HSK4 study plan in 5 months

[Mido]

I studied Chinese in China for one semester but not as serious learner and I rate my level as HSK 2.I need to get HSK 4 because I am in need to get scholarship and I set an intensive study plan in 5 months (~5 hours everyday except holidays). Some of my friends said they could get HSK 5 or HSK 4 from scratch in 7 months ( probably they are liars, I have no idea). Please.

I am in China and this could be a plus. I need your advice for the best study plan.

[zhouhaochen]

Getting from HSK 2 to 4 in five months is very achievable. If you want to challenge yourself and do it right, I would say aim for HSK 5.

We could spend a lot of time to discuss which books etc. are good (if the HSK is your main aim, do start learning the vocabulary you need for the test, there are quite a few specialized HSK books out there), however if you ask me what will make you really learn fast, then here are three words for you: Immersion, immersion, immersion.

Being in China is a huge advantage. Studying 5 hours a day is great and while you could do more, I would say enough in intensity to reach your aim. However, if you speak English after you are done studying, you will not progress fast enough. How? Move to a city where nobody speaks English, if there is anyone who speaks English, do not speak to them, do not surf the English internet (this forum excluded), do not go on Facebook, change your mobile phone to Chinese characters only, get a Chinese QQ and Weixin account, chat on there after studying, watch TV soap operas, live with non-English speaking Chinese people. Send an email once a week to your parents to let them know you are ok. Unless they speak Chinese, try to avoid talking to them.

Get the idea?

Have a look at this Chinese blog post on our website (I work for LTL) for the story of one student who made it from 0 to HSK 5 in seven months - there are others who achieved similar progress, give it a google.