We’ve all been there – endlessly retracing our steps to pinpoint what went so terribly wrong in an exam we failed.
Studying for an exam can be a stressful and challenging experience, but it is essential to ensure success. There are several pitfalls that students often fall prey to when preparing for their attorneys’ admission exams (board exams), which can have a significant impact on their results. To help you pass your exams, the Gawie le Roux Institute of Law has made a list of the main pitfalls you need to avoid.
Here are some common pitfalls to avoid when studying for your board exams:
- Procrastination - Don't wait until the last minute to start studying. Give yourself enough time to review all the material, understand the concepts, and practice answering questions.
- Overloading - Don't try to study too much information in one sitting. Study in smaller, manageable chunks, and take breaks in between to prevent burnout. Underestimating the volume of the syllabus and the amount of time needed to study results in a lot of candidates trying to spot or cram the workload resulting in poor preparation and ultimately failure. The Pomodoro Technique is a tried and tested time management tool used by many students to manage the time spent concentrating on studying and taking much-needed breaks.
- Cramming - Don't rely solely on memorisation. This approach might work in the short term, but you are unlikely to retain the information for long. Remember, the syllabus you are tasked with studying is vital to your career going forward.
- Not reviewing past exams - Reviewing past exams can provide valuable insights into what types of questions will be asked in the exam and what topics will be emphasised. Remember, past papers are freely available.
- Not practicing enough - Practice is essential. Try to solve practice questions, answer sample exams, and work on real-life problems related to the exam material. One of the reasons the law is so beautiful is because it requires application, leading to different results for different circumstances. This is also true for the board exams. To ensure you pass the exam you must be able to apply the law and not simply copy and paste the law.
- Not seeking help - Don't hesitate to seek help if you're struggling with a concept. Whether from your lecturer at GLR, classmates, colleagues, or tutor, asking for help can make a significant difference to your performance.
Key takeaway
Lastly, ensure you do what works for you. All too often candidates try to change the way they would normally study to work together or get through the workload. This results in them failing to properly grasp the syllabus and to prepare effectively. In conclusion, by avoiding these pitfalls and focusing on effective study strategies, you can increase your chances of success.
Good luck!
Other resources to assist you with exam prep:
-
Blogs
How to prepare for your competency-based oral exam
-
Telegram groups to connect with your peers
- Attorneys’ admission exam courses
The Gawie le Roux Institute of Law offers exam prep courses for each paper. Learn more here.
Last updated on 23 April 2025.