If you are reading this, you are probably preparing to enroll in the Defense Language Institute (DLI). DLI is one of the most difficult programs in the military. It will take a normal student and make them proficient in a foreign language in no 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 place for arrogance in the classroom. You must be humble and understand that regardless of your educational background, anyone can pass or fail DLI. If you enter this program with 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 applying to DLI. However, this is a waste of time. Because DLI is an intense program, no matter 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 preparing your mind for your potential language. When you first hear someone speak a different language, it just seems like a jumble of sounds. You will usually have difficulty distinguishing between individual words. However, if you spend enough time listening to the language, you’ll find that you can start to distinguish individual words and the language doesn’t sound all that foreign. Familiarizing yourself with the language before filing is possibly the most important thing you can do to prepare for DLI. You can do this by listening to music or watching a movie.

You should also invest in the right tools. Most students would tell you that they recommend you buy an iPad or another 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 might as well invest in a bigger screen. While DLI gives you a laptop to use, this one is clunky, old, and slow. Nothing compares to the capability of a simplified touchscreen tablet. Plus, you’ll spend countless hours listening to videos, music, and voice recordings. Do yourself a favor and buy a top-notch pair of headphones. Because you will be hearing foreign words, it is 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.