Key Takeaways
- A structured study plan should span 4-8 weeks, dedicating specific days to each subject area
- Focus more study time on your weakest sections — the HESI A2 scores each section independently
- Practice tests are the most effective study tool because they simulate real testing conditions and identify weak areas
- Active recall (testing yourself) and spaced repetition are more effective than passive reading
- For math: practice calculations daily — accuracy comes from repetition, not memorization
- For science sections: focus on understanding concepts, not memorizing isolated facts
- For English sections: read passages actively and practice identifying main ideas, context clues, and grammar rules
- Sleep, nutrition, and exercise significantly impact cognitive performance on test day
Last updated: February 2026
Study Plan & Section Strategies
The HESI A2 covers a wide range of subjects, and most students find some sections significantly harder than others. A strategic study plan focuses your time where it will have the greatest impact on your overall score.
Recommended Study Timeline
| Timeline | Best For | Study Intensity |
|---|---|---|
| 2-3 weeks | Strong academic background, need a refresher only | 3-4 hours/day |
| 4-6 weeks | Average preparation, some weak areas | 2-3 hours/day |
| 6-8 weeks | Significant gaps in knowledge, returning to school after time away | 1.5-2 hours/day |
| 8+ weeks | Major content gaps, working while studying | 1-1.5 hours/day |
Sample 6-Week Study Plan
| Week | Focus | Activities |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | Take a diagnostic practice test | Identify weak areas; establish baseline scores |
| Week 2 | Mathematics | Review operations, fractions, conversions, dosage calculations |
| Week 3 | English sections | Reading comprehension, vocabulary, grammar practice |
| Week 4 | Science (Biology & A&P) | Cell biology, genetics, body systems review |
| Week 5 | Science (Chemistry & Physics) | Atomic structure, reactions, forces, waves |
| Week 6 | Full practice tests + review | Simulate test conditions; review all weak areas |
Study Strategies by Section
Mathematics
- Practice daily — math accuracy requires consistent practice, not cramming
- Memorize essential conversions (kg/lbs, tsp/mL, temperature formulas)
- Practice the dosage calculation formula: D/H x Q = Amount
- Use dimensional analysis for multi-step conversions
- Always check your work using estimation
Reading Comprehension
- Read the questions BEFORE the passage
- Practice identifying main ideas vs. supporting details
- Learn to recognize organizational patterns (cause-effect, compare-contrast)
- Practice distinguishing facts from opinions
- Time yourself — aim for about 1 minute per question
Vocabulary & General Knowledge
- Use flashcards for medical terminology (prefix-root-suffix)
- Study the most commonly tested vocabulary words in context
- Practice using context clues to determine word meanings
- Learn directional terms and positional vocabulary
Grammar
- Review subject-verb agreement rules, especially with tricky subjects
- Study commonly confused word pairs (affect/effect, their/there/they're)
- Practice identifying sentence fragments, run-ons, and comma splices
- Review punctuation rules for commas, semicolons, and apostrophes
Biology
- Focus on cell structure and function (organelles)
- Understand DNA/RNA and protein synthesis
- Know the difference between mitosis and meiosis
- Study genetics basics (Punnett squares, dominant/recessive)
Chemistry
- Review atomic structure and the periodic table
- Understand ionic vs. covalent bonding
- Know the types of chemical reactions and how to balance equations
- Study acids, bases, and the pH scale
- Review macromolecules (carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, nucleic acids)
Anatomy & Physiology
- Study each body system systematically
- Focus on cardiovascular, respiratory, and nervous systems (heavily tested)
- Use diagrams and flowcharts to visualize processes (blood flow, nerve impulses)
- Understand the endocrine system and hormone regulation
Physics
- Master Newton's three laws and be able to apply them
- Know the formulas: F=ma, W=Fd, KE=1/2mv^2, V=IR
- Understand wave properties and the electromagnetic spectrum
- Review heat transfer methods (conduction, convection, radiation)
Effective Study Techniques
| Technique | Description | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Active recall | Test yourself without looking at notes | Forces your brain to retrieve information, strengthening memory |
| Spaced repetition | Review material at increasing intervals (1 day, 3 days, 7 days) | Prevents forgetting and builds long-term memory |
| Practice tests | Take full-length, timed practice exams | Simulates real conditions and identifies weak areas |
| Teach-back method | Explain concepts to someone else (or out loud to yourself) | Reveals gaps in understanding |
| Interleaving | Mix different topics in one study session | Improves ability to distinguish between concepts |
Avoid:
- Passive re-reading — feels productive but does not build strong memory
- Highlighting everything — creates an illusion of learning without active engagement
- Cramming — produces short-term memory that fades quickly under test pressure
Test-Day Performance
Physical preparation:
- Sleep 7-9 hours the night before (and the two nights before that)
- Eat a balanced breakfast with protein, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats
- Stay hydrated but avoid excessive caffeine
- Arrive 15-30 minutes early to reduce stress
Mental preparation:
- Practice relaxation techniques (deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation)
- Visualize yourself succeeding on the exam
- Use positive self-talk: "I am prepared and capable"
- If you feel anxious during the exam, pause, take three deep breaths, and continue
Common Test-Taking Mistakes to Avoid
| Mistake | Why It Hurts | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Changing answers | First instinct is often correct | Only change if you have a clear reason |
| Reading too fast | Miss key words like "NOT," "EXCEPT," "MOST" | Underline or note negative/qualifying words |
| Spending too long on one question | Steals time from questions you can answer | Flag difficult questions and return later |
| Not reading all options | May miss the "best" answer | Read every option before selecting |
| Overthinking | Leads to choosing answers the passage does not support | Choose the most straightforward answer supported by the text |
| Leaving questions blank | No penalty for guessing on HESI A2 | Answer every question, even if unsure |
How to Use This Study Guide Effectively
This study guide is organized by HESI A2 section. For the most effective preparation:
- Take a practice test first to identify your weakest areas
- Study your weakest sections first — they have the most room for improvement
- Complete all quiz questions in each section before moving to the next
- Review wrong answers carefully — understand WHY the correct answer is right
- Return to difficult sections after 2-3 days (spaced repetition)
- Take a final practice test 3-5 days before the exam to assess readiness
- Focus last-minute review on formulas, conversions, and vocabulary — not on learning new concepts
Test Your Knowledge
Which study technique is MOST effective for HESI A2 preparation?
A
B
C
D
Test Your Knowledge
For the HESI A2 Mathematics section, the best preparation strategy is to:
A
B
C
D
Test Your KnowledgeFill in the Blank
The study technique of reviewing material at increasing intervals (1 day, 3 days, 7 days) is called spaced _____.
Type your answer below
Test Your KnowledgeMatching
Match each HESI A2 section to its recommended study approach.
Match each item on the left with the correct item on the right
1
Mathematics
2
Reading Comprehension
3
Vocabulary
4
Anatomy & Physiology