SQE Plus and SQE2

[sunnyd]

Hi all,

Looking for a bit of advice and also just want a chance to ramble/vent.

I sat and passed the SQE1 in July 2024 sitting. I was meant to sit my SQE2 this year, but had a massive breakdown and decided nope, not doing this. Took a year off, basically just worked and chilled and restored my mental health.

I am hoping to the SQE2 in October next year (basically the last date I can sit it according to my scholarship provider).

There are two issues at hand:
1. I have basically forgotten EVERYTHING. All the FLK1 & FLK2 has been squeezed out of my brain like water from a sponge. Possibly because of the breakdown and so shunned that knowledge from my entire being. Also makes you wonder the effectiveness of the exams cause like realistically, what is the purpose of memorising that much when no one is actually going to remember it in the long run?
2. I got lucky. When I passed the SQE1. Because let me tell you, my Business Law and Criminal Practice knowledge was horrid. And no, I'm not being harsh on myself, it simply was horrid. I think I studied one week for both subjects before deciding that I am going to chance it and not study for either of them, and that God will be on my side. He was, there were BARELY any questions for business and criminal, and the ones that were there, I am certain I got wrong. But my other subjects defo covered me and lifted me up. But honestly, divine intervention helped me passed. Relating back to the problem, now for the SQE2 - I need to essentially learn business and crim (because clearly I didn't do it the first time).

Now, as for the overall timeline of my life, I've started the SQE Plus part of my degree, and hoping to sit SQE2 in October 2026. Has anyone done the SQE Plus? I thrive on course work, and so I think I'll be fine, but just wanted to reach out and check with others who've done the course and can advice on how difficult it is? My main reason for asking is because the SQE Plus finishes around March/April 2026. And from there on, I need to get back on the SQE2 horse. Issue is, in my mind, from April to October, its not enough time for me (personally) to study for the SQ2 - given I need to learn business/crim, re-learn everything else and also learn how to deal with each exam style. The (undiagnosed, but we're changing that) ADHD in me also gets distracted like hell, so to a neuro-typical person yes that MIGHT be plenty of time, but for me like girl it's not enough. And for some reason this silly exam doesn't allow me to rely on my superpowers of procrastination and cramming everything in the last minute (like I did for o and a levels).

So - if you're still here, what should I do? Start studying for the SQE2 now? Like, start making notes for business law/crim, and alongside do course work so when that April mark comes, at least business/crim are done?

I dont know - help, anyone?

Sincerely,
Someone who is fed up and considering the CLC

 

[TheLegalEagle]

I want to start by sending you a tonne of empathy. This journey is a marathon, not a sprint, and you can't run it on empty tanks, so taking a year off to focus on your mental health was definitely the right choice. Congratulations on passing SQE1 as well! Even though imposter syndrome claims it was "divine intervention," you still had to enter the exam room and respond to the questions. A pass is a pass.

1. "Amnesia" is normal, but business and criminal activity require attention.
It's common to feel as though you've squeezed the knowledge out of your brain. Relearning, however, is far quicker than starting from zero. Instead of being lost, the knowledge is probably dormant.

It's important that you be truthful regarding business and criminal practice:

Criminal Litigation:You will probably need to file a bail application or make an advocacy plea. You will freeze if you are unaware of the process or the sentencing criteria.

Business Practice: Research and drafting frequently examined in this. To organise your docs, you must adhere to the black letter legislation. Conclusion: For these two particular regions, you must start from scratch when building these foundations.

2. The Schedule: April through October
It is about six months from April to October. This is actually a generous amount of time for SQE2 for a neurotypical student (many courses are 12–16 weeks). However, your concern that this is "too short" is understandable given your ADHD and the necessity to relearning the fundamentals.

My main advice? Do exactly what you suggested. Start making notes for Business and Criminal law alongside your SQE Plus work. It will stop the "April Panic" before it begins and give you the structure you need.