This article challenges the problematic educational trend of encouraging acupuncture students to prolong board exam preparation over 12 to 20 months, arguing that this delays licensure and fosters burnout and financial pressure. The core thesis is that momentum is the most powerful tool for students. The author advocates for an accelerated, structured study approach, citing models where students complete all four national exams (and the California exam, if needed) within four months, or sometimes as quickly as three weeks after an intensive 12-week course. The strategy is to study smarter, faster, and with purpose. Recommended smart strategies include using official board content outlines and prioritizing subjects: Foundations first, followed by Acupuncture, Biomedicine, and Herbology last. The ideal daily rhythm emphasizes repetition and recall, suggesting subjects be rotated hourly over 3-4 hours daily. Essential tools for building true recall are working with study partners and consistent use of flashcards. Finally, the article stresses the critical importance of learning test-taking skills—such as eliminating wrong answers and utilizing tongue/pulse clues—alongside content review to ensure confident and efficient licensure within 4-6 months.