Nelson Ranch Scholarship

Applicants must:

• be a United States citizen (Applicants with Japanese dual citizenship are not eligible.)
• be committed to Christianity
• demonstrate financial need

Applicants may apply as either first-year students or transfer students. The duration of support for transfer students depends on the year they matriculate at ICU.

The Scholarship is designed to correspond to the early decision system in the United States. Students are expected to commit to attending ICU if they are chosen for this scholarship. The application timeline has been planned accordingly.

Application to Nelson Ranch Scholarship
Application will open on August 1. Applicants will be able to upload all necessary documents through the application portal.

Document Screening & Interviews
Applications will be reviewed by JICUF. A shortlisted group of successful candidates will be invited for interviews (via Zoom) in November.

Admission to ICU
JICUF will recommend finalists to ICU. ICU will make their final decision about who is admitted.

Notification of Results
JICUF and ICU will notify the successful applicant of the results in December.

• Personal statement (500-600 words) on why you would like to study at ICU and what your plans are after graduation
• Short essay (400-500 words)
• Copy of transcript (at least the last 3 years of secondary school)
• Educational certification (SAT, ACT plus writing or IB full diploma). IB predicted grades accepted if you have not yet graduated
  
• 2 letters of recommendation (One from HS principal, guidance counselor, tutor or IB coordinator; one from a HS instructor who has taught a core academic subject eg. English, SS, math, science, foreign language)
• If you have graduated/will graduate from a U.S. high school but have NOT spent the last continuous six years at an institution in which English is the language of instruction, you will need to submit either a TOEFL or IELTS score. Please contact us for more details at information@jicuf.org.

Q: If I receive this scholarship, do I have to attend ICU?
Yes, the Nelson Ranch Scholarship follows the early decision system in the United States. Students who are awarded the scholarship will be required to sign a commitment form indicating their intention to attend ICU.

Q: I have dual citizenship (Japanese and American) – am I eligible?
A: No, students with Japanese citizenship are not eligible to apply for the scholarship. 

Q: How will your level of Japanese language be assessed?
A: Japanese language abilities are unnecessary to apply for either the Nelson Ranch Scholarship or ICU. Japanese language assessment will take place after matriculation to ICU.

Q: What happens if I decide to transfer to other schools?
A: The scholarship is meant for students with a strong interest and desire in completing their undergraduate education at ICU. We strongly discourage those who wish to transfer to other schools from applying. In case the scholarship recipient does transfer to another school, the scholarship will be terminated.

Q: Can I live in the ICU dorms?
A: Yes, Nelson Ranch Scholars are guaranteed on-campus accommodations at ICU.

Q: Do we need to submit both the SAT and ACT?
A: No, you are only required to submit one, but can choose to submit both. Please note that ACT test takers must take the essay/writing portion.

Q: What is the difference between the personal statement and the essay?
A: The personal statement is more biographical and should reflect the applicant’s personality and interest in Japan and ICU. The essay should demonstrate writing ability on one of the topics provided or a topic of your choosing.

Q: Are we able to send the standardized test scores (SAT, ACT, etc) via the tests’ respective websites?
A: You may send your official scores directly to ICU for their records using the following institution codes.

• SAT Institution Code Number: 0860
• ACT Institution Code Number: 5279

You must, however, submit a copy of your scores to us via the application portal.

Q: Will ICU transfer community college credits earned during high school?
A: ICU will determine what gets transferred on a case-by-case basis.

Q: Do you have to major in Japanese studies or can I major in another subject? Do I have to know my major before applying?
A: You do not have to know your major when you apply to ICU. Students choose their major at the end of their second year. During those first two years, students are welcome to explore and take classes in departments that interest them.

Q: Is a degree from ICU recognized by colleges and universities in the United States?
A: Yes. ICU is a member institution of the Japanese University Accreditation Association. As such, credits earned at ICU are fully recognized by graduate schools of major universities in Japan, the United States and elsewhere and are also normally accepted for transfer provided they fit into the student’s overall program at his or her home institution.