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Why Reviewing Your Notes Is the Key to Passing SQE1: How to Use the Last 3 Months Before the Exam

  • Alex Ferra
  • Mar 16
  • 3 min read

Updated: Apr 12


Preparing for the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE1) can feel overwhelming because of the sheer volume of material you need to remember. The exam tests Functioning Legal Knowledge (FLK) across many areas of law and requires candidates to apply that knowledge to complex multiple-choice scenarios.

From my experience studying independently, the last three months before the exam are the most important period of your preparation. This is when you move away from learning new content and focus on reviewing your notes, practising questions, and building exam technique.


FLK2 Practice Questions available: https://amzn.eu/d/0fwHiHTE


Review notes available here: https://amzn.eu/d/0hefvrir and https://amzn.eu/d/0aqz3cUP


SQE1 MCQ Strategy: https://amzn.eu/d/04jafgSK


Why Reviewing Notes Matters More Than Learning New Content

By the time you reach the final months before the exam, you should ideally have covered the majority of the SQE syllabus. At this stage, your goal is not to read new textbooks but to consolidate and reinforce what you already know.

Reviewing your notes regularly helps you:

  • Strengthen your memory of key legal principles

  • Identify gaps in your understanding

  • Recognise patterns in exam questions

  • Build confidence across all subjects

The SQE1 exam does not simply test your ability to memorise law. It tests your ability to apply legal rules to realistic scenarios, which is why practice questions and revision are essential.

This means reviewing your notes alongside practice questions is one of the most effective strategies for success.


The Last Three Months: Focus on Practice and Review

In the final three months before the exam, your study strategy should shift towards practice questions and revision of your notes.

A good structure during this stage could include:

  • Reviewing your notes daily

  • Completing a large number of practice questions

  • Taking regular mock exams under timed conditions

Practice questions are particularly valuable because they help you become familiar with the style and structure of SQE questions, while also highlighting the areas where you still need improvement.

The more questions you attempt, the better you become at identifying the key legal issue quickly.


The Importance of Reviewing Every Question

One mistake many students make is focusing only on their score after completing practice questions or mock exams. However, the most important part of practising questions is reviewing them properly.

After completing a mock exam or practice set, you should carefully review every question and ask yourself:

  • Why was the correct answer correct?

  • Why were the other answers wrong?

  • Did I misunderstand the legal rule or misread the question?

This process helps you transform mistakes into learning opportunities.

I recommend adding important points from these questions into your revision notes. Over time, your notes will become a powerful summary of the most important exam concepts.


Using Mock Exams to Build Exam Stamina

Mock exams are also essential during the final months of preparation.

SQE1 is a long and mentally demanding exam, so practising under exam conditions helps you:

  • Improve time management

  • Build mental stamina

  • Become comfortable with the exam format

Mock exams also help you track your progress and identify weak subjects that require additional revision.


Final Thoughts

The last three months before SQE1 should focus on refining your knowledge rather than learning new material.

If you want to maximise your chances of passing, prioritise:

  • Reviewing your notes regularly

  • Practising a large number of MCQs

  • Carefully reviewing every question you complete

  • Taking mock exams to simulate real exam conditions


Regular revision and practice are the key factors that convert knowledge into exam success.

Passing SQE1 is not just about how much you study—it is about how effectively you review and apply what you have learned.

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