SQE2 is Almost Here: Your Essential Guide to the Exam Week

The SQE2 exam period is approaching quickly, and I know how overwhelming it can feel. You've spent months studying, attending workshops, and perfecting those practical legal skills. Now, the final hurdle is right in front of you. So, how can you make sure you feel prepared, stay positive, and perform at your best when it matters most? This guide will cover the key things to remember before and during your exam days, as well as how to keep yourself mentally and physically balanced through it all.

Take a deep breath—you've got this. Let's make sure everything is in place for the big day.

1. Prepare for SQE2 Exam Days: The Practical Checklist

Let’s start with the basics—being practically prepared for your exam days. Getting the logistics right can significantly help reduce anxiety. Here’s a checklist of everything you need to consider leading up to and on the day of your SQE2 exams.

1.1 Clothes: Comfort and Professionalism

The SQE2 exams include practical assessments, and being dressed comfortably yet professionally will help you stay in the right mindset. Wear clothes that make you feel confident, yet allow you to be comfortable for long periods of sitting and writing or engaging in role-play scenarios. For practical simulations like client interviews, dressing semi-formally can help you feel the part, boosting your confidence.

Choose layers—examination centres can be unpredictable in terms of temperature.
Avoid anything restrictive, as you want to be able to focus solely on the tasks at hand.

1.2 ID and Essentials

The importance of bringing identification cannot be overstated. Double-check the requirements from your exam booking confirmation and ensure your ID is valid and up-to-date.

ID: Typically a passport or driver's license is required. Keep it in a designated spot the night before.
Stationery: Even if exams are conducted digitally, bring a few pens and a notepad. It’s always helpful to have something to jot down notes or reminders.
Water and Snacks: Staying hydrated and fuelled is crucial. Pack a reusable water bottle and some easy-to-eat snacks like bananas, granola bars, or nuts. Avoid anything too sugary—you don’t want a sugar crash midway through!

1.3 Plan Your Travel

One of the biggest sources of exam stress is getting to the exam location on time. Here are some things to help reduce that stress:

Scout the Route: If possible, do a practice run to the exam venue a few days before, especially if you’re not familiar with the area.
Travel Plan B: Have a backup plan in case there are disruptions—know alternative routes or consider a backup mode of transport (e.g., a taxi if the train is delayed).
Morning of the Exam: Check live travel updates before you leave the house to make sure everything is running smoothly.

2. Take Care of Your Mental and Physical Health

Taking care of your mental and physical well-being is just as important as the revision you’ve done. Your performance on exam day will be influenced by how you’ve treated your mind and body in the lead-up.

2.1 Sleep and Rest

I know—easier said than done. But sleep is your best friend during exam week. Prioritise getting 7-8 hours of sleep each night in the days leading up to your exams.

Create a Routine: Try going to bed and waking up at the same time each day. A predictable schedule helps signal your body that it’s time to rest.
Wind Down: Avoid screens for an hour before bedtime. Instead, try listening to calming music, meditating, or reading something non-legal to help quiet your mind.

2.2 Nutrition and Exercise

The right foods can fuel your brain, and a bit of movement can help reduce anxiety.

Eat Balanced Meals: Aim for a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, proteins, and whole grains. Omega-3s, found in foods like salmon and walnuts, are great for brain health.
Exercise: Even a 20-minute walk each day can help relieve stress and boost your mood. Consider gentle yoga or stretching if you’re feeling particularly tense.

2.3 Mindset and Self-Care

Staying positive is key to approaching your exams with the right mindset. If you start feeling overwhelmed, take a moment to remind yourself of everything you’ve already achieved just by getting to this point.

Positive Affirmations: Practice telling yourself affirmations like, “I am prepared,” “I am capable,” or “I can handle whatever comes my way.”
Visualisation: Imagine yourself walking confidently into the exam, answering questions with clarity, and feeling satisfied afterward. This kind of visualisation can help reinforce positive outcomes.
Self-Compassion: Remember, everyone feels some level of stress before exams. Be kind to yourself if things don’t go perfectly—no one is expecting perfection, just your best effort.

3. Exam Day Strategies: Stay Focused and Motivated

3.1 During the Exam: Stay Calm and Focused

Once you’re in the exam room, it’s all about staying calm and focused.

Deep Breaths: Take slow, deep breaths if you start to feel anxious. This helps calm your nervous system and brings your focus back.
Read Carefully: Take the time to read each question carefully before answering. Don’t rush—understanding exactly what is being asked can prevent mistakes.
Stick to Your Strategy: If you’ve practiced timing or developed strategies during your mock exams, stick to them. Trust the process you’ve worked hard to develop.

3.2 Between Exams: Refocus and Recharge

SQE2 spans multiple days, which means you have time between exams to recalibrate. Here’s how to make the most of that time:

Reflect Briefly, Then Move On: After each exam, take a few minutes to reflect on how it went, but don’t dwell on it. Once you leave the exam centre, it’s time to focus on what’s next rather than what’s behind you.
Active Relaxation: Do something that relaxes you but keeps you active—take a walk, meet a friend for a coffee, or do some light stretching. You’ll feel recharged without getting too distracted from the task at hand.
High-Level Review: Use any time between exams to do high-level revision. Go over key concepts, mind maps, or flashcards—nothing too intense, just enough to keep the material fresh.

4. After the Exams: Self-Care and Moving Forward

Once your final exam is done, it’s time to take care of yourself. You’ve worked hard, and now you deserve a break.

4.1 Celebrate Your Achievements

Regardless of how you think the exams went, celebrate your effort. The journey to SQE2 is a challenging one, and you’ve made it to the end. That’s worth recognising!

Treat Yourself: Do something you love—whether it’s spending time with loved ones, eating your favourite meal, or simply relaxing at home with a good book or movie.
Reflect: Take some time to reflect on what you learned about yourself during this journey. What worked well? What would you do differently next time? Self-reflection helps you grow, whether for future exams or your career as a solicitor.

4.2 Plan for What’s Next

After you’ve rested, start thinking about your next steps. Maybe it’s applying for training contracts or paralegal roles. Whatever it is, know that the skills you’ve honed during SQE2 preparation—discipline, resilience, time management—are valuable for whatever comes next.

5. Keep Pushing, Even When It’s Hard

Remember, great growth happens during those moments when things feel tough. When you’re tired, when you’re questioning yourself, or when it feels uncomfortable—that’s when you’re building the resilience that will carry you not just through these exams, but through your entire career.

You’re not alone in this journey. Every aspiring solicitor has faced the doubts and fears that you’re feeling. The key is to keep pushing, keep believing in yourself, and take each exam one at a time. Stay positive, stay focused, and stay disciplined. The end is near, and soon this chapter will be behind you—a story of perseverance and success.

You've Got This!

The SQE2 exam period can be daunting, but with careful preparation—both practically and mentally—you can approach each exam day feeling ready and confident. Focus on the things you can control: your preparation, your mindset, and how you take care of yourself.