification Routes) and Requirements

For international applicants, the admissions process at SILS is relatively accessible. The main admissions pathways include:

・AO Admission: Document screening (essays, transcripts) and an English interview
・International Qualification Admission: Use of standardized scores such as SAT, ACT, IB, or A-Level
・Special Admission for International Applicants: Requires submission of TOEFL iBT or IELTS scores

Details on the official site ＞ AO April (Overseas) and September Admission

The benchmark for English proficiency is typically around TOEFL iBT 100+ or IELTS 7.0+, based on recent admission data (2024). GPA is also critical, with 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale being desirable.

Application deadlines are usually divided into fall (September–October) and spring (February–March). Results are released approximately 2–3 months after submission of documents and interviews.

For international applicants, early preparation is key, especially considering visa procedures. While Japanese proficiency is not required, acquiring basic conversational Japanese can help with daily life and adaptation to university life in Japan.

How to Write a Winning Application Essay｜Key Points Evaluated at Waseda SILS

The essay plays a decisive role in the admissions outcome at Waseda SILS. Past prompts have included topics such as “a social issue you want to solve,” “your contribution to diversity,” and “your passion for learning.” The main evaluation points are as follows:

・Specificity: Avoid vague themes like “world peace” and instead provide concrete examples from your own experiences
・Global Perspective: Show your understanding of different cultures and engagement with global issues
・Consistency: Ensure your academics, extracurricular activities, and future goals form a coherent story

Common mistakes include writing generic statements like “I want to be a global leader” or submitting essays with numerous grammar errors. During my time at Chicago Booth, clearly conveying my own unique story in my essays was the key to success. For example, describe your volunteer or leadership experiences in detail and logically connect them to why you want to study at SILS.

English Interview Preparation for Waseda SILS｜Questions International Applicants Should Expect

The interview is conducted in English, lasting about 15–20 minutes, and evaluates your academic interests and logical thinking. Typical questions include:

・Why did you choose Waseda SILS?
・What social issue do you want to address, and why?
・What do you want to study through a liberal arts education?

To perform well, it is important to maintain consistency with your essay and answer with confidence in English. To reduce nerves, practice with mock interviews and record yourself. Success comes from preparing your personal “story” in advance. International applicants should also research Japanese culture and SILS-specific features (for example, the diverse student body) and reflect these in their responses.

Japanese Language Requirements at Waseda SILS

The SILS admissions process is designed around English, targeting international applicants and returnees. Applications, essays, and interviews can all be completed entirely in English. Specifically:

・Application Documents: Transcripts and recommendation letters must be submitted in English (or with English translations)
・English Tests: TOEFL iBT or IELTS scores are required (TOEFL iBT 100+ recommended)
・Essay and Interview: Evaluated in English, with no Japanese proficiency required

However, having some Japanese ability can be advantageous in the following ways:

・Adapting to Japanese Culture: If asked in the interview why you want to study in Japan, showing that you have made an effort to learn Japanese demonstrates adaptability
・University Life: After enrollment, basic Japanese (JLPT N4–N5 level) is useful for daily life, visa procedures, and part-time jobs

Japanese proficiency does not directly affect admission decisions, but SILS offers optional Japanese language courses. Expressing an eagerness to learn Japanese in your essay or interview can be viewed positively as a sign of motivation.

Study Strategy and Preparation Steps for International Applicants to Waseda SILS

To gain admission to Waseda SILS, you must balance English proficiency, application preparation, and interview practice. Use the following one-year preparation plan as a guide:

・Strengthen English Skills: Secure target scores (TOEFL iBT 100+, IELTS 7.0+) and practice daily reading (e.g., The Economist) and writing for 30 minutes
・Maintain Academic Performance: Keep your high school GPA strong; higher IB or A-Level scores are advantageous
・Extracurricular Activities: Demonstrate leadership through volunteer work, internships, or club activities
・Mock Practice: Get feedback on your essays and interviews from experienced mentors or advisors

International applicants also face unique challenges, such as visa procedures and adapting to Japanese culture. Joining online communities of Japanese students or experiencing Japanese food and cultural events can not only ease adaptation but also provide useful material to discuss in interviews.

Common Traits of Successful Applicants and Mistakes That Lead to Rejection

Successful applicants share two qualities: early preparation and a clear personal story. They begin working on their English tests and essays more than a year in advance and are able to clearly articulate why they want to study at SILS. On the other hand, common failure patterns include the following:

・Essays that are too generic and leave no strong impression
・Nervousness during the interview, revealing lack of preparation
・TOEFL or IELTS scores that do not meet the required standard

Alpha Advisors students polish their essays and interview skills through personalized coaching, enabling them to approach the real admissions process with confidence. At Alpha Advisors, we provide support to overcome each of these challenges step by step.

Conclusion｜The Fastest Route to Waseda SILS Admission Is to Start Preparing Now

The School of International Liberal Studies at Waseda is open to applicants who combine strong English proficiency, academic passion, and an international outlook. Facing highly talented competitors from around the world, strategic preparation and a unique personal story are the keys to success.

Drawing on the grit and logical thinking I developed at Sumitomo Corporation and Goldman Sachs, Alpha Advisors will equip you with the tools to succeed.
Win your college admissions with Alpha Advisors’ one-on-one coaching! With 17 years of proven results, TJ—former Sumitomo Corporation, Chicago Booth MBA, and Goldman Sachs IBD—will train you rigorously at Alpha. Consult us now!

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See our advisory programs with a strong track record of top university admissions here! ＞ 【University of Tokyo, Keio, Waseda: Japan College Admissions Bootcamp】

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TJ Profile

TJ: Formerly with Sumitomo Corporation, where he worked in the Corporate Accounting Department overseeing budgeting, financial reporting, and performance management for over 800 domestic and overseas group companies, as well as IR (Investor Relations) activities. Selected as the youngest trainee for Sumitomo Corporation of America (New York), where he contributed to the restructuring of a U.S. electric arc furnace steel business invested in by Sumitomo. Later joined the Project Finance Department, where he was engaged in arranging large-scale financings for infrastructure projects in developing countries and financing for Jupiter Telecommunications. Selected as a company-sponsored candidate for overseas MBA programs.

Earned his MBA at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, with concentrations in Finance, Entrepreneurship, and Organizational Management. Founder of the University of Chicago Japanese Association. Initiated and executed the school’s first-ever “Japan Trip”, which has since become an annual tradition.

Subsequently joined Goldman Sachs Japan’s Investment Banking Division, where he advised on numerous M&A transactions in the media and consumer sectors, supported capital raising including IPOs, and worked on private equity investments and corporate restructuring assignments.

Selected as one of only six fellows (out of over 200 applicants) for the 4th Entrepreneurial Leadership Program of the Japan Association of Corporate Executives (Keizai Doyukai), where he received mentorship from leading entrepreneurs including Hideo Sawada, Chairman of H.I.S.

Served as President of the Chicago Booth Alumni Association in Japan (2006–2010). Has guided numerous candidates to admission at top MBA programs (Harvard, Stanford, and other leading schools in the U.S., Europe, and Asia), graduate schools, universities, and boarding schools. Track record of placing students at leading global firms including Mitsubishi Corporation, McKinsey & Company, Goldman Sachs, BlackRock, Google, Big 4 consulting/FAS, Dentsu, Toyota, MUFG Bank, Nomura Securities, among others.

Renowned for his rigorous one-on-one coaching for TOEFL, GMAT, IELTS, and GRE, with a reputation for pushing candidates to fully complete their preparation. Highly regarded for his ability to design and achieve career and academic goals with unmatched quality and precision. As a result, he is in high demand as an advisor, with numerous requests to work directly under his guidance.