— Reasons and Reality —
Introduction
Aiming for graduate school abroad from a technical college.
When I talk about this path, I am often told things like:
“You should be more realistic.”
“You don’t need to choose such a difficult path.”
Even so, I decided to take this route.
In this article, I honestly write about why I chose to aim for graduate school abroad from a technical college,
and the reality I have come to face.
Why Graduate School Abroad?
The research theme I aim to pursue is “creating AI that can understand the human heart.”
This theme is not just about technology.
It lies at the intersection of:
- Artificial Intelligence
- Cognitive science
- Psychology
- Philosophy
To be honest, when I look only at Japan, I feel that there are limited environments where this topic can be researched directly and seriously.
On the other hand, at top-level graduate schools abroad, research such as:
- The relationship between AI and humans
- Human-centered AI design
- Human–AI Interaction
is actively conducted.
When I encountered these research fields, I thought:
“This is where I want to study.”
That is why I chose graduate school abroad as my goal.
Why I Chose a Technical College Instead of a University
When I was in high school, I did not think deeply about my future path.
During that time, I found a system that allowed students to:
study AI at a technical college while earning a bachelor’s degree through a partnered university.
- I could start working with AI early
- Learning was hands-on and practical
- I could still obtain a university degree
At that time, it looked very attractive to me.
Even now, I do not think that choice itself was a mistake.
However, there were realities I could not see back then.
The Reality of Aiming for Graduate School from a Technical College
After enrolling in a technical college, I began researching graduate school admissions seriously.
That was when I first faced reality.
1. No Research Laboratory
For science and engineering graduate programs, research experience is almost essential.
However, technical colleges generally do not have research laboratories.
- No supervising professor
- No environment to write academic papers
- No place to deeply develop a research theme
This turned out to be a much larger disadvantage than I had expected.
2. The Barrier of Recommendation Letters and GPA
For graduate schools abroad, the following are highly important:
- Letters of recommendation from professors
- Undergraduate GPA
Even if I earn a bachelor’s degree through distance learning,
without close research supervision, the quality of recommendation letters is limited.
After researching thoroughly, I reached one conclusion:
“It is not impossible, but it is extremely difficult.”
Why I Chose the Path of Transfer Admission
That is when I began to consider transferring to a university.
Transfer admission is not an easy path.
- Limited slots
- High competition
- Not always well regarded socially
Even so, my reason for aiming to transfer to a national university is clear.
- There are research laboratories
- I can receive guidance from professors
- I can build real research experience
If I truly want to aim for graduate school abroad,
I felt that this environment is absolutely necessary.
My Current Position
To be honest, I am still nobody.
- I do not yet meet the transfer requirements
- My academic ability is far from sufficient
- My research experience is close to zero
From the outside, this may look like a reckless challenge.
Even so, I am steadily moving forward while studying:
- AI
- Mathematics
- English
- Programming
at the same time.
Why I Still Do Not Give Up
There is only one reason.
I believe this dream is something I must not let go of.
The dream of “creating AI with a heart” is not efficient or easy.
It is a long and difficult path.
But after encountering this question,
I found something I can truly devote my life to for the first time.
I do not know whether I will succeed.
I may fail along the way.
Even so, I want to remain someone who moves forward because of a dream.
That is why I continue to choose the path of effort for this dream.
Conclusion
This blog is not a place to write success stories.
It is a place to record failure, doubt, and the process of facing reality.
If you are someone who:
- Is studying at a technical college and feels uncertain
- Is interested in graduate school abroad but hesitates to take the first step
I hope you can see this as one example of a person on a similar journey.
I am still in the middle of my path.
The results will only be known years from now.
Even so, today as well,
I continue to move forward, believing in the choice I made.
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