If you are reading this, you are probably preparing to enroll at the Defense Language Institute (DLI). DLI is one of the most difficult programs in the military. It will take a normal student and have them proficient in a foreign language in a very short time. You can probably imagine the amount of difficulty that exists in this program. So how do you prepare for such a school and pass the dreaded Defense Language Proficiency Test (DLPT)?

For starters, forget about the Defense Language Aptitude Battery (DLAB) test score. While your DLAB score was used to give the military an idea of ​​your likelihood of success in the DLI program, it does not guarantee anything. Many active duty members with high DLAB scores have failed and vice versa.

To promote this, be sure to leave your pride behind. There is no room for arrogance in the classroom. You need to be humble and understand that regardless of your educational background, anyone can pass or fail DLI. If you enter this program with an enthusiasm to learn and without fear of making a mistake, you will be set up for success.

Some people would recommend that you start learning the language before you apply to DLI. However, this is a waste of time. Because DLI is an intense program, regardless of how much time you spend studying the language beforehand, your class will catch up quickly. While studying the language early may not help, you can start to prepare your mind for your potential language. When you first hear someone speak a different language, it just seems to be a jumble of sounds. Usually, you will have a hard time distinguishing between individual words. However, if you spend enough time listening to the language, you’ll find that you can start to make out individual words and the language doesn’t sound so foreign. Getting familiar with the language before you apply is possibly the most important thing you can do to prepare for DLI. You can do it by listening to music or watching a movie.

You also need to invest in the right tools. Most students would tell you that they recommend you buy an iPad or other tablet. You’ll need something to display your flash cards, take notes, and practice listening to MP3s. Most smartphones can do this, but remember that you’ll be working on your flash cards for hours every day; You could also invest in a bigger screen. While DLI gives you a laptop to use, this one is clunky, old, and slow. Nothing compares to the power of a simplified touch screen tablet. Plus, you’ll spend countless hours listening to video, music, and voice recordings. Do yourself a favor and buy a top-notch pair of headphones. Because you’ll be hearing foreign words, it’s best to look for headphones with a good treble range.

Although DLI is difficult, there are many ways to prepare for the course. With determination, a humble attitude, and respect for the language, anyone can pass DLI. So get ready and enjoy the benefits of learning a new language.