ABOUT THE FACULTY OF LIBERAL ARTS

Q1: What is the ratio of Japanese students and foreign students?

A1: Approximately, 70% are Japanese students and 30% are foreign nationals. However, even if the students' nationality is Japanese, they could have dual nationality or have spent most of their lives abroad. Therefore, it is not possible to know students' background from their nationalities.

Q2: What are the major countries that international students come from?

A2: The largest number of students come from the US, and then follows Korea and China.Nationalities of the international students are diverse and they represent about 40 countries in the world.

CLASSES

Q1: Are all the classes conducted in English?Do the students have any difficulty in following English-taught courses?

A1: All the classes are conducted in English. All students will take the English placement tests at the time of entrance to the university and on the basis of the result, they might be advised to take some complementary classes to strengthen their English.

Q2: How can I see the list of courses and the syllabus?

A2: Please refer to the website of the Faculty of Liberal Arts( http://www.fla.sophia.ac.jp/ ).

ELIGIBLITY, SCREENING

Q1: I do not have a good command of Japanese. Can I still apply for the Faculty of Liberal Arts?

A1: As all the classes are conducted in English, knowledge of Japanese is not a requirement. However, students may take Japanese classes. We offer classes at all levels from beginning to advanced.

Q2: I am a returning Japanese student from abroad. Is there a special admission just for returnee students?

A2: Unlike other Japanese-speaking deparments, there is no special admission targeted just for returnee students. We have either documentary screening admission or admission by recommendation for Japanese high school seniors.

Q3: Is there a minimum GPA to get accepted?

A3: Having applicants coming from different regions and educational systems around the world, we do not provide minimum GPA requirement.

Q4: Is there an on-campus examination or interview?

A4: No. Decision on acceptance or rejection will be based on documentary screening only. However, applicants must take the scores of standardized tests such as the SAT or ACT beforehand. Please refer to the application procedure for details.

APPLICATION MATERIALS

Q1: Do all the application materials need to be original?

A1: Yes, all the application documents have to be original. If an original document cannot be reissued, a copy certified by the school official is acceptable. If you could bring the application document to Sophia University Admissions Office before the application period, we will make a copy and certify it.

Q2: What if my high school does not issue certificate of expected graduation?

A2: If the transcripts show the dates of expected graduation, you do not need a certificate of expected graduation. If your school does not issue a certificate of expected graduation, please ask the present school to write a letter indicating your expected graduation date.

Q3: I graduated early/skipped a grade at high school.

A3: Please submit an official document issued by the school indicating this fact.

Q4: Do the recommendation letters need to be written on the provided format?

A4: No. As long as the content conforms to what is written on the format, they can be written on separate sheets.

TOEFL & SAT etc.

Q1: Do all the applicants need to submit either TOEFL or IELTS?

A1: TOEFL or IELTS can be waived if you have studied at least five years out of the last six years in an institution where English is the primary medium of instruction.

Q2: How can I submit the standardized tests scores such as TOEFL and SAT?

A2: Please make the arrangement with the testing institution so that the official score reports will be sent to Sophia University. Our institution code number for TOEFL and SAT is 0819 and for ACT, 5575.

Q3: Can I submit the ITP (Institutional Program) TOEFL score for application?

A3: No. You cannot use ITP TOEFL scores for application.

Q4: Is there an expiration date of the official scores?

A4: For TOEFL and IELTS scores, we cannot accept those that are over two years old, no exceptions. For SAT/ACT scores, we cannot accept those that are over two years old unless you have or had been enrolled in an undergraduate program for at least two years.

Q5: Would it be OK if I send the official score reports of TOEFL, SAT and ACT to Sophia University more than once?

A5: Yes, that is possible. As you can select the highest individual scores, you may send the official score reports to us each time you take the test.

Q6: Do the SAT and ACT scores need to reach Sophia University during the application period? What if the scores reach Sophia University prior to the application period?

A6: There is no problem for us in receiving the official score reports before the application period. You are advised to order the delivery of the official scores well in advance as it may take many weeks for the scores to be delivered to Sophia University.

Q7: I am an IB Diploma candidate/holder. Do I still need to take the SAT or ACT?

A7: IB Diplma candidate/holder do not need to take the SAT or ACT.