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 data and abilities essential to grow to be a Solicitor (or Lawyer) in England and Wales. In the case of passing these exams, preparation is essential, making it completely very important to speculate time into understanding the examination format, reviewing authorized ideas, and practising sensible abilities.

We spoke to Tracy Savage, Studying Director at BARBRI, who’re world leaders in authorized schooling, to seek out out a couple of of the most effective methods to organize on your SQE exams: 

Keep away from time-wasting duties 

OK, so this will likely appear apparent, however hear us out. 

Whilst you may 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 reaching a lot. Particularly when you aren’t really taking within the info. 

As an alternative, focus your time on extra sensible actions that check your data and maintain you engaged, resembling 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 method 

Regardless of how a lot you’re keen on a flashcard, sticking to only one sort of activity isn’t one of the simplest ways to study. The truth is, utilizing quite a lot of studying aids is one of the simplest ways to bolster studying.  

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

This sensible studying approach will make it easier to to retain info extra successfully, to not point out allow you to keep away from dropping 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 an alternative, it may be time to gamify your studying. 

This might contain every thing 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 possibly can work with others and check one another.  

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

Observe, apply, and extra apply

In the case of nailing your SQE exams, apply is essential. 

BARBRI gives two programs to assist along with your examination preparation, each of which embrace a mix of video lectures, workbooks and apply questions. 

SQE1 Prep course college students profit from 3,000+ apply questions, and SQE2 Prep course college students will be capable of 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, verify the SRA web site.

When you’ve gone by means of all of the apply questions, do them once more – timing your self towards the clock. 

Create a revision timetable

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

Make sure you begin revising early (throughout months/weeks, not days), and concentrate on planning revision periods little and sometimes. 2 hours of productive studying is significantly better than 8 hours of attempting to study however getting too drained to recollect your personal identify. 

For every session, it’s additionally necessary 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 could not at all times be cooperative on the subject of your examine schedule – so take any unexpected occasions under 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 relations know if you’re planning to check – you already know, to allow them to maintain their inventive however questionable musical freestyling to a minimal. 

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

Moreover, don’t prohibit your self to at least one examine spot. A change of surroundings will do wonders on your mindset and focus. You’ll be able to 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 overlook about important self-care actions, resembling train, consuming nicely, consuming water, socialising, and you already know…sleeping. 

However to be able to keep motivated and constructive, it’s completely important to maintain your self.

Which means at all times take a break when you want it, and don’t be afraid to succeed in out to somebody when you want assist – whether or not that’s your BARBRI studying coach, a good friend or member of the family, or a examine buddy. 

And keep 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 at all times greatest to suit your preparation in early, supplying you with time to chill out 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, attempt 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 grow to be a solicitor in England and Wales. 

Their SQE preparation programs utilise progressive 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 embrace:

• They’re a trusted authorized educator with over 50 years serving to greater than 1.4 million legislation college students and legal professionals achieve authorized exams throughout the globe
• You’ll be able to examine solely on-line and round different commitments 
• Be taught from certified solicitors and barristers and get limitless one-on-one time (when you’re taking the SQE1 course) along with your professional tutor 
• Obtain intensive careers and employability companies, together with particular person careers assist, CV evaluation, interview abilities preparation and different assets to spice up your business data
• In the event you don’t go the primary time round, they’ll make it easier to put together on your resit free of charge

Discover out extra

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