🇯🇵AP Japanese Review
How Do I Self-Study AP Japanese?
How Do I Self-Study AP Japanese?
You want to take AP Japanese, but your school doesn't offer it. So, you're considering self-studying the course, but aren't sure if you should go for it? In this post, we'll discuss the pros and cons of self-studying AP Japanese and everything you need to know before deciding to embark on your journey!
Pros and Cons of Self-Studying
Because self-studying can be such a commitment, you must weigh both your pros and cons before making a final decision. Below, we listed some of the major ones:
Pros
- Learn At Your Own Pace: Self-studying allows you to create your own schedule and move through the course at your own discretion. If you find you struggle with a certain concept, you have the flexibility to spend some extra time on it. If you're feeling confident with a topic, you can move onto the next.
- Free Up an Extra Class Period: By self-studying AP Japanese, you will free up extra space in your in-school schedule. You can fill this empty spot with another class that with a class you will enjoy 😎
- Learn About an Interest 🧠: If you have always had a passion for Japanese language and culture and are looking for a way to pursue it, then self-studying for AP Japanese may be the thing for you!
- Great for Native Speakers 🎌: If you're already fluent in Japanese, self-studying for the AP test is a wonderful option for you! You get to use your already super sharp Japanese skills to earn college credit.
Cons
- Lack of In-Person Instruction and Classroom Environment 👩🏼🏫 : Self-studying does present a lack of connection with peers and a teacher. Luckily, Fiveable has you covered. If you decide to self-study and want the same peer interactions that occur in a classroom, check out Fiveable's community platform where you can chat with other students and teachers!
- Easy to Get Off Track 💭: You will have to manage your workflow and keep yourself on track. When things like TikTok and Netflix exist, this can be especially difficult. However, with a bit of discipline, you'll be just fine!
- Time Commitment ⏰: Self-studying is a time-consuming task, especially when learning a language. Make sure you have the time in your daily schedule to devote to learning before you decide to self-study.
Getting Started📍
When you create a self-study plan, always start with the College Board Course and Exam Description (AP course framework). The AP course framework explains the course themes, skills, and task types that the exam is built around, so it is the best place to start when planning what to study and how to practice. As you read it, you will find summaries with the most important ideas and examples of the kinds of tasks you'll be expected to do.
Before building your study plan, make sure you understand the exam format. The AP Japanese Language and Culture Exam is 2 hours long and has two sections: Section I has 70 multiple-choice questions based on listening and reading selections, and Section II has 4 free-response tasks: Text Chat, Compare and Contrast Article, Conversation, and Cultural Perspective Presentation. Your self-study plan should include regular practice for each of these task types.
AP Japanese is not just about memorizing vocabulary or recognizing phrases in media. The course and exam emphasize communication through three modes: interpretive communication (understanding audio and written texts), interpersonal communication (responding in text chat and conversation), and presentational communication (writing and speaking for an audience). A strong self-study plan should include listening, reading, speaking, and writing practice every week.
The exam draws from six course themes: families in different societies; the influence of language and culture on identity; influences of beauty and art; how science and technology affect our lives; factors that impact quality of life; and environmental, political, and societal challenges. As you self-study, make sure your listening, reading, speaking, and writing practice includes all of these themes.
How to Register for the Test and Where to Take It🏫
If you are self-studying AP Japanese, you must arrange to test through a school that is administering AP Exams and is willing to accept outside students. Start by contacting your own school's AP coordinator if you have one, but if your school does not offer AP Japanese or cannot test you, you should contact AP coordinators at nearby schools as early as possible to ask whether they can seat outside test takers. Registration, ordering, fees, and test-day logistics are handled through the school that agrees to test you.
Contact Information for AP Services for Students
- Phone (domestic): 888-225-5427
- Phone (international): 212-632-1780
- Email: apstudents@info.collegeboard.org
AP Services for Students can answer general AP questions, but exam registration is completed through the AP coordinator at the school where you will test.
Tips to Stay on Track 🛤
#1: Find Resources That Work For You 👍🏼
Since you won't be given a textbook or practice assignments from a teacher, finding your own supplemental resources is essential. How do I find the best resources for me? Check out Best AP Japanese Textbooks and Prep Books and Best Quizlet Decks for AP Japanese for top-notch AP Japanese resources!
#2: Immerse Yourself 📺
Aside from learning the required course content, it is a good idea to supplement your AP Japanese studies with some real-world materials. Watching anime, listening to Japanese music, listening to podcasts in Japanese, reading Japanese literature, and consuming Japanese media are all examples of ways to further your understanding of the language.
Immersion can help build listening comprehension, vocabulary, and cultural awareness, but be careful about relying only on entertainment media. Some shows use exaggerated speech or informal register. Balance immersion with AP-style listening and reading practice, and pay attention to when formal vs. informal Japanese is appropriate.
#3: Practice Speaking 🗣
The best way to practice is by talking to someone else. If you are self-studying, you obviously will not have a class full of other Japanese speaking students to practice with. However, you can practice speaking to yourself in the mirror or with other AP Japanese students in the Fiveable community (see link above).
Also, make sure you're practicing the kinds of speaking tasks that actually show up on the exam. That means not just casual conversation, but also quick spoken responses and short, organized presentations where you explain an idea and support it with examples.
#4: Make a Study Plan 🖊
Time management is key for self-studying an AP class. Before you get started learning the course content, lay out a study plan for yourself, devoting a certain chunk of your day to AP Japanese. Within this designated study time, decide exactly what you're going to learn and set little goals for yourself to keep progress consistent.
A smart weekly routine might include:
- one day of listening practice
- one day of reading practice
- one day of text chat or writing practice
- one day of speaking practice
- one review day where you mix themes and task types
Every student has a different schedule and different preferences when it comes to when or how long they like to study, so do what works best for you!