What is the best study schedule for JLPT preparation?
Quick Answer
Study 1-2 hours daily: 20 min vocabulary, 20 min grammar, 20 min reading, 15 min listening, 15 min review. Consistency matters more than marathon sessions.
An effective JLPT study schedule balances all test sections while fitting your lifestyle. Here are proven schedules:
Daily Study Template (1.5-2 hours)
- Vocabulary/Kanji SRS: 20-30 minutes - Grammar study: 20-30 minutes - Reading practice: 20-30 minutes - Listening practice: 15-20 minutes - Review/weak areas: 15-20 minutes
6-Month N5/N4 Schedule
- Months 1-2: Focus on textbook (Genki/Minna) - Months 3-4: Complete textbook, start JLPT prep books - Months 5-6: Practice tests, review weak areas
6-Month N3 Schedule
- Months 1-2: Intermediate textbook (Tobira) - Months 3-4: JLPT-specific materials (Shin Kanzen) - Months 5-6: Practice tests, extensive reading/listening
6-Month N2/N1 Schedule
- Months 1-3: Grammar/vocabulary deep study - Months 4-5: Practice tests, native content - Month 6: Review, timed practice, weak areas
Weekly Schedule Example
- Monday: Grammar focus day - Tuesday: Reading comprehension - Wednesday: Listening intensive - Thursday: Vocabulary/Kanji review - Friday: Mixed practice - Saturday: Full practice test section - Sunday: Light review or rest
Time of Day Recommendations
- Morning: New material (fresh mind) - Lunch: SRS reviews (quick sessions) - Evening: Reading/listening practice - Before bed: Light review (memory consolidation)
Adjusting for Your Lifestyle
- Working full-time: 1 hour before/after work - Students: Utilize commute time for listening - Parents: Multiple short sessions throughout day - Weekend warriors: Longer weekend sessions, maintenance weekday
Key Principles
1. Daily consistency beats sporadic long sessions 2. Never skip SRS reviews 3. Balance all sections (don't neglect listening) 4. Increase intensity 6-8 weeks before test 5. Take practice tests under real conditions
Warning Signs to Adjust
- Burning out: Reduce daily time, add rest days - Not progressing: Increase focused study time - Weak section: Allocate extra time to that area
Key Takeaways
- 1Daily consistency is more important than session length
- 2Balance all JLPT sections in your schedule
- 3Never skip SRS vocabulary reviews
- 4Increase intensity 6-8 weeks before exam
- 5Take timed practice tests weekly
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