Hi everyone!
I'm planning to start SQE1 Prep in late August/September, for the January 2027 exam. I'd appreciate all the advice I can get on this.
I'll be able to study full-time, and will work in retail one day a week (with a lot of flexibility to take paid holidays off near the exam). I'll be taking out a loan for this, so preferably need something that is not so costly - though if it guarantees that I will pass first try, I don't mind splurging on a provider or multiple providers/supplements.
Based on everything I've read so far, I've whittled down the key things I am looking for:
- Study plan provided, with clear structure and daily goals to follow. Learning that allows for spaced repetition and real consolidation of the knowledge you learn.
- Textbooks that are concise, without drowning you in unnecessary detail (as I have heard breadth over depth is important in these exams, though correct me if I am wrong).
- Practise questions that explain in detail what you got wrong and why - an explanation for the correct answers.
- Possibly supplemental textbooks if I feel I after all do need a little more detail on topics, or if the provider I go with seems to neglect certain topics more than others.
- Emotional support in the form of a tutor or study group. I will be doing this online and this will help with not feeling isolated!
What would you personally recommend is the best way to go about this?
Also, by avoiding the more expensive providers (BPP, UOL), am I missing out on key 1 to 1 sessions with tutors that can help answer legal questions or explain concepts? Can I make up for this by asking AI to explain things I don't know?
Right now, I'm thinking of going with Barbri, for the personal study plan, concise materials, and tutor support. And thinking of buying the UoL textbooks for more textbook detail if needed, which I've read also include a bank of practise questions. (Again, correct me if I am wrong on this). This would amount to £3600 approx.
Alternatively, going with Barbri and QLTS (SQE Basic Pack) as a supplement, as I've read their practise questions are the best, and their textbooks are also very detailed. This would amount to £5000 approx.
I want to make sure I make the most of what I pay for, so I don't want to pay extra for material I realistically will not have the time to use in the 4 months I have to prepare for the exam.