What to Do if Your A-Levels Are Better Than Expected

Well, this is a turn up for the books isn’t it? Congratulations! Presumably your better than expected grades have safely secured you a place on your dream university course, so really there’s not much more you need to do (apart from starting to plan what you’ll pack for uni maybe).

In the next few days you’ll receive a confirmation of your place via UCAS which will outline what you need to do next and let you know about applying for student finance.

However, if your grades have exceeded predictions you might want to consider your options…

Stick or twist?

Now you’ve achieved higher grades than predicted, you might find it’s possible to grab a place on a different university course to the one you’ve already been accepted to. Why would you want to do that? Well, it’s not really necessary if you’re already happy with the place you’ve secured, but it’s possible that your lower predicted grades meant you either had your initial application rejected by a university or you never bothered applying to your dream uni because you didn’t think you’d get in.

If that’s the case, use the UCAS Adjustment service to see what alternative universities and courses are available to you. If you see something that catches your eye, talk it over with teachers at your school or college, as they’ll be able to help explain the various options. It’s worth remembering that picking a university you’ve not previously visited or researched could be a risk as you might get there and find you don’t like it. Don’t be lured into swapping your place at a university you know for somewhere else, just because it has a better reputation or is higher in a university ranking. Take the time to check the new university will be a good fit for you.

It might be you look and decide you’re happiest staying with the university that’s already accepted you. Whatever your choice, we’re sure you’ll have an amazing time. Enjoy freshers’ week!

Lead image: Eric Danley (Flickr)