Advice on studying, revising, passing P3 papers

There are lots of theories/models in this exam and they need to be known. Also, a lot of the F5 syllabus reappears (eg contribution analysis, regressions etc). Thise techniques are also important.

Question practice is vital because this exam sets scenarios and you have to respond to the information there. Answer style is important:

1 Do not describe models in your answers: apply them. Any time you spend describing, for example, Porter’s 5 Forces is a waste of time and will not attract marks. You are supposed to apply models to scenarios.

2 Where possible use models and recognised theories and techniques to give you answers more respectability and to raise their quality. This is not an exam in common sense.

3 Read the question requirements carefully and address those precisely.

4 Write enough. For 10 marks aim for about 1.25 sides in your answer book. Much less, and you won’t generate enough points attract the marks you need.

5 Use paragraphs. Do not use bullet points. It is not the bullet that matters but the fact that they are often followed by just one word or so. You can’t explain properly in a couple of words, so use paragraphs and have a couple of sentences in each to really convince the marker that you know what you are talking about.

6 Allocate your time – ruthlessly.

Try to find a course or service that will give you feedback on your answers (unfortunately we cannot offer such a service). This is a quick and effective way to see where your answers can be improved.