Different ways of studying and learning SQE1 content

[NotMikeRoss]

Hi all, I just found out I didn't pass SQE1 a couple of weeks ago...disappointing to say the least.

Just wondering if anyone has suggestions on how to best retain and memorize the huge breadth of material? I find just reading the material and doing practice questions to be soul crushing and not particularly engaging. It's hard to simply recall the relevant legal knowledge to be able to answer the questions properly.

I feel like I have decent exam-taking strategy, but struggle with just the sheer amount of base content.

Any tips on how to improve knowledge retention?

Thanks in advance

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

Hi @NotMikeRoss

First off, I’m really sorry to hear about the SQE1 result. It’s a tough exam with a massive volume of content. The fact that you’re reflecting on how to improve already shows great resilience. I’m also currently studying for SQE1, and I completely relate to the challenge of trying to retain so much information. It’s been a few years since I’ve reviewed much of the underlying law, and it’s definitely been a challenge.

Although I've only just started, I’m trying to do the following to help myself retain more information:

• Active recall and spaced repetition: I’ve found flashcards (especially Anki Pro) really helpful. Active recall and spaced repetition make a huge difference because they push you to actively retrieve information rather than passively read, which is much better for long-term retention. Spaced repetition has also been very helpful to me in remembering the rules/exceptions related to certain module topics. I try to move between practising questions for a certain topic frequently and then test my knowledge of the subject matter again a week later.
  
  
• Explain concepts: I try to explain the material to myself or even to someone else. Teaching is a great way to solidify understanding (this was a lesson I learnt while teaching undergrads during my graduate studies), and it helps turn passive knowledge into something you can recall more easily. I’ve also asked my partner and friends if they’d be willing to hear me explain certain issues to them, particularly those I initially find difficult to understand. This allows me to see if (1) what I’m saying makes sense and (2) identify any gaps in my knowledge or explanations of topics.
  
  
• Flowcharts: The ULaw books that I currently use often have flowcharts at the end of each chapter to explain how you should analyse or break down a problem. I’ve found these helpful in allowing me to visualise how different rules and exceptions connect. In general, mind maps or flowcharts help me organise everything in a way that’s more intuitive than reading straight through notes. If possible, when you’re done reviewing a topic, I’d recommend mapping out how you would go about breaking down that topic.

Again, other people may have different strategies for retaining the large amounts of information that can be tested in SQE1. But I hope this is helpful to you. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.

Best of luck on your next attempt. You’ve got this!