Jenny,
I started as a spotty 18 yr old and am now Red 6, so there is definitely hope for anyone! As far as the latest trends go, the buzz words are "Leadership" and "Teamwork". The maths is dead easy, but learn your own history with dates and how old you were etc. And for Pete's sake, know the political allaince of the newspaper that comes through the door.
(Knowing the difference between a Bulldog and a Nimrod helps too!)
((Not once you're in tho!!!!!))