This is going to be an incredibly unpopular thing to say but I need the certification (over mastery/fluency) as the program I’m applying for needs to see something that is tangible/verifiable over me just being able to say ‘I’m fluent in Japanese’ (JLPT cert > mastery of language (I know it’s messed up but I don’t make the rules!))
I’m looking for the most optimal way to pass N4 this December or N3 next summer.
Over the summer, I finished Genki I (textbook and workbook) and RTK and I’m almost done understanding the readings for all N5/N4 kanji. My vocabulary is also pretty good for N5/N4–I’ll likely keep supplementing both with Anki flashcards. My listening in university was pretty good too, though I’m not sure how well a first year Japanese exam will translate to the JLPTs.
The thing that gets me is grammar. I’m stumped on what the most optimal way to learn it would be. Is there a JLPT-focused grammar textbook? YouTube playlist? Because from my memory in Japanese class, just knowing the rules weren’t enough–I had to either answer textbook/workbook questions or find extra questions from the prof to make sure I was understanding correctly.
And with the plethora of materials, I guess I’m a bit overwhelmed at where to start.
The goal is N4 for December, and N3 for next summer (though if N3 doesn’t happen, that’s okay as I’m gearing up for another exam and need to prioritize that.)
ありがとうございます！