Top 5 tips for those preparing to take the SQE
- Practice, practice and then practice some more!
This is simple but actually the most effective. With the way that the SQE is structured, the SQE1 in particular, repetition is a really good way to nail the content. For SQE1 I would say that the best form of revision is undertaking practice quizzes. They are great because you can do them on the go, on your phone i.e. waiting for a train, on your walk home etc. For SQE2, practice drafting, whether it be writing letters or drafting documents, and also practice interviewing.
- Understand the content
Look at the specifications and use this as a study guide. The specifications can be found here:
SQE1: https://sqe.sra.org.uk/exam-arrangements/assessment-information/sqe1-assessment-specification
SQE2: https://sqe.sra.org.uk/exam-arrangements/assessment-information/sqe2-assessment-specification
When I did the exams, I found it useful to print off the specifications and work through them, highlighting items in green that I felt okay with and items that I knew I struggled with in a different colour. This helps you to identify areas that need more work. As a starting point to determine which areas I was stronger or weaker in I would do practice questions for each topic. Any that I scored above 80% I would mark as strong, any below 50% I would mark as weak and any in between as medium. This helps decide what areas to focus on, which is particularly useful leading up to the final exams.
- Understand how you are being marked
Guidance on marking can be found here: https://sqe.sra.org.uk/exam-arrangements/results-and-resits#:~:text=SQE1%20is%20a%20single%2Dbest,awarded%20a%20score%20of%200. This is especially important for SQE2 where the assessments marks available are weighted equally on law and skill. This “cheat sheet” is also useful to improve your understanding https://www.preptackle.com/marking-criteria-cheatsheet.
- Take enough time off work.
If you are working full time whilst doing the SQE I would recommend taking at least two weeks off before the exams and taking all the days in between. You want enough time to prepare but not too much time so that it becomes tedious towards the end.
- Remember to take a break
After the exams it is important to take a break and treat yourself! Getting through the exams is a great achievement in itself so give yourself a break before getting back to work/day-to-day life. It is also important to take breaks during your study periods. Look after yourself as you cannot pass these exams unless you are in good health!
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