This year's National Center Test for University Admissions started its two-day schedule Saturday morning, the final administration of the exam before it is replaced by a new unified format next year.
The center test has been used by not only national and public universities, but also an increasing number of private institutions. This April, 858 higher education institutions, including junior colleges -- a record high since its introduction in 1990 -- will use the results of this exam in their admission screening process.
Looking ahead to the new Common Test for University Admissions that will be in place next year, many of this year's examinees are said to have chosen schools that they are more confident they can get into to ensure admission and avoid having to sit for the new format next spring.
This is partly due to the fact that even though the exam is going to put more focus on measuring examinees' critical thinking skills, it is still unclear what kind of questions will be featured.
There has been confusion surrounding the new test since last autumn. The Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Ministry decided not only to deter the planned use of private-sector English tests, but also abandoned the idea of introducing descriptive questions for the subjects of Japanese and mathematics.
Moreover, many universities -- mainly prestigious institutions in urban areas -- have been shrinking the number of successful applicants in their entrance exams, as part of the ministry's policy to supervise admission quotas more strictly.
"We find more examinees who are not willing to take on challenges compared to last year," said an official at Kawaijuku, a major prep school chain.
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