A Frustrated Call for Change: Reflections on the April 2024 SQE2 Experience

Recently, I received the feedback form for the SQE2 exam administered by Kaplan, and I find myself with an overwhelming urge to voice my thoughts. However, my confidence in Kaplan’s responsiveness is low, primarily due to their lack of transparency and accountability regarding this entire exam process. It’s troubling to consider that my feedback could inadvertently impact my chances of success, especially when it appears that the feedback mechanisms are being tracked.

As someone funding this precarious journey on my own—contributing a hefty £2,500 through a 12-month installment plan—there’s a palpable anxiety about facing this cost again in the future. The administration of SQE2 feels chaotic and poorly managed, but what weighs most heavily on my mind is the decision to deny candidates access to water during oral assessments.

It’s hard to believe that in stressful situations like the 15-minute advocacy submissions or the 25-minute interviews, Kaplan prohibits us from having drinking water. Many candidates, already grappling with nerves that lead to dry mouths, could benefit greatly from hydration, especially those on medications that can exacerbate this issue, like Ritalin or Adderall. It’s simply inhumane to restrict water access during these critical assessments, allowing it only before and after the exam slots.

Given that the exams take place in hotel venues, it wouldn’t be an insurmountable challenge for Kaplan to provide a bottle of water and a glass at each assessment station, particularly if there are concerns about students bringing their own bottles. To further paint a picture of neglect, the only “refreshment” made available to us were biscuits. With our mouths already parched from anxiety, asking us to munch on dry biscuits feels almost cruel. This raises a significant question: where is all our exam fee actually going?

I can’t help but think that if Kaplan and the SRA continue to frustrate and alienate future solicitors, the repercussions could be far-reaching—especially since aspects like judicial review are part of the assessment framework.

Furthermore, if you happen to drink water right before your assessment or during breaks, brace yourself for the lengthy wait in line for the solitary restroom provided for each gender. Managing such basic necessities should not be an additional source of stress during this already intense experience.

In conclusion, it’s imperative that positive changes are made in the administration of the SQE2 to support candidates more effectively. We