New Course Launch: Tohoku University Holistic Admission Preparation Program

Gakken Holdings Co., Ltd. (Shinagawa, Tokyo / President and CEO: Hiroaki Miyahara), through its group company Gakken Study et Co., Ltd. (Saitama, Saitama City / President and CEO: Masahiro Kameya), operates Asunaro Gakuin, a comprehensive prep school in Miyagi Prefecture. On August 17, 2026 (Monday), the school will launch a new 'Tohoku University Holistic Admission Preparation Course' for high school seniors.

Tohoku University Holistic Admission Preparation Course

Turning Students’ Aspirations to Attend Tohoku University into Admission Success

Many students aiming for Tohoku University struggle to clearly articulate why they want to study there or what they hope to achieve. In holistic admission processes, not only academic ability but also motivation, initiative, and the ability to communicate personal experiences are highly valued.

Tohoku University is advancing entrance exam reforms and expanding its holistic admission programs. In December 2024, it became the first university in Japan to be designated as an 'International Joint Research University,' further strengthening its efforts to attract outstanding students from both Japan and abroad.

In response, Asunaro Gakuin will launch a new course designed to help each student deeply reflect on their personality and past experiences, clarify their vague thoughts and strengths, and develop the ability to articulate them as compelling reasons for application.

Having provided community-based education for 45 years in Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture—the home region of Tohoku University—Asunaro Gakuin aims to leverage its accumulated teaching expertise to help high school students nationwide transform their desire to attend Tohoku University into actual admission success.

Course Content

① Application Essay Editing and Interview Preparation Course 【8 sessions】 August 17 (Mon) – October 17 (Sat)

Conducted weekly for 50 minutes over three months via Zoom online individual instruction.

Includes detailed editing and advice on application and activity reports, along with faculty-specific interview practice. Students will develop logical thinking and expressive skills to respond promptly and effectively to sharp questions. The course supports each student in identifying their strengths and aligning them with Tohoku University’s admission policy to match the ideal candidate profile.

② Mathematics Preparation Course 【8 sessions】 August 18 (Tue) – October 24 (Sat)

Conducted weekly for 50 minutes over three months via Zoom online individual instruction.

Tohoku University’s mathematics exam is highly challenging, requiring advanced thinking and computational skills. This course offers a specialized curriculum that can be taken alongside holistic admission preparation. Students are expected to preview problems in advance, and lessons will focus on efficient explanations and key learning points. Practice with actual past exam questions—whose answers are not publicly available—will help clarify required competencies and improve the quality of preparation for success.

Sample of an actual online explanatory lesson

Course Overview

Duration: 8 sessions, starting August 17 (Mon)

Target Audience: Students aiming for admission through Tohoku University’s holistic selection

Instruction Format: Online (Zoom)

Application Deadline: August 1 (Sat)

Details: https://www.asunarogakuin.jp/57124/

Gakken Study et Co., Ltd.

Gakken Study et Co., Ltd. aims to contribute to society through domestic and international tutoring operations, guided by the group philosophy: 'We wish for everyone to live with emotional richness, providing today’s感动, satisfaction, and peace of mind, along with dreams and hope for tomorrow.'

Representative: President and CEO Masahiro Kameya

Head Office: 5-32-10 Higashioomiya, Minuma-ku, Saitama City, Saitama 337-0051

Website: https://www.gakken-studyet.com/company/?msclkid=3be6e783ab1b11ec9170e032766be0dd

About Gakken Holdings Co., Ltd.

https://www.gakken.co.jp/

Founded in 1946, Gakken Holdings is a holding company engaged in education and healthcare-related businesses. In education, it operates classroom and prep school businesses including 'Gakken Juku,' publishes educational content such as the magazines 'Kagaku' and 'Gakushu,' and runs kindergarten and school-related businesses including textbooks and childcare supplies. In healthcare and welfare, it operates service-oriented housing for the elderly, dementia group homes, and childcare and after-school programs. Gakken conducts educational and healthcare activities in over 150 countries globally. In November 2023, it set a new aspiration: 'A company that endlessly pursues human potential,' aiming to support curiosity and challenges across all generations—from children to students, professionals, and seniors—contributing to the expansion of human and societal possibilities. Sales for the fiscal year ending September 2025: 199.1 billion yen. 82 consolidated subsidiaries. Listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange Prime Market (Stock Code: 9470).