Your Weekend Two Day Study Plan

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Okay, with your exam approaching soon, let's craft a focused and effective weekend study plan for the ACHE FACHE Board of Governors Exam.

This plan assumes you've already done some foundational studying and are now looking to maximize your preparation in these final days.

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This plan prioritizes active recall, practice, and strategic review.

Saturday:

• Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Focused Review of Challenging Areas:

  • Identify the 2-3 knowledge areas where you consistently struggle on practice questions or feel least confident.

  • Dedicate a focused 3-hour block to re-reviewing the core concepts, definitions, models, and frameworks within these areas using your ACHE reference manual and notes.

  • Example: If Financial Management and Healthcare Law are challenging, spend time understanding key accounting principles, reimbursement models, and important legal and regulatory frameworks (HIPAA, Stark Law, Anti-Kickback Statute).

• Lunch Break (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): Relax and recharge.

• Afternoon (1:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Practice Exam Session:

  • Take a full-length practice exam under realistic, timed conditions. Simulate the actual exam environment as closely as possible (no distractions, limited breaks).

  • Tip: If you have access to multiple practice exams, use one now. If not, focus on a comprehensive set of practice questions.

• Evening (5:00 PM - 7:00 PM): Initial Review of Practice Exam:

  • Immediately after the practice exam, take a break, then do an initial review.

  • Focus on identifying the questions you got wrong and broadly categorize them by the 10 knowledge areas. Don't get bogged down in detailed analysis yet.

  • Note any recurring themes or types of questions you struggled with.

Sunday:

• Morning (9:00 AM - 1:00 PM): In-Depth Practice Exam Analysis and Targeted Review:

  • Dedicate a significant block of time to a thorough analysis of the practice exam you took on Saturday.

  • For each incorrect answer, understand why you got it wrong. Was it a misunderstanding of the concept, misreading the question, or a knowledge gap?

  • Refer back to your reference manual and notes to solidify your understanding of the concepts tested in the questions you missed.

  • Do additional focused practice questions in the areas where you showed weakness on the practice exam.

  • Example: If you missed questions on Quality and Performance Improvement, review topics like Lean, Six Sigma, PDSA cycles, and quality metrics.

• Lunch Break (1:00 PM - 2:00 PM): Relax and refuel.

• Afternoon (2:00 PM - 5:00 PM): High-Yield Review and Strategy:

  • Review key definitions, models, and frameworks across all 10 knowledge areas. Focus on high-yield topics that are frequently tested.

  • Think about how different concepts intersect and apply to various healthcare scenarios.

  • Refine your test-taking strategies: time management, how to approach challenging questions, when to eliminate options, and when to make an educated guess.

  • Review ethical principles and their application in healthcare leadership.

• Evening (5:00 PM onwards): Light Review and Relaxation:

  • Do a final, light review of key terms, acronyms, or formulas if you find it helpful.

  • Avoid intense studying. Focus on relaxing, getting organized for the week ahead, and ensuring you have everything you need for your exam (if it's scheduled early in the week).

Key Strategies for Weekend Study:

• Minimize Distractions: Create a dedicated study environment where you won't be interrupted. Turn off notifications on your phone and computer (unless needed for study resources).

• Active Recall: Instead of just rereading material, try to recall information from memory and then check your notes for accuracy. Use techniques like flashcards or summarizing concepts in your own words.

• Application over Memorization: Focus on understanding how concepts apply to real-world healthcare management scenarios. The exam often tests your ability to analyze situations and apply your knowledge.

• Time Management Practice: During your practice exam, strictly adhere to the time limits to build your pacing and endurance.

• Stay Hydrated and Take Breaks: Short breaks during long study sessions can help maintain focus and prevent burnout.

Remember to tailor this plan to your specific needs and the areas where you need the most improvement.

This weekend is crucial for solidifying your knowledge and building confidence before the exam. Good luck!

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