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• Launchpad: Level 3 Prep Course Begins May 11 — www.wineeducate.com/launchpad

• Contact Joanne: joanne@wineeducate.com

In this episode, Joanne shares insights straight from the mouths of her current WSET Level 3 students during their second-to-last class — the sparkling wine session. As champagne was flowing and conversation opened up, she asked her students:
“What do you wish you could tell yourself six months ago?”

What followed was an honest and revealing conversation about what students underestimated, what they overlooked, and what they would absolutely do differently if they were starting Level 3 again.

Whether you’re just beginning your Level 3 journey or are deep in the study trenches, this episode is full of practical advice and reflection from students who are almost at the finish line.

The 5 Things Level 3 Students Wish They Knew Sooner

1. The 200-Hour Study Commitment Is Real

   • Students acknowledged they underestimated how much time was truly required and wished they had started preparing earlier.

2. The Study Group Never Happened — and They Regret It

   • Despite Joanne’s encouragement, many didn’t follow through with forming a study group, and felt the lack of peer accountability.

3. They Weren’t Refreshed on Level 2 Knowledge

   • The importance of entering Level 3 with a firm grasp of Level 2 material can’t be overstated. It’s foundational and necessary.

4. Class Participation Requires Preparation

   • Level 3 isn’t a lecture—it’s interactive. Students need to come prepared and speak up, because participation cements understanding.

5. They Didn't Understand the Importance of Linking Concepts Early

   • Many didn’t realize until halfway through that everything ties back to climate, geography, and production methods. Grasping this early makes the course far more manageable.

Joanne reminds us that the WSET Level 3 pass rate hovers around 57%—and that’s simply not good enough. The tools, structure, and mindset to succeed are available, and this podcast (along with the Launchpad course) is designed to help students walk in the door better prepared.

• A review of a brand-new tasting kit Joanne and Nancy tried

• An honest look at aroma kits: are they worth the money?

• More practical tools and strategies for wine students

Have a topic you want Joanne to cover? Send her an email at joanne@wineeducate.com — she’d love to hear from you.

• Join Launchpad: Level 3 Prep Course www.wineeducate.com/launchpad

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• Website: wineeducate.com

• Instagram: @wineeducate

• Email: joanne@wineeducate.com

You’ve done the studying, now it’s time to focus on how to walk into your WSET Level 3 exam rested, clear-headed, and confident. In this episode, Joanne shares exactly what to do—and just as importantly, what not to do—in the 24 hours before your exam.

Drawing from her experience guiding hundreds of students through WSET Level 3, she breaks down the habits and decisions that can make or break your performance, from sleep and snacks to managing your nerves and packing your supplies.

Whether you’re preparing for an in-person exam or sitting the remote version, this episode will help you take control of your final hours and give yourself the best possible shot at success.

Sleep > Cramming

• Why sleep is non-negotiable the night before your exam

• The research-backed benefits of getting 7+ hours of sleep

• Diminishing returns of late-night studying

Environment Matters

• Why staying with friends (no matter how lovely) isn’t ideal

• The value of booking a hotel room to control your space and routine

• Planning your route to the exam location to avoid last-minute stress

Nutrition & Hydration

• Avoid sweets, mouthwash, and orange juice that dull your palate

• Go for neutral, savory options for breakfast

• Hydration tips (and a reminder to listen to Episode 10!)

What to Pack

• Pens, pencils, ID, water bottle, snacks (yes, almonds count)

• Don’t forget to review your flashcards for a low-stress refresher

• Prioritize a light review of sparkling and fortified wines

Palate Calibration

• Should you taste wine before the tasting exam? Maybe.

• Tips for using wine to get your palate tuned without overwhelming your nerves

Managing Nerves

• Test anxiety is normal—build a routine to keep yourself grounded

• Use tasting acronyms (like SABIB) to stay structured and reduce errors

• Listen to Episode 30 if you’re unsure what to expect on exam day

You’ve already done the hard part—now your focus should be on taking care of yourself. Good sleep, hydration, a calm mindset, and knowing your environment are far more valuable than any last-minute cramming.

As Joanne says:

“Level 3 doesn’t have anything to do with luck. It has everything to do with being prepared.”

Need help getting prepared?
Check out wineeducate.com/launchpad to join the next session of our Level 3 Prep Course.

• Sign up for the Wine Educate Newsletter: www.wineeducate.com/newsletter-signup

• Launchpad: Level 3 Prep Course: www.wineeducate.com/launchpad

• Website: www.wineeducate.com

• Email: joanne@wineeducate.com

• Instagram & Facebook: @wineeducate

With a global pass rate of only 57%, you’re certainly not alone if you didn't pass the theory portion. Joanne discusses why students often struggle with the written exam — and why tasting exams typically have a much higher success rate. More importantly, she shares a compassionate but clear message: don’t give up.

This episode outlines common pitfalls (straight from the examiner’s reports) and gives you a step-by-step plan to regroup, study smarter, and retake the exam with confidence.

• Understanding the WSET Level 3 pass/fail statistics

• Why the theory portion is so challenging (and how it’s different from Level 1 and 2)

• Common reasons students don’t pass, including misreading questions and lack of answer structure

• Requesting feedback from WSET and key deadlines to know

• Setting a realistic timeline for your retake

• The importance of study groups and staying accountable

• How retakes work for theory and tasting portions

• Grading rules for retakes (and how it impacts distinctions and merits)

• How the Launchpad: Level 3 Prep Course can support your success

Failing the theory exam doesn't mean you're not capable — it just means you might need a different strategy. Joanne encourages you to stay committed, recalibrate your study approach, and know that success is absolutely within reach.
And remember: if it were easy, it wouldn’t be worth it.

If you’re looking for extra support, check out our Launchpad: Level 3 Prep Course to help guide your next steps.

Have any questions or need personalized advice? Reach out at joanne@wineeducate.com — we're here to help!

• Sign up for the Wine Educate Newsletter: www.wineeducate.com/newsletter-signup

• Launchpad: Level 3 Prep Course: www.wineeducate.com/launchpad

• Website: www.wineeducate.com

• Email: joanne@wineeducate.com

• Instagram & Facebook: @wineeducate