Saitama Public High School Entrance Examination - English exam-day guide
Saitama Public High School Entrance Examination - English · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
受験票 (admission slip / 受験票)
Most public high schools in Saitama issue an 受験票 through the middle school or in the application packet. Keep it in a rigid plastic sleeve so it does not crease, and confirm where it must be shown (entrance gate vs. classroom). If your school has not distributed it, confirm the procedure with your middle-school teacher or the prefectural exam desk.
筆記用具 (pencils, eraser, sharpener)
Bring several sharpened HB pencils (mechanical pencils are usually acceptable but confirm with your school), a clean eraser, and a small sharpener without a cover. Do not rely on a single pencil; lead breaks and borrowing from neighbours is not allowed.
時計 (wristwatch without smart functions)
Classrooms may or may not have a visible clock, and you cannot assume one. Bring a simple analogue or digital watch with no communication, camera, or calculation functions. Smartwatches must be removed and stored, so plan for that.
上履きと靴袋 (indoor shoes and shoe bag)
Many Saitama public high schools require candidates to change shoes at the entrance. Bring clean indoor shoes and a bag for outdoor shoes. Confirm the exact requirement in the school's 受験案内, since some schools allow indoor shoes to stay on.
昼食と飲み物 (lunch and drink)
Exams run across multiple subjects with a lunch break. Bring a lunch that does not need heating, plus a bottle of water or tea. Avoid noisy packaging and strong-smelling food in the classroom.
服装 (school uniform or plain clothing)
Most candidates wear their middle-school uniform; if your school allows plain clothing, choose something quiet and comfortable. Confirm the dress expectation with your middle-school teacher, as some schools specify uniform.
お金と交通系IC (small amount of cash and transit card)
Carry enough for train or bus fare in both directions plus a small reserve. Check the route and timetable in advance and identify a backup route in case of delay.
携帯電話の扱い (mobile phone handling)
Phones must be switched off and stored in your bag as instructed, not kept in a pocket. Confirm the school's rule in the 受験案内; if unsure, ask your teacher before exam day.
健康管理と体温記録 (health management)
If the school asks for a health observation card or temperature record, complete it daily and bring it. If you feel unwell on the day, contact the school early; do not attend while clearly ill.
志望理由・面接の準備 (interview and motivation preparation)
Some Saitama public high schools include interviews or essay components. Prepare a short, honest account of why you chose the school and what you want to study. Confirm whether your school uses an interview and its format with the provider.
会場下見 (venue reconnaissance)
Visit the school or at least the station-to-school route beforehand so you know the gate, the shoe-changing area, and the walk time. Note that the exam may be held in a different building from the open-day tour.
緊急連絡先 (emergency contact)
Write down the school's phone number and your middle-school teacher's number on paper, not only in your phone. If a train delay threatens your arrival, call the school immediately.
Plan the day
Switch to review mode: re-read your error notebook for English (grammar, vocabulary, reading), and do one timed past-paper-style run under exam conditions. Confirm the venue route and timetable, check the weather forecast, and prepare the checklist items in one place. Keep sleep timing stable rather than cramming new material.
Pack the bag completely: 受験票, pencils, eraser, watch, indoor shoes, lunch, drink, cash, transit card. Lay out clothes. Charge nothing that must be stored away. Eat a normal dinner, avoid late-night study, and go to bed at your usual time. Set two alarms.
Eat breakfast, use the toilet before leaving, and leave with enough margin to arrive 30–45 minutes early. Check the transit status. On arrival, follow staff instructions for shoe changing and seating, switch off your phone, and place it in your bag. Use the waiting time for light vocabulary review, not new problems.
Read the instructions and point allocations before starting. In English, skim the passage questions first, then read; answer easy items first and return to hard ones. Watch the clock at fixed checkpoints (e.g., halfway, 10 minutes left). If you run out of time, fill every answer sheet blank; there is no penalty for guessing unless the school states otherwise. Between subjects, stop reviewing the previous paper and reset for the next.
Rules to check
Follow all instructions from the 受験票 and the school's 受験案内; where a detail is not stated, confirm with the provider rather than guessing.
Bring and display your 受験票 as instructed. If you lose it, contact the school immediately; do not assume you will be refused entry.
Mobile phones, smartwatches, and any communication or calculation devices must be switched off and stored as directed. Keeping a device on your person can be treated as a conduct violation.
Leave the room only during designated breaks, and ask a proctor before leaving for any reason during a test.
Do not talk, look at other candidates' papers, or pass anything during the test. Follow the proctor's signals for starting and stopping writing exactly.
Scoring and admission decisions are made by the school and the prefecture; do not expect individual score disclosure unless the provider states it. Confirm the scoring and admission method with the provider.
If you are late or delayed by transport, go to the school office and explain; do not enter the classroom unannounced. Whether extra time is granted is decided by the school, so confirm with the provider.
Health measures and any required health card are set by the school for that year; confirm the current requirement with the provider before the exam.