【2026 Edition】A Must-See for Students Taking the AO Admissions Exam! Tips for ID Photos That Bring You Closer to Passing

September 16, 2026 September 16, 2026

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In AO admissions (Comprehensive Selection), it is an admissions process where not only academic test scores are evaluated, but also "personality," "motivation," and "first impressions."

Among these, the ID photo attached to the application form is an important picture that gives interviewers their very first impression of you. Many applicants are surely feeling anxious, wondering, "Is this photo really okay...?"

In this article, we explain "tips for ID photos that leave a good impression in AO admissions" in an easy-to-understand way for applicants from September onwards!

Why ID Photos Are Important for AO Admissions
5 Tips When Taking ID Photos for AO Admissions
Things You Can Prepare at Home
Benefits of Taking Photos at a Full-Fledged Photo Studio
Summary: Preparing Your AO Admissions ID Photo Early Brings Peace of Mind

Why ID Photos Are Important for AO Admissions

In AO admissions, the ID photo itself will not decide whether you pass or fail, but as "your face," which is the first thing seen in your application documents, it affects your impression.
Since photos that lack a sense of cleanliness or common sense carry the risk of leading to a negative evaluation, exam information websites also introduce that "a photo that leaves a bad impression may place you at a disadvantage."

Whether there is a sense of cleanliness
Whether it gives a natural and reassuring impression
Whether it is an expression that conveys your personality

These are elements that can be conveyed through a photo alone.
Carefully prepared ID photos will make your first impression even better.

5 Tips When Taking ID Photos for AO Admissions

Here are 5 tips you should keep in mind to leave a good impression with your ID photo.

1, Keep Your Expression Natural and Authentic

Slightly raise the corners of your mouth for a smile that does not show your teeth, which is best.
People who are not good at smiling do not need to force themselves to smile.
Be conscious of an expression that gives a natural and calm impression.

2, Focus on a Clean and Neat Appearance for Clothing

For AO admissions photos, school uniforms are considered the safest option and the easiest way to convey a sense of cleanliness.
However, depending on the university, they may specify casual clothes, so be sure to check the application guidelines.

Men: Wear a suit or a jacket paired with a shirt, and strive for a clean, neat outfit. It is safe to choose a tie with a color that is not too flashy.

Women: Choosing a simple jacket or blouse, with a low-exposure, calm outfit is recommended.

Also, it is desirable to take the photo in the same clothes you will wear on the exam day.

3, Keep the Background Simple and Bright

Be careful to avoid dark shadows or objects showing up. Choose a bright plain color such as white or light blue.

4, Hairstyle and Hair Color Also Affect Impressions

Neatly arrange your bangs so they do not cover your eyes, and make sure your face can be seen clearly. It is safest to avoid bright hair colors.

5, Check the Photo Size and Specifications

Specifications may differ depending on the university or department.
Be sure to check the height-to-width ratio, resolution, data format, etc., before taking the photo.

Things You Can Prepare at Home

To achieve a better finish, prepare the following in advance:

Measures against facial swelling: Get a good night's sleep the night before
Checking clothing: Check for wrinkles or stains, and iron them
Setting your hairstyle: Neatly arrange your front and back hair
Practicing expressions: Create a natural smile in front of the mirror

By keeping these in mind, you can approach the photo shoot with confidence.

Benefits of Taking Photos at a Full-Fledged Photo Studio

With selfies or instant photo booths, even if you prepare thoroughly, messy hair or clothes stand out, and adjusting light is difficult, isn't it?
However, with a professional photo shoot at a photo studio, the following becomes possible:

Shooting techniques that bring out a natural expression
Retouching that naturally tones skin and hair color
Advice on optimizing clothing, hairstyle, and background
Adjustments of size and composition to match specifications

By preparing a beautifully finished photo, you can approach the document screening and interview with confidence!

Taking Photos at a Studio is Recommended

"Is this expression okay?" "I'm worried if my hair is messy..." "Are the photo's brightness and background appropriate?" When preparing ID photos for exams, many of you must feel such anxiety.

Located in Shinjuku, 19Studio shoots ID photos used for AO admissions tailored to the specifications designated by schools!
Retouching to fix the area around the skin, stray hair, and disarranged clothes, as well as natural black hair correction, are available.
We finish it bright and with a sense of cleanliness! Re-shoots are possible until you are satisfied, and photo data is delivered on the same day. It is safe even for applicants whose application deadlines are approaching.

At 19Studio, let's prepare an ID photo you can submit with confidence!

↓Click here for details!↓

Summary: Preparing Your AO Admissions ID Photo Early Brings Peace of Mind

An ID photo for AO admissions is not an element that decides whether you pass or fail, but it is an important point that sways impressions.
Since reservations are expected to concentrate during the coming period, shooting early brings peace of mind.
Capture a natural expression, cleanliness, and specifications at a professional photo studio, and take a step toward passing!