The University of Tokyo and Kyoto University -- two top institutions in Japan -- are making a major shift in admissions policies, The Yomiuri Shimbun reported. Traditionally admissions have been based solely on entrance exam scores and essays designed to test intelligence. But now each high school will be permitted to recommend one male and one female student, based on qualities that might not be apparent in the traditional system.
Read more at Inside Higher Ed: https://www.insidehighered.com/quicktakes/2015/03/16/top-japanese-universities-make-major-admissions-shift
The Yomiuri Shimbun: http://the-japan-news.com/news/article/0001973211