Recently I discovered www.guidetojapanese.org and especially www.JapanesePod101.com – some of the most useful resources for learning the language & culture on your own terms. I’ve been using the podcasts for about a week (doing chinese at the same time) and I made much more progress than I made in years before. Now I don’t need to MAKE TIME for learning anymore (I work full time), I can learn on the way to work, even at work, at home, while shopping… very efficient indeed.

As for JLPT, I’m not sure which level I will be aiming for (4 or 3?) I’ve yet to see how fast my progress will be, I give it a couple of months.

I applied for a university course too but got no reply yet. Wonder if I really have a chance as a mature student few years out of education… and a foreigner to boot! Oh well, fingers crossed. :D