Not much of a comfort, but I heard from others who took the test that the reading section was especially difficult this time around.
I did the JLPT2 in Budapest. I drove there the day before (4h in the car) and spent the night in an absolutely terrible "hotel". The bed was so wasted that you'd roll out of it if you did not hold onto something. I had planned to learn before the test but had no time, so I only had a test book with an 1kyuu and 2kyuu test in it. I did the 2kyuu and then checked the things I didn't know and that was it. I was so tired from driving that I slept, even though quite badly. Next morning I got up early only to get lost in the streets of Budapest and I made it just in time. It's held in an older university building that's a bit like Hogwarts with all those spiraling staircases, only smaller. There were around 20-30 people in my class room, I don't remember how many there were all in all, but my guess is around 500 people maybe taking the test? Lots of them students from the University of course. I did the best I could on the test and didn't really expect to pass. One evening of learning? I was really surprised when I did pass though :) Close, but who cares :)
For the JLPT1 I drove to Budapest with my mom. We spent the evening shopping and had a much nicer, but still cheap hotel with nice large single rooms (my mom snores). I did the 1kyuu test but I was way too tired to actually do much else. So I slept, quite well actually. The test location was pretty much just across the bridge but due to all those one-way streets I had difficulties getting to it, but finally found a nice parking spot. I got some food and drink and then went up to the University. It was basically pretty much the same way as the first time around. I looked at the Kanji and Grammar section and thought that with maybe 1-2 weeks of learning I could have aced it. It was actually quite easy, if I had learned anything. Listening was easy and I think I did quite good on reading as well, but grammar was terrible. I just went with my gut feeling there. I tired to find the slip but couldn't find it. I know I failed grammar and Kanji/vocab the last two not too badly. Listening was good, reading was at least a pass. All in all not too bad but not enough to pass.
I intended to try again the following year, but new job, etc kept me away from learning and trying. Then they changed the system and as all my books are for the old one, I decided to wait and see how it all changes, maybe buy a few new books in time and then see how it goes. I don't really feel that inclined to actually do it. The JLPT2 is absolutely sufficient for pretty much everything I ever applied for or thought I'd like to apply for. I might still try it, but as I have barely read or listened to anything Japanese in over a year... I forgot a lot and learning all that anew... will take time and a preferably a job where I can actually use Japanese at least now and then.
Watch the movie. You did your best. There's nothing to blame yourself for.
no subject
I did the JLPT2 in Budapest. I drove there the day before (4h in the car) and spent the night in an absolutely terrible "hotel". The bed was so wasted that you'd roll out of it if you did not hold onto something. I had planned to learn before the test but had no time, so I only had a test book with an 1kyuu and 2kyuu test in it. I did the 2kyuu and then checked the things I didn't know and that was it. I was so tired from driving that I slept, even though quite badly. Next morning I got up early only to get lost in the streets of Budapest and I made it just in time. It's held in an older university building that's a bit like Hogwarts with all those spiraling staircases, only smaller. There were around 20-30 people in my class room, I don't remember how many there were all in all, but my guess is around 500 people maybe taking the test? Lots of them students from the University of course. I did the best I could on the test and didn't really expect to pass. One evening of learning? I was really surprised when I did pass though :) Close, but who cares :)
For the JLPT1 I drove to Budapest with my mom. We spent the evening shopping and had a much nicer, but still cheap hotel with nice large single rooms (my mom snores). I did the 1kyuu test but I was way too tired to actually do much else. So I slept, quite well actually. The test location was pretty much just across the bridge but due to all those one-way streets I had difficulties getting to it, but finally found a nice parking spot. I got some food and drink and then went up to the University. It was basically pretty much the same way as the first time around. I looked at the Kanji and Grammar section and thought that with maybe 1-2 weeks of learning I could have aced it. It was actually quite easy, if I had learned anything. Listening was easy and I think I did quite good on reading as well, but grammar was terrible. I just went with my gut feeling there. I tired to find the slip but couldn't find it. I know I failed grammar and Kanji/vocab the last two not too badly. Listening was good, reading was at least a pass. All in all not too bad but not enough to pass.
I intended to try again the following year, but new job, etc kept me away from learning and trying. Then they changed the system and as all my books are for the old one, I decided to wait and see how it all changes, maybe buy a few new books in time and then see how it goes. I don't really feel that inclined to actually do it. The JLPT2 is absolutely sufficient for pretty much everything I ever applied for or thought I'd like to apply for. I might still try it, but as I have barely read or listened to anything Japanese in over a year... I forgot a lot and learning all that anew... will take time and a preferably a job where I can actually use Japanese at least now and then.
Watch the movie. You did your best. There's nothing to blame yourself for.