Studying with a buddy can certainly help ease the stress that comes with preparing for the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE). However, it’s important to recognise that while a study buddy can offer support, it doesn’t provide the same level of preparation as working with a professional SQE training provider. Training providers supply carefully curated study materials, mock exams, and expert guidance tailored to the specific demands of the SQE. In this article, we explore the pros and cons of having a study buddy for SQE1 and SQE2 preparations and how they can impact your overall exam performance.
No matter if you’re studying for SQE1 or SQE2, our expert resources are designed to support you throughout your preparation:
Study Buddy for SQE1 Preparation: Pros and Cons
What is SQE1?
SQE1 focuses on assessing your Functioning Legal Knowledge (FLK). It involves multiple-choice questions (MCQs) testing the application of law across different areas such as business law, criminal law, and property law. The exam can feel daunting due to the vast amount of legal knowledge required, and this is where a study buddy may come in handy.
Pros of Having a Study Buddy for SQE1
Collaborative Learning
A study buddy can help you understand difficult topics. By discussing complex legal principles like contract law or public law, you can deepen your understanding and clarify points you may have missed.
– Break down tough concepts through discussions
– Fill knowledge gaps by teaching each other
– Learn new exam techniques from your buddy
Shared Resources
Having a partner means you can pool resources, including study materials, SQE1 practice questions, and revision notes.
– Share self-made notes and revision strategies
– Access a wider range of SQE1 materials
However, it is essential to maintain professional conduct when sharing resources. Aspiring solicitors must ensure they do not breach intellectual property rights by providing study partners with access to paid materials. Unauthorised sharing of purchased resources can violate legal and ethical standards. Furthermore, upholding high ethical standards is critical to meeting the Solicitors Regulation Authority’s character and suitability requirements.
Accountability and Motivation
One of the biggest advantages of having a study buddy is the mutual accountability. When you set study goals together, you’re more likely to stick to them, which helps you stay consistent with your revision plan.
– Regular check-ins help maintain focus
– Set revision schedules together to cover each subject area in the SQE1 syllabus
Different Perspectives
Your study buddy might have a different background, which can provide you with unique insights into specific areas of law. For instance, they may be more experienced in criminal law while you specialise in business law, and you can both benefit from each other’s expertise.
– Diverse approaches to legal problems
– Different interpretations of SQE1 sample questions
Cons of Having a Study Buddy for SQE1
Differing Study Styles
Not all candidates learn the same way. Your buddy might prefer reading textbooks and detailed notes, while you might learn better through sample questions or watching lectures.
– Conflicting preferences for study materials
– Different study paces could disrupt progress
Dependence
There’s a risk of becoming overly reliant on your study buddy. If one person fails to keep up with the schedule, it can hinder the other’s SQE1 prep.
– Delayed progress if your buddy is behind
– Missing out on solo study time, which is crucial for self-assessment.
Time Management Issues
Coordinating study sessions can be tricky, especially if you have different personal schedules or live in different time zones. These logistical issues could waste valuable study time.
– Difficulty in finding suitable times for both
– Risk of spending more time scheduling than actually studying
Helping Others at Your Expense
You might end up wasting valuable time helping your study buddy catch up, diverting attention from your own preparation. Remember, like in any emergency, your priority should be helping yourself first.
- Excessive focus on assisting your buddy can hinder your own progress
- Time spent teaching or clarifying concepts for others may reduce your personal study time
Study Buddy for SQE2 Preparation: Pros and Cons
What is SQE2?
SQE2 is designed to test your practical legal skills through oral and written assessments such as client interviews, advocacy, legal drafting, and case analysis. Unlike SQE1, this stage focuses more on real-life scenarios, making practical preparation crucial.
Pros of Having a Study Buddy for SQE2
Role-Playing and Mock Exercises
Since SQE2 is skills-based, having a study buddy can be useful for practising advocacy through mock exercises. You can deliver submissions to your partner, mimicking a courtroom setting to improve your advocacy skills. However, when it comes to tasks like client interviews, the benefits of a study buddy are limited. Effective preparation for these requires more than casual role-playing; well-constructed scenarios and expert feedback are essential. For both advocacy and client interviews, a professional training provider is far better equipped to provide the quality materials and structured guidance.
– Improve practical legal skills with role-play
– Practice for advocacy by delivering mock submissions to your buddy
Feedback and Improvement
A study buddy can offer valuable feedback on your written legal work and performance in oral tasks. This helps you identify weaknesses and improve before the real SQE2 exam.
– Immediate feedback on advocacy, client interviewing, or written tasks
– Gain insights into your buddy’s performance and learn from their mistakes
Sharing Exam Strategies
Many candidates struggle with time management in SQE2, especially during the practical assessments. You and your study buddy can share strategies to effectively manage your time in each station.
– Discuss methods for quicker decision-making
– Share tips on organising written submissions under timed conditions
Reducing Anxiety
As SQE2 can feel more like a performance-based test, candidates often experience anxiety when dealing with live assessments. Practising in front of a familiar face like your study buddy can help alleviate that fear.
– Lower stress levels by practising in a safe space
– Build communication and presentation skills in a supportive environment
Cons of Having a Study Buddy for SQE2
Limited Feedback Quality
While peer feedback is helpful, it may not always be accurate or professional. Your buddy might lack the legal expertise to point out errors in your advocacy or client handling techniques.
– Feedback may be less detailed or reliable than that of a professional tutor
– Risk of reinforcing incorrect methods if not corrected
Focus Imbalance
SQE2 covers a broad range of practical skills, and not all study buddies will have equal proficiency in each area. If one person is stronger in advocacy and the other in legal drafting, you might not get the balanced practice you need.
– Limited support in your weaker areas
– The risk of neglecting less comfortable skills like witness examination
Lack of Structured Preparation
Unlike working with a professional tutor, studying with a buddy may lack the structure and comprehensive coverage necessary for SQE2 success. This can leave gaps in your preparation if not carefully managed.
– May miss out on crucial areas if you don’t follow a structured schedule
– Professional tutors often provide more precise mock exams and tailored feedback
Is a Study Buddy Right for Your SQE Prep?
While having a study buddy can offer significant advantages in both SQE1 and SQE2 preparation, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons carefully. Collaborative learning, accountability, and SQE mock practice are invaluable, but differences in study styles or inadequate feedback can hinder progress.
Ultimately, the decision depends on your personal study habits, the complexity of the material, and your overall exam strategy. If you thrive in collaborative environments and can balance solo and group study effectively, a study buddy could greatly enhance your SQE performance. However, ensure that you also leave room for independent preparation and, where possible, seek guidance from professional tutors for more specialised feedback.
