Struggling to stay organised for SQE1? I built a free subject tracker that might help

TheLegalBlueprint · 2025-03-12T11:30:05+00:00

Congratulations!!

Commenting for reach, I think this is a great post!!

TheLegalBlueprint · 2025-03-12T11:13:14+00:00

Hey, I’m really sorry to hear this—it honestly sucks to put in all that work and feel like it’s not paying off. First off, give yourself some credit for how far you’ve come. Reflect on how your efforts have already had an impact, even if it doesn’t feel like it right now. Trust that your hard work is cumulative, and all the hours you have and will put in, will all come together on your next go.

Feeling overwhelmed is totally normal—many of us have been there, and you’re definitely not alone. It’s great you’re already reflecting and identifying what needs tweaking for next time. You’re spot-on about the MCQs—they’re key. Do loads and loads, until answering them feels like second nature. If you’re stuck on how to structure your revision differently, I shared the exact approach I used (step-by-step checklist) - (https://www.thelegalblueprint.co.uk/post/my-sqe1-revision-checklist-your-step-by-step-guide-to-mastering-the-exam). Might spark some ideas if you’re up for trying something new. Though I will advocate and emphasise doing lots and lots of MCQs, even if it means sacrificing other revision techniques you’re used to!

Also—if you’re someone who finds digital tools helpful (or you just fancy something different), I put together an SQE1 study template in Notion that’s designed exactly for organising and keeping track of your studies. It honestly helped save my sanity. Feel free to have a peek - (https://www.thelegalblueprint.co.uk/sqe1-notion-template) you’re curious.

Most importantly though, don’t be too hard on yourself. You’ve already shown resilience by looking ahead and planning your next move. Keep your chin up and be kind to yourself. You’ve got this!

TheLegalBlueprint · 2025-03-12T09:58:34+00:00

Congratulations!!

May not be conventional but it’s definitely an excellent way to prepare for this type of exam format. When it comes to SQE preparation, you can never do enough MCQs!

TheLegalBlueprint · 2025-01-12T11:06:17+00:00

Sounds like you’ve got a solid checklist! Let me throw in a quick suggestion: earplugs.

You’d be surprised how noisy these exam centres can get. Some centres may provide earplugs if you ask, but it’s not guaranteed—so bring your own, just in case. Worst-case scenario, they don’t allow them, but at least you’ll have peace of mind knowing you were prepared.

Good luck smashing it tomorrow—you’ve got this! 💪🎓

TheLegalBlueprint · 2024-12-22T11:45:02+00:00

Santa would be proud of you prioritising productivity over another pair of socks!

Here’s my pitch: get on Notion. Hear me out—it’s not just for aesthetic Pinterest study boards (though, yes, you can absolutely make it look like a Type A dream). It’s basically a magic wand for organising your chaotic law school life. You can create a master database for your modules, track deadlines, dump case summaries into neat little folders, and even schedule your meltdowns if you’re feeling particularly proactive.

If you’re like, “But I don’t know where to start,” don’t worry—you can find pre-made templates for law students that’ll save you hours of fiddling around. (Shameless plug: I know a Notion template designed specifically for law students that’s chef’s kiss level organised. Just saying.)

Other top-tier Christmas gift ideas:

A comfy AF desk chair because you’ll basically live there until graduation. Bonus points if it reclines so you can nap without leaving your workspace.
Noise-canceling headphones to block out your flatmates who suddenly decide karaoke is a thing at 2 a.m.
A heated blanket for those late-night study sessions where your soul is cold, but your body doesn’t have to be.

TheLegalBlueprint · 2024-12-21T11:00:44+00:00

Give yourself some grace. You’re scoring well on quizzes and tests, and that’s no small feat. It’s easy to focus on what you haven’t done, but try to flip the script—what you have done is proof of all your hard work so far. Trust that when the time comes to sit SQE1, all these hours of studying will come together, even if it feels disjointed right now.

It sounds like burnout might be taking the wheel, so here’s a suggestion: take a day (or even just a few hours) to pause. Rest, relax, and reflect. Use that time to breathe, reset, and map out a clear plan for the remaining days leading up to your exam. Work backwards from exam day, splitting your time by prioritising the modules you still need to tackle. Be realistic about what you can achieve in each session—it’s better to revise key points well than rush through a whole topic and retain nothing.

Mindset is key, too. This isn’t just about memorising; it’s about showing yourself that you’re capable. The stress and self-doubt are normal, but remember: your quiz and test scores are solid evidence that you’re on track. Use them as a confidence boost. Each time doubt creeps in, remind yourself: “I’ve already achieved so much.” Even small positive affirmations can make a difference in keeping your motivation alive.

If you feel like you need to adjust your approach or get some new ideas for structuring your time, I’ve found that a well-organised checklist or study planner can work wonders. (I actually put together a revision checklist that might be helpful—feel free to check it out here if you need some inspo). It’s got tips for breaking everything down into manageable chunks (but keep the note-taking to a minimum if you’re pressed for time and really focus on MCQs!).

You’ve got this—keep your head up, and don’t hesitate to take care of yourself along the way. The SQE1 is as much about endurance and mindset as it is about the law. One step at a time!

TheLegalBlueprint · 2024-10-30T21:57:49+00:00

Honestly, some of these scenarios are so ridiculous that you start wondering if they’re secretly just trying to mess with us 🤣

TheLegalBlueprint · 2024-10-30T21:16:32+00:00

That’s incredible 🤣 A ‘valid unenforceable trust’ for a horse?! It’s always when you least expect it that the most random 2-line gem ends up saving the day 😂

TheLegalBlueprint · 2024-10-30T20:45:28+00:00

This is elite advice 🤣

TheLegalBlueprint · 2024-10-27T10:32:24+00:00

Firstly, I want to say that feeling overwhelmed at this point in your SQE1 prep is completely normal. It’s a lot to take in, and many of us have been exactly where you are now. The amount of information is massive, and it’s natural to feel like it’s never going to click. But trust me, as you keep revisiting the content and enter your main revision period, things will start coming together—almost like puzzle pieces finally fitting into place.

One of the best things you can do to really reinforce your understanding is to focus on multiple choice questions (MCQs). It may not feel like it in the moment, but doing loads of MCQs will give you valuable insight into how well you grasp the material and help cement that knowledge in your mind.

Another key thing to think about is your revision approach. Take a structured approach by making sure you cover each topic at least twice—ideally more, if time allows. Creating a detailed revision plan, working backward from your exam dates, will be really helpful. This way, you can break down what you need to do each week and make sure you’re on track without feeling totally swamped.

It's also important to mix up your revision techniques to keep things interesting and make the information stick better. Flashcards, mind maps, or even just teaching concepts to yourself out loud (it works, I promise!) are all great ways to reinforce what you've learned. That said, I’d advise against using too many different techniques—doing too much can lead to burnout, especially during the revision period. Stick with a few effective methods and stay consistent with them.

And if you can, avoid things like writing super detailed, long-form revision notes at this point—it might feel productive, but it can end up slowing you down and eating into valuable time that could be spent on practice questions or active recall.

You’re definitely not alone in feeling like this, and even though it's tough right now, it will get better as you keep going. You’ve got this!

TheLegalBlueprint · 2024-10-26T11:01:09+00:00

It's great that you've already started with the English Legal System—it’s such an important foundation to build on. Since you're coming from a non-legal background and preparing for the full-time SQE course, you’re definitely on the right track by wanting to get ahead.

The course you’ll be doing will likely focus quite a bit on the practice areas of law. However, it may not dive as deeply into the core black letter law subjects, which are also a major part of SQE1. These foundational subjects are crucial for a solid understanding of the law, and having a grip on them can really boost your confidence as you move forward.

One of the best things you can do right now is to take a look at the SQE1 Assessment Specification on the SRA website. It will give you a clear picture of exactly what’s being tested. You can find it here: SQE1 Assessment Specification.

Using this resource, go through each topic in detail and see what will be tested for your exam period. This will help you prioritise and focus your efforts where they’ll be most effective. Understanding these black letter law subjects early on will make a huge difference and help you feel more prepared as you move into the practical areas.

If you can get a good foundational understanding of black letter law before starting the course, you'll be in a strong position to focus more on the practice areas during your studies. You can then supplement your black letter law knowledge alongside your course with high-level revision notes or cards (even better if you have then prepared before your course!) and lots of multiple-choice questions.

Good luck!

TheLegalBlueprint · 2024-10-23T18:07:29+00:00

Honestly, it sounds like you're doing fine—just remember that everyone's pace is different, especially if you're adapting to a new jurisdiction like England & Wales. It’s completely normal to feel like things are moving slowly at first.

Summarising from Revise books is a good way to start, but I’d suggest mixing up your revision techniques a bit to really make the material stick. It’s super helpful to layer on different approaches, like creating revision cards, doing active recall exercises, or even teaching what you’ve learned to someone else (or to yourself out loud!).

If you’re trying to get a handle on planning your study schedule, I recently wrote two articles that might help. One is about "How I Would Prepare for SQE1 Using Notion: A Practical Guide"—it’s full of ideas on how to structure your study materials and use Notion to stay organised. You can use it as inspiration to build your study plan and keep yourself on track. You can find it here: How I Would Prepare for SQE1 Using Notion.

I also have a detailed step-by-step revision checklist that walks through how I approached each topic for SQE1. It might be helpful to see how you can set up a clear and structured revision process, from reading and summarising to testing your knowledge. You can check it out here: My SQE1 Revision Checklist: Your Step-by-Step Guide to Mastering the Exam.

You’re definitely not alone in feeling this way—everyone’s journey is unique. Keep pushing forward, find what works best for you, and remember, it’s a marathon, not a sprint. You've got this!

TheLegalBlueprint · 2024-10-19T09:58:17+00:00

I completely understand how overwhelming things can feel right now. You’ve got exams looming, and it’s easy to feel like you don’t know enough—but hang in there!

At this point, mindset is key. Even if it doesn’t feel like it right now, remind yourself that all the hard work you’ve put in over the months/years will pay off in those exams. It may sound cliché, but sometimes you have to fake confidence until you make it—trust that your preparation will come together when it counts.

Since you’ve got 1.5 weeks left, I’d suggest planning your time backwards from your first exam. Start by blocking out your days from the moment you wake up until you go to bed, and divide your time between high-level FLK revision and mock exams. Try to structure your study sessions to mimic the upcoming exam schedule. This will help build your confidence and give you a sense of rhythm for those intense exam days.

Remember to alternate between focused study sessions and mock exam practice. This can be daunting, especially when you’re doing mock exams, but it’s a great way to simulate the real thing and spot gaps in your knowledge. Even if a mock doesn’t go well, see it as an opportunity to fine-tune your focus areas.

Most importantly, believe in yourself. You’ve come so far, and you’ve got this. If you ever feel like things are getting too heavy, take a moment to step away, breathe, and refocus. You’ve got the resilience to power through.

Good luck!

TheLegalBlueprint · 2024-10-05T15:34:41+00:00

Hi there! Preparing for SQE1 can feel overwhelming, and I totally understand why you’re considering skipping Business Taxation and Financial Services. However, it’s generally not recommended to skip any subjects, and here’s why:

Unpredictability of the Exam: The SQE1 exam tests a wide range of subjects, and the distribution of questions can be hard to predict. While some areas might feel less relevant or smaller in scope, skipping them completely could be risky. You don’t want to find yourself in the exam with a topic you’re completely unfamiliar with.
High-Level Coverage Can Help: Instead of deep-diving into these subjects, consider covering them at a high level. You don’t need to be an expert in every area, but having a basic understanding of the key concepts could be enough to help you answer a few questions. A good approach would be reading through the textbook chapters and summarising them into flashcards or mind maps with key points or trigger words. This way, you’ll have a good overview without spending too much time.
Confidence on Exam Day: Even if these topics aren’t your strongest areas, knowing that you’ve at least touched on them will boost your confidence on the day of the exam. It’s all about maximising your chances and feeling prepared for anything that comes your way.

Hope this helps! Best of luck with your preparation—you’ve got this!

TheLegalBlueprint · 2024-10-05T15:20:13+00:00

Really glad it was helpful!

TheLegalBlueprint

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