Methods to put together in your SQE exams

by Amber Rolfe

On the point of deal with the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE)? 

The SQE is a two-part evaluation designed to evaluate the information and expertise mandatory to grow to be a Solicitor (or Lawyer) in England and Wales. In terms of passing these exams, preparation is vital, making it completely 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 international leaders in authorized schooling, to search out out a couple of of the most effective methods to arrange in your SQE exams: 

Keep away from time-wasting duties 

OK, so this will 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 might not be attaining a lot. Particularly when you aren’t really taking within the info. 

As a substitute, focus your time on extra sensible actions that take a look at your information and hold you engaged, comparable 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 must be repotted within the midst of your thoughts map…

Combine up your strategy 

Regardless of how a lot you like a flashcard, sticking to only one kind of job isn’t the easiest way to study. The truth is, utilizing quite a lot of studying aids is the easiest way to bolster studying.  

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

This good studying method will provide help to to retain info 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 finding out has you mastering the artwork of procrastination as a substitute, it is likely to be time to gamify your studying. 

This might contain all the things from setting objectives and rewards, and making an attempt to enhance your individual scores in quizzes, to becoming a member of a examine group the place you possibly can work with others and take a look at one another.  

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

Apply, observe, and extra observe

In terms of nailing your SQE exams, observe is vital. 

BARBRI gives two programs to assist together with your examination preparation, each of which embody a mix of video lectures, workbooks and observe questions. 

SQE1 Prep course college students profit from 3,000+ observe 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 means of all of the observe questions, do them once more – timing your self towards the clock. 

Create a revision timetable

A (real looking) 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 significantly better than 8 hours of making an attempt to study however getting too drained to recollect your individual title. 

For every session, it’s additionally vital 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 all the time be cooperative on the subject of 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 whenever you’re planning to check – you realize, to allow them to hold 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 at least one 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 generally imply you neglect about important self-care actions, comparable to train, consuming effectively, consuming water, socialising, and you realize…sleeping. 

However to be able to keep motivated and optimistic, it’s completely important to care for your self.

Meaning all the time take a break when you want it, and don’t be afraid to achieve out to somebody when you want help – 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 will not be thought of a meal. 

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

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

To keep away from examination day stress, it’s all the time greatest to suit your preparation in early, providing you with time to loosen up on and earlier than the large day. And likelihood is, 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, attempt to not panic or intention 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 grow to be a solicitor in England and Wales. 

Their SQE preparation programs utilise progressive on-line expertise to supply college students with a structured and supportive studying atmosphere, 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 attorneys reach authorized exams throughout the globe
• You may examine solely on-line and round different commitments 
• Study from certified solicitors and barristers and get limitless one-on-one time (when you’re taking the SQE1 course) together with your skilled tutor 
• Obtain intensive careers and employability providers, together with particular person careers help, CV overview, interview expertise preparation and different sources to spice up your trade information
• In case you don’t move the primary time round, they’ll provide help to put together in your resit without cost

Discover out extra

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