A Simpler Approach to BOC Prep: Study Smarter by Subtraction
When you’re deep in BOC exam prep, it’s easy to feel stretched thin. Grad school, clinicals, maybe work on the side…it all adds up! And while we usually look for things to add to our study routine, sometimes success comes from doing the opposite.
This is your reminder that one of the smartest study moves you can make is learning what to let go of.
Why “Less” Can Make Your Studying Stronger
Most study advice focuses on doing more: more strategies, more review, more practice. But if your schedule is already overflowing, adding more tasks won’t magically create more time or energy. At some point, you have to choose what truly matters and set the rest aside.
Here are three common situations where simplifying can make a real difference, especially when preparing for a high-stakes exam like the BOC.
1. When Self-Care Turns Into Another To-Do List
Grad students hear constant reminders to take care of themselves. But sometimes in trying to “do everything right,” your self-care routine becomes just another source of stress.
Maybe you’ve stacked meditation, long workouts, journaling, meal prepping, social check-ins, and a dozen other things on top of full-time coursework and clinical rotations. Even helpful habits can backfire when they fill every gap in your day.
Try This Instead: Scale back temporarily
Instead of a long gym session, try a quick 15-minute workout. Swap elaborate meals for simple, balanced options. Give yourself permission to pause optional commitments, like student org meetings, intramural sports, volunteer hours, or anything else that drains you more than it helps right now.
Think of it as hitting the easy button for this season. You can bring those habits back after the exam.
2. When You’re Using Every Study Method You’ve Ever Learned
Many athletic training students feel obligated to keep old study habits even when they pick up new, more effective strategies. So you end up doing everything—rewriting notes, re-reading chapters, making flashcards, reviewing slides, watching videos, AND using active recall.
No wonder it feels overwhelming.
Try This Instead: Choose your best strategies and commit to them.
If spaced repetition and practice questions are helping you recall clinical concepts more effectively, trust that system. Let go of the familiar but less productive habits you used in undergrad.
It may feel strange at first, especially if you’ve relied on certain methods for years. But simplifying your approach frees up time and helps you focus your energy where it pays off the most.
3. When You’re Trying to Study From Every Possible Resource
BOC prep materials can pile up fast: textbooks, class notes, clinical notes, study guides, flashcards, online courses, practice exams, review videos, and shared resources from classmates. When you try to use all of them, it becomes impossible to make real progress.
Try This Instead: Pick a small, intentional set of core resources. A good rule of thumb: aim for no more than three main study tasks per week.
For example:
- Reviewing and testing flashcards
- Doing practice questions on ATStudy Buddy
- Working through one primary review resource
That’s it. You can rotate tasks as needed, but avoid spreading yourself across ten different study tracks. Focus creates momentum; too many options create burnout.
Your Brain Works Best With Space
A simpler study plan reduces mental clutter, builds confidence, and helps you stay consistent even when the rest of life feels chaotic. The calmer and more focused you feel, the better you’ll perform on the BOC.
So take an honest look at:
- Your self-care routine
- Your study methods
- Your study materials
And choose one thing in each category to subtract. You don’t need to do everything—just the right things.
You’ve worked hard to get here. Streamline your plan, protect your energy, and trust yourself. You’ve got this!
