Webinar Recording Is Ready + September LIVE MCQ Mentoring Course is coming soon.

Hi friends

Yesterday, on June 17th, we hosted a free webinar discussing the most common mistakes we have seen our previous Brainy Bilby students make when studying for the AVE exam.

If you couldn't make it, don't panic. We will share the recording here on Substack. Phew!!!

Here is the written part of the most common mistakes if you want to give it a quick read:

Top 10 MCQ Exam Prep Mistakes

🔟 Breaks = Progress

Pushing yourself without rest isn’t discipline—it’s a shortcut to burnout. As adult learners, many of you juggle jobs, family, and other responsibilities. Without regular breaks and time to recharge, your brain won’t retain information efficiently. Balance is not a luxury—it’s a strategy. A sustainable study routine keeps you motivated, resilient, and on track long term.

9️⃣ No Review = No Retention

It doesn’t matter how long you study if you never revisit what you've learned. One of the biggest mistakes is pushing forward with new material without reviewing past notes, MCQ explanations, or course content. Repetition cements memory. Without it, knowledge fades quickly, and your progress plateaus.

8️⃣ Don’t Go It Alone

Studying in isolation might seem manageable at first, but it becomes mentally exhausting. A mentor, tutor, or peer group offers guidance, perspective, and encouragement. They help you stay accountable and provide clarity when you're stuck. Connection is a study tool too—don’t underestimate it.

7️⃣ Study in English, Think in English

The exam is in English—so your study habits should reflect that. Even if it feels slower or more challenging, train your brain to process information the way you'll be tested. Reading, summarising, and answering questions in English builds your fluency, confidence, and performance.

6️⃣ Start Questions Early

Don’t wait to feel “ready” before starting MCQ practice. Many students delay this until the final months, missing out on one of the most powerful learning tools. Practice questions help you identify weak areas, understand exam logic, and actively reinforce learning from day one.

5️⃣ Stop Avoiding the Boring Bits

It’s tempting to start with your favourite topics, but leaving the difficult or boring ones for last is risky. These areas often need the most time and repetition. Tackle them early when you have energy and flexibility in your schedule—you’ll thank yourself later.

4️⃣ Break the Species Bubble

Some candidates focus too much on one species at a time. But the MCQ exam mixes species, systems, and topics constantly. Training your brain to switch between contexts improves recall and mirrors the real exam environment. Think integration, not isolation.

3️⃣ Cramming Doesn’t Cut It

Studying for less than six months is rarely enough. Even if you’re experienced, this exam requires breadth, depth, and strategy. Six months is the bare minimum to prepare properly—any less, and you’ll likely feel rushed, overwhelmed, or underprepared.

2️⃣ Paperwork Before Prep

Jumping into study before sorting your eligibility paperwork is a fast way to waste energy. The application process can be slow and stressful. If you’re not officially eligible yet, wait until that’s sorted—then focus all your energy on exam prep without distractions.

1️⃣ English First, Always

This is non-negotiable. Preparing for the MCQ before passing your English exam is a recipe for frustration. You’ll be translating, second-guessing, and burning out. Clear the English exam first—then you can study with clarity, efficiency, and confidence.

🧠 And a quick reminder:
Our LIVE MCQ Mentoring Course kicks off at the end of September. This is a high-support program with fortnightly live sessions, expert guidance, and a structured roadmap to help you succeed. Spaces are limited, so if you’re thinking about joining, now’s a great time to reach out or register.

All the best on your journey

Brainy Bilby | Support for Overseas Vets