Tips on how to put together in your SQE exams

by Amber Rolfe

On the brink of sort out the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE)? 

The SQE is a two-part evaluation designed to evaluate the information and expertise crucial to become a Solicitor (or Lawyer) in England and Wales. Relating to passing these exams, preparation is vital, making it completely very important to take a position time into understanding the examination format, reviewing authorized ideas, and practising sensible expertise.

We spoke to Tracy Savage, Studying Director at BARBRI, who’re world leaders in authorized training, to search out out a number of of the most effective methods to arrange in your SQE exams: 

Keep away from time-wasting duties 

OK, so this may occasionally appear apparent, however hear us out. 

When you would possibly really feel as if conventional revision-based duties like studying and re-reading notes, highlighting texts, and copying out notes are tremendous productive, they is probably not attaining a lot. Particularly should you aren’t really taking within the data. 

As a substitute, focus your time on extra sensible actions that take a look at your information and preserve you engaged, equivalent to flashcards, thoughts maps, post-it notes, mnemonics, quizzes, and interactive studying instruments. 

And, keep away from procrastination in any respect prices. We assure that houseplant doesn’t have to be repotted within the midst of your thoughts map…

Combine up your method 

Regardless of how a lot you’re keen on a flashcard, sticking to only one sort of process isn’t one of the simplest ways to study. In truth, utilizing a wide range of studying aids is one of the simplest ways to strengthen studying.  

It’s additionally essential to alternate between topics throughout your examine periods. Spaced repetition (i.e. reviewing materials over time as a substitute of ) can also be a wonderful strategy to construct the mind’s ‘muscle reminiscence’ (one thing BARBRI’s Personalised Examine Plan (PSP) is predicated on). 

This good studying method will make it easier to to retain data extra successfully, to not point out allow you to keep away from shedding focus throughout an extended examine session.

Gamify your studying

Newsflash: revision doesn’t need to be boring. 

If learning has you mastering the artwork of procrastination as a substitute, it could be time to gamify your studying. 

This might contain every part from setting objectives and rewards, and attempting to enhance your personal scores in quizzes, to becoming a member of a examine group the place you may work with others and take a look at one another.  

Some on-line studying platforms (equivalent to BARBRI’s) additionally allow you to trace your progress, following a Private Examine Plan with achievable objectives that are tailor-made to you.

Apply, follow, and extra follow

Relating to nailing your SQE exams, follow is vital. 

BARBRI affords two programs to assist along with your examination preparation, each of which embody a mixture of video lectures, workbooks and follow questions. 

SQE1 Prep course college students profit from 3,000+ follow questions, and SQE2 Prep course college students will be capable to take mock exams as a part of their research. You’ll additionally get particular person suggestions on 16 evaluation solutions and 28 examination solutions. For extra pattern questions, examine the SRA web site.

When you’ve gone by way of all of the follow questions, do them once more – timing your self in opposition to the clock. 

Create a revision timetable

A (lifelike) revision timetable is a good way to not solely organise your studying, but in addition make the most effective use of your time. 

Make sure you begin revising early (throughout months/weeks, not days), and give attention to planning revision periods little and infrequently. 2 hours of productive studying is a lot better than 8 hours of attempting to study however getting too drained to recollect your personal title. 

For every session, it’s additionally essential to take common breaks to make sure you’re not burning your self out. For instance, for each 20/40 minutes of revision, plan a 5-10 minute break. 

And let’s face it, life might not at all times be cooperative relating to your examine schedule – so take any unexpected occasions into consideration and plan your examine time flexibly. 

Take note of your environment

Location, location, location. It issues.

Along with selecting a tidy and uncluttered space to check in, it’s additionally a good suggestion to let housemates or members of the family know once you’re planning to check – you understand, to allow them to preserve their inventive however questionable musical freestyling to a minimal. 

If all else fails? Noise cancelling headphones are your greatest pal.

Moreover, don’t prohibit your self to 1 examine spot. A change of surroundings will do wonders in your mindset and focus. You may even select to study on-the-go, whether or not it’s watching on-line movies or studying studying supplies. 

Be good to your self

Examination preparation can typically imply you neglect about important self-care actions, equivalent to train, consuming nicely, ingesting water, socialising, and you understand…sleeping. 

However with a view to keep motivated and optimistic, it’s completely important to care for your self.

Meaning at all times take a break should you want it, and don’t be afraid to achieve out to somebody should you want assist – whether or not that’s your BARBRI studying coach, a pal or member of the family, or a examine buddy. 

And bear in mind: espresso is just not thought of a meal. 

Minimise stress on examination day (and the day earlier than) 

Suppose your greatest revision is finished the hour earlier than your examination? Suppose once more… 

To keep away from examination day stress, it’s at all times greatest to suit your preparation in early, supplying you with time to calm down on and earlier than the large day. And chances are high, something you attempt to cram in at this level is unlikely to stay anyway. 

So don’t examine (yep, you learn this proper), do some train, and get some sleep. Your physique and thoughts will thanks. 

Additionally, strive to not panic or goal for perfection – nobody will get 100% on this examination.  

Why examine with BARBRI?

BARBRI is a web based authorized educator specialising in programs that assist graduates and authorized professionals put together for the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE), which allows them to turn into a solicitor in England and Wales. 

Their SQE preparation programs utilise modern on-line know-how to offer college students with a structured and supportive studying setting, while being time and cost-effective. 

Extra causes to check with BARBRI embody:

• They’re a trusted authorized educator with over 50 years serving to greater than 1.4 million legislation college students and legal professionals reach authorized exams throughout the globe
• You may examine totally on-line and round different commitments 
• Study from certified solicitors and barristers and get limitless one-on-one time (should you’re taking the SQE1 course) along with your knowledgeable tutor 
• Obtain intensive careers and employability companies, together with particular person careers assist, CV evaluate, interview expertise preparation and different sources to spice up your business information
• For those who don’t move the primary time round, they’ll make it easier to put together in your resit free of charge

Find out more

Need to study extra about SQE preparation programs? Enquire now or try out a free course demo here.