Before we move on to the individual SQE2 skills assessments, we should conclude SQE1 preparation.
Our last post discussed effectively managing your time and the best use of flagging questions. It would be remiss of us not to discuss the practical steps in preparation before the exam. I am not referring to revision preparation (don’t worry—we have that covered in a future post).
The practical preparatory steps you should consider before taking your SQE1 assessments are reset and refocus steps, as well as food, liquid, and dummy runs. Let’s look at each one in turn.
Rest and reset: the final few days before your assessment should be about rest and recuperation. This is not time to be cramming study, if you feel it is necessary then light touch review of notes or practice of MCQS. You should not be using the final week or few days before the exam to study new material. To be quite honest, what you don’t know at this point is not something you can cram. I know resting is uncomfortable and even impossible for some but just taking time away from study will help you refocus. Use the time to meet friends and family and go for a walk, have lunch and coffee or all three. Remember, your well-being is just as important as your preparation.
Food and liquid: this might sound silly but be careful what you eat a few days before the exam; the last thing you need is a stomach upset. The night before the exam, prepare a light bite to take with you to your assessment – something you can pick up easily that is not too heavy. In terms of liquid, don’t have too much caffeine; your adrenaline is going to be running high, and mixed with caffeine, it could cause dizziness, so go easy. And maybe avoid alcohol!
Dummy runs: Do a practice run from your home to your assessment destination. This will give you a better idea of the time it will take to get there, familiarise you with the route, and alert you to any issues that could potentially arise on the day, thus alleviating any unnecessary stress.
Finally, the night before the assessment, set out your food, drink, and identification so that you can pick it up and go without adding further stress to finding what you need.