Math and grammar are the two HESI A2 sections that respond fastest to focused prep. You can pick up 15 points in each in under two weeks if you attack the right patterns.
HESI math — the big five
- Fractions: adding, subtracting, multiplying, dividing, and converting to decimals and percents.
- Ratios and proportions: cross-multiply and solve for x.
- Percent problems: is/of = %/100.
- Unit conversion: household to metric, especially for medication.
- Basic algebra: solve one-variable equations, plug and check.
The HESI does not test calculus. It tests whether you can move a fraction fast and correctly. Drill mixed sets of 20 problems, not one topic at a time.
HESI grammar — memorize these
- Subject-verb agreement (singular subject → singular verb).
- Pronoun-antecedent agreement.
- Comma rules: FANBOYS, introductory phrases, non-essential clauses.
- Apostrophes: possession vs contractions.
- Confused pairs: affect/effect, than/then, accept/except.
HESI vocabulary strategy
Vocabulary is memorization. Use spaced flashcards on a real schedule — 20 words a day for two weeks — and prioritize medical terms: emesis, edema, dyspnea, cyanosis, distend, contusion, exacerbate.
A two-week schedule
- Days 1–4: math fundamentals. 30 problems a day, full rationales.
- Days 5–8: grammar rules + 15 vocab a day.
- Days 9–11: mixed drills across math, grammar, and vocab.
- Days 12–13: two timed section simulations.
- Day 14: light review of your cheat sheet, then rest.
