Hi Beezzie
Your right. the only way is hard graft. What worked for me ( a long time ago) was to get up to ppl standard with the available books (THOM) as you will have forgotten a lot if youve done a ppl and its a good starting point if your abinitio.
A good technical book like Airlifes "Aerodynamics,Engines and Systems for Professional Pilots" is worth buying as it shows you the basics which many courses are weak on.
Study a subject from the course notes and make crib cards, constantly update them as you go along and you`ll have a fantastic revision system for the stressful run up to the exams which will help you to address any weaknesses over the last few days.
Dont listen too much to the woes on this forum. If youve got a half decent brain and the will to put the hours in youll pass easy enough.
Good Luck