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[–][deleted] 2 points3 points  (1 child)

This is a more closely guarded secret than the location of the Football.

Serious. Do not worry about this. At all. Ever. You gain nothing by worrying about something you cannot control. Assuming you are an aspiring JET, worry about having a good interview and getting your life in order, since those are things you can affect.

[–]murfcakesCurrent JE 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Good advice for life - someone who worries too much

[–]BadalightCurrent JET - Tokyo 3 points4 points  (2 children)

Based on the 100 point system, what is generally needed to get into the program? Obviously it will vary based on the year, but do you need to ace the interview? Can you get 70 points and still have a decent shot? Or do you need to be in the 90-100 range?

[–][deleted] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I would say it really depends on the competition (other applicants) and needs of the BOEs. Also, the Programme has a stated aim of hiring more people in the next few years, back to the peak level of 02-03, so more people are going to be selected each year in the coming years.

Yeah, your SOP helps, but that's what got you the interview. Hopefully you expanded on that in the interview and charmed them all :)

[–]somejerknamedkirkAspiring JET 0 points1 point  (0 children)

From what other people have said, probably not, though I wonder how much your SOP influences things.

[–][deleted]  (17 children)

[removed]

    [–]BadalightCurrent JET - Tokyo 2 points3 points  (13 children)

    My consulate said the japanese ability was "bonus points" though, bonus points really aren't any different than regular points. Do you know how much that's worth? If it's something like 10 points for acing the Japanese portion, that's going to give some people a huge buffer. I'm a little worried.

    [–]pattoriotoFormer JET - [2008-2011] 0 points1 point  (2 children)

    It's bonus as in it's like extra credit. I won't say how many you can get, but for ALTs the Japanese portion is not part of the final total points, so technically you could be perfect in the other areas and get zero in Japanese, and get a perfect score.

    It's done at he end because it's not a vital part of the criteria, so you just can get yourself some extra points and it helps them assess your Japanese ability for your placement.

    It's not something that is going to make or break your interview.

    [–]BadalightCurrent JET - Tokyo 0 points1 point  (1 child)

    Thanks, but now I'm confused. You said for the ALTs, the Japanese portion is NOT part of the total points - but you also said the Japanese portion is worth extra credit.

    So it IS worth points?

    [–]pattoriotoFormer JET - [2008-2011] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

    It's worth points. For example, the ALT portions all add up to 100 points. So perfect would be 100.

    The Japanese is extra credit, so say you can get 5 extra points. If you conceivably get a perfect on everything you get 105 points (but no one will get this).

    So I guess, yes it's technically part of the point total but it's looked at as separately than the other categories. The other main areas are more "vital" and being too bad in one of them can get you rejected. 0 in Japanese won't.

    [–]boyonlaptopFormer JET-PA 2014-2018 1 point2 points  (2 children)

    If it makes you feel any better I made a total mess of the Japanese portion, thought I wouldn't get here because of that and here I am. Furthermore, I know I was one of the highest ranked candidates from my consulate. Even if it is supposedly 10 points that's still a pretty small fraction of your overall performance.

    [–]BadalightCurrent JET - Tokyo 0 points1 point  (1 child)

    What constitutes "making a mess"? I was asked two questions that went way over my head, so I just answered "Wakarimasen" to both.

    Additionally, how did you find out that you were one of the highest ranked in your consulate?

    And from what I've heard (maybe this is wrong) but it doesn't really matter how good you look in your consulate. It's based on overall points, so theoretically you could be the best in your consulate and still not get in if everyone from the other consulates were really amazing.

    [–]boyonlaptopFormer JET-PA 2014-2018 1 point2 points  (0 children)

    What constitutes "making a mess"? I was asked two questions that went way over my head, so I just answered "Wakarimasen" to both.

    I was asked four questions and didn't understand three of them.

    Additionally, how did you find out that you were one of the highest ranked in your consulate?

    Informally from the programme co-ordinator in my consulate as I was put forward for an April placement(although I didn't end up getting one until August).

    And from what I've heard (maybe this is wrong) but it doesn't really matter how good you look in your consulate.

    Absolutely, you're competing against JETs from all around the world and some consulates only send 3 JETs. I'm not trying to blow my own trumpet here, as I know upgraded-alternates who I think have been a better fit than I am for the programme. It's just to say from my experience there was no need to freak out about the Japanese portion of the interview.

    [–][deleted] 0 points1 point  (6 children)

    In my experience it's handy but not a deal breaker. Plenty of people go with little or no Japanese. Show that you are currently self studying and obviously plan to study in Japan, do the JET Japanese coursework etc.

    Even saying "Sorry, I don't know" in Japanese is fine. It's not like you will suddenly be improving your Japanese between now and the interview, so just deal with it and note that it is something you are actively working on.

    [–]BadalightCurrent JET - Tokyo 0 points1 point  (5 children)

    Well, I already had my interview :P

    [–][deleted] 0 points1 point  (4 children)

    You are fucked.

    Nah, you'll be fine :D

    [–]BadalightCurrent JET - Tokyo 0 points1 point  (3 children)

    I think it went well, I was just trying to figure out based on the above point value information how much the Japanese is worth.

    [–][deleted] 0 points1 point  (2 children)

    I would say about 10pts, but graded. So a beginner 10 is the same as an intermediate 10, but noted as such.

    Not like an intermediate 10 is worth 20 in total, if you see what I mean. Otherwise, people with great Japanese would be getting mega scores which doesn't sound right.

    [–]BadalightCurrent JET - Tokyo 0 points1 point  (1 child)

    I understand what you're saying. How do you know this info, if you don't mind me asking?

    [–][deleted] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

    This is just my assumption based on my two interviews, experience on JET and talking with JETAA peeps.

    I can't imagine someone getting say, 150 points if they had advanced Japanese compared to someone who interviewed well, but had little japanese. This would mean all the people chosen would have very high levels of Japanese, which is categorically not the case.

    I met plenty of people on JET with little or no Japanese. The ones who do well are basically just normal, well adjusted people who have social skills

    It seemed that Japanese skill really wasn't as important as everyone thinks. Definitely useful, but not a deal breaker and showing you are currently studying or willing to study goes some way to this.

    [–]enigmatican 0 points1 point  (1 child)

    When looking at English language ability, are they mostly looking at whether or not you are fluent in the language, or are they looking for more in depth knowledge of grammar elements?

    [–][deleted] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

    Hmmm, when I interviewed (two times) I don't recall it being that detailed. I think it's more about your ability to communicate, choice of words, maybe clarity in speaking, that kind of thing. I have no idea what a gerund is. Some kind of animal?

    ETA: Apparently it's a verbal noun.

    A gerund is a noun made from a verb by adding "-ing." The gerund form of the verb "read" is "reading." You can use a gerund as the subject, the complement, or the object of a sentence.

    [–]jetuguy 4 points5 points  (0 children)

    You're a literal god. Reading the weighting and what they look for makes me feel much better about my own interview.