* Junior High School Grades Matter, But Not Exclusively: While their grades over the three years of junior high are considered, they're not the *only* determining factor. High schools look at a combination of factors.
* Entrance Exams: The most crucial aspect is the entrance examination. Most public high schools have their own entrance exams, which are highly competitive, especially for popular schools. These exams typically test students' knowledge in Japanese, mathematics, and English. Some schools also include science or other subjects. The difficulty and focus of the exam vary depending on the school's prestige and curriculum.
* School Recommendations (Sometimes): Some junior high schools may provide recommendations, but these are not always a guarantee of acceptance.
* Location: Proximity to the school is often a factor, as many students attend schools in their local area. This is partially due to the commute, but also because schools often have a designated catchment area.
* Private High Schools: Private high schools have their own admission processes, often with more stringent entrance exams and sometimes including interviews. These schools tend to have higher tuition fees.
* Lottery System (For Some Schools): In some cases, particularly if there's a high number of applicants, a lottery system might be used to select students, even if they pass the entrance exam.
In short, getting into a high school in Japan is a competitive process that relies heavily on performance on entrance exams, with grades and sometimes recommendations playing supporting roles. The level of competition varies greatly based on the high school's reputation and location.