Grades

[Mittal]

HI Guys,

I am very interested in this Programme and I am definitely going to apply for the 2013 induction.

However I am extremely nervous about one aspect of the application, and that is my University Transcript.

I had a lot of personal trouble during my degree therefore my transcript doesn't look great at all, with barely scraped passes in some modules, although I did come out with a 2:2 in the end. Will this adversely affect their decision in accepting me on to Jet?

Thanks for your support

[aayl1]

From what I've heard, as long as you don't get a third you're fine. This is good as I might end up with a 2:2 myself.

[Mittal]

I sent JET UK an email regarding this and they just got back saying,

"We understand your concerns about your current marks. As you have stated, they are not ideal. However, our application procedure is designed to address your suitability to be successful on the JET Programme. While grades are a part of our selection consideration, they are not the only factor. As long as you successful complete your degree programme, it is possible to be accepted with a 2:2 honours degree. Though this is the case, we recommend you continue to work hard as you complete your studies so that you can achieve the degree level that will best help you achieve your future goals."

So I think if extra curricular and perhaps a tefl course is done then it is likely that the grade wont have as much impact

[aayl1]

Fair enough. Well I've been shortlisted but haven't graduated yet. I've not heard of anyone being unshortlisted by getting a 2:2 however, so I hope I will be okay!

[Mittal]

Fair enough. Well I've been shortlisted but haven't graduated yet. I've not heard of anyone being unshortlisted by getting a 2:2 however, so I hope I will be okay!

You don't have to answer if it is to personal, but as you have been short listed already, could I ask what things, apart from your degree obviously, you did to get a successful place on the programme?

Things like working with kids or teaching or any traditional Japanese past times.

Thanks

[aayl1]

I think my weakness was my lack of teaching experience as they focused on that a lot in the interview. What went in my favour was my year in Japan, I think - I studied abroad there. In the interview I just tried to remain confident and smiled a lot. Other than that, I don't feel I did anything special. I'm sure you'll be fine.

[Mittal]

Ahh cool, well i'm doing a Tefl corse in the next few weeks, just the short 20 hour one and a volunteer at a day centre for young children so I have that base covered luckily and I hope that that will be enough to secure a position

[Mittal]

The only other thing is, I have 2 tattoos on my shouders, they are easily covered up, even by a short t-shirt but I know they are a little funny with tats, and that added with my grades maybe game over :/

[MissLotticus]

Jeez, i didn't realise they would be taking grades into consideration. I got a 3rd on my degree. :S However i do work in a college with students that have learning difficulties, have taught a Photoshop workshop within the college for one term, i teach martial arts to school kids and have done numerous things with the Japanese community in my town. I'm hoping so much that they will look at that rather than my poor grade.

[HeliumBlue]

Well, either way, no matter what your GPA is, I highly suggest applying if you are interested. I have talked to some people that dont have the highest grades, but have still applied, interviewed, and were accepted. So, go for it!

[go.5]

Don't worry about your grades! 2:2 is decent. Keep working hard.

Personally, I feel that your experiences, interest in the programme and letters of recommendation are far more important.

I was not asked a single question regarding my degree/grades. The interviewers seemed more interested in my university club activities and knowledge of my home country than anything else!

[Gekishinken]

Just be aware that some interviewers have said things like: "So I see that your grades are not so good". Just be prepared on how you will answer that and you should be fine.

[Chrisd928]

If your grades aren't good, but you seem like you are a good applicant, you'll probably be okay. You want other strong parts of your app, if your grades are not so good. So work with kids, ELLs, or other things. Also, if your grades are good and you get an interview, just be prepared to be at least fairly honest about why your grades are low; you want to be able to show that it wasn't an issue with adapting to a new environment or anything like that. Just show that it isn't something that will cause issues in the future with JET.

[grayscale]

Just be aware that some interviewers have said things like: "So I see that your grades are not so good". Just be prepared on how you will answer that and you should be fine.

I definitely knew someone who had less than ideal grades, but I think it was better for her that she got asked about it in the interview, because she had a chance to contextualize what the people were seeing on paper. I dont know what your personal situation is, but you might even be able to spin it into a more positive light about overcoming trying situations, or something. So... Like the people above me are saying, I think if you prepare an answer and are confident and honest about it, you should be fine.

[MissLotticus]

I sent an email to the UK help desk asking about grades. I got a reply saying that the minimum requirement for JET is a degree by the June/ July you will leave for Japan. They said that each individual is assessed on their own merits and therefore having a low grade would not make a candidate ineligible to apply for 2013.

...so, don't worry about grades, worry about the things that you can offer the programme/Japanese students and why you are a good candidate.