Overcoming Failure: Applying Again for the MEXT Scholarship

A student hiking a winding trail toward a Shinto shrine with Mount Fuji in the background, symbolizing perseverance and reapplying for the MEXT scholarship.

What should you do if you don’t get the MEXT scholarship on your first try? Don’t give up – this article is here to show you how to overcome failure and try again with confidence.

How I Overcame My Own Setbacks

I have spoken with many students who did not get the MEXT scholarship on their first try. Some applied twice or even more to get it. Some gave up the idea and moved on. I got it in my first try, but there was a delay in the call from the embassy, so I thought I didn’t get it.

I felt horrible, and cried the whole day. I was confused and didn’t know what to do next. So, in a way, I understand those who didn’t succeed in their first try. I also failed my first attempt to get admitted to the master’s degree. But this was entirely my fault because I didn’t study at all. I thought I could just go to the exam and take it. Luckily, I had two chances.

After this first failure, I became clear minded. Of course, I was sad and upset, but only with myself because I couldn’t find the motivation to put in the work. This failure was good in a way because it brought me clarity and my mind formed a plan and a strategy.

I bought a book, I got the past test and I made a study schedule. I learned every day in the morning and afternoon, with a nap for a break at noon. Naps are very important to me. If I want to study, I need to do it around noon naps. This way, my brain is always well rested and can easily absorb the information. In the evening, I watched animes. This was the daily prize for my hard work.

The next time I took the exam, I passed it with full grades. I was very proud of myself. There was no more doubt in my mind that I would pass it.

Facing failure head on

I guess this article is about facing failure head on and not being afraid of failure. This is a mindset that you can cultivate. And you do this by talking with yourself and forgiving yourself if you mess it up. We are humans after all and sometimes things don’t go as we wish or plan. Sometimes there will be failure, and this should be all right. We don’t have to be perfect. But we can recover from it, we can make a new plan, we can stand up again and we can try again and again until we accomplish our dream.

Don’t try to stand up immediately after failure

I know however that this is hard to hear. When we are down, we hate being told that “failure is ok” or “stand up and try again.” I would be angry and frustrated as well if someone told me these things, especially after failure, when I was most upset. What would help me hear would be “your feelings are valid, you tried your best and it didn’t work, it’s normal to feel as you are feeling.” So, I would just take a nap. This always works for me. I don’t need encouragement or motivation or anybody to empathize with me. I know that after a good sleep and a few days, I would be in a different state of mind, an improved one, and I would be able to assess my feelings and desires with a clear mind, and then I could take some action.

Take a few days to detach from the situation and then reflect upon your own feeling. If you discover that you want to try again, then you can do so, if you think this was too much and you want to try something else, then this is also ok. Whatever works for you.

The Power of Perseverance: A Student’s Story

Yesterday I got an email from a student who received news from the embassy saying that he was accepted for one of the MEXT scholarships. I actually placed his email on the home page, and this is also what inspired me to write this article. What you don’t know and what the message doesn’t say, is that this student applied before in the past and faced failure. But he overcame it, he tried again, and he succeeded. I am always so inspired and touched when I see students who don’t give up, who want something no matter what, and they continue to pursue it until they get it.  

What to Do After a Failed MEXT Application: Practical Tips

  • Evaluate what went wrong in the first attempt.

    • If you are sure that you didn’t take the MEXT scholarship and you could confirm it with your local embassy, then give yourself some time to grieve. It is normal to be upset and to feel as you are feeling.
    • After a while, you will feel more detached and stable after this experience. When you notice that your feelings and mood have improved, then you can reconsider whether you want to try again or do something else.
    • If you decide to reapply, then take some time to think about your experience with the MEXT scholarship application and what went wrong, where do you think the problem was. This is very personal, and it is something different for everybody. You have to follow your intuition and feelings. Maybe your gut will tell you that you didn’t prepare enough for the MEXT exams, or that your application file was not strong enough, or that you didn’t do well enough at the interview. It could be anything, so you have to try and determine what went wrong.
  • Create a study or preparation plan.

    • After determining what went wrong, take some time to think about a new strategy and how you can progress, emphasizing what didn’t work well the first time.
    • Try to improve everything you can. Do not apply with the same file the next year. I actually heard about students who apply using the same file. They do not change anything; they do not try to improve anything. No wonder that they are not successful.
  • Seek feedback or mentorship.

    • Talk with a trusted teacher and ask for advice. Tell them what happened and ask them to give you feedback.
    • If there were problems with the MEXT exams, try to find a tutor or someone who can help you with the study material. The MEXT exams are quite difficult, so preparation is essential.
  • Build resilience through positive routines.

    • I just wrote an article about building the right mindset for the MEXT scholarship. I suggest you read that because it is quite important. You might recognize negative thinking patterns that you had before and during your application. For example, worrying, overthinking, believing you are not worthy or don’t deserve this scholarship.
    • You must reframe these thinking patterns into different ones. “I am worthy, I can do this.” The calmer and more confident you are, the better the mindset for getting the MEXT scholarship.

Conclusion

  1. Failure is a Step Forward
    • Failure doesn’t define you—it’s an opportunity to learn, grow, and try again.
  2. Take Time to Reflect
    • Allow yourself to process the disappointment, but don’t dwell on it. Detach, reflect, and decide your next step with a clear mind.
  3. Learn from the Past
    • Analyze what went wrong in your first attempt and create a stronger, more strategic plan for your next application.
  4. Seek Support
    • Don’t be afraid to ask for feedback or guidance. A fresh perspective can help you improve your approach.
  5. Keep Going
    • Persistence and the right mindset are your greatest allies. Stay confident, believe in your abilities, and keep working toward your dream.

Remember, every setback is just a steppingstone toward your success—stay determined, believe in yourself, and your dream of studying in Japan will come closer with every effort. You an leave a comment below if you want to share your own experience. I would love to hear from you. Best of luck with your MEXT preparation!

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