Things I Wish Somebody Told Me About the Japanese SAT II

When I was studying for the Japanese SAT II, I wish someone had told me that in addition to being a tough test in a tough language, the Japanese SAT II is full of little landmines that threaten to hold you back…unless you can dodge them.

Prepping is a big problem, but these pointers I learned the hard way should save you from a much rockier road.

First of all, just save yourself a lot of time by NOT looking around to find a book full of Japanese SAT II practice tests. The College Board has a book with all SAT II subject tests in it. Though there are about 50 Biology practice tests in there, it only has ONE Japanese test.

As if that wasn’t bad enough, it’s a test from 1995 and doesn’t have the CD you need for listening comprehension.

Also, the Japanese SAT II is only once a year. Not only that, but it’s in November. I once wasted a lot of time on the phone trying to determine that that was in fact the case. It’s sad but true.

Here’s a BIG thing you don’t want to fall for:

On the Japanese grammar questions, there are three grammar styles that the questions are asked in. They are simply three different ways of asking you the same grammar question. One type is good old hiragana, one is romaji, and the other is some weird variation on hiragana. Just save some time and pick the romaji one!

Another thing is the reading comp questions are actually asked in the order that they show up. So if you are trying to answer the tenth question out of ten, look for it at the very end of the passage.

You’re already a rare cut for knowing ANY Japanese while in high school, and I know what it’s like to be someone being tested in an overlooked subject. With these and my other tips, you’ll be able to use all your cylinders on test day and not get hung up by the little things.

By: Philip Rozek

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