subject: 3 Top Tips For A Level Retakes [print this page] Retaking some A Levels may not be exactly what you had in mind when you finished at your college or sixth form, but taking an extra few months to give your grades a boost can do much more than just ensure that you have the qualifications you need to get into your first choice of university or work placement. It shows dedication and focus, as well as a determination to achieve your goals.
Three Top Tips
What to do next when you haven't quite got the grades you'd hoped for can be a really tough decision, not least because there is pressure from so many angles. Not only are you having to deal with your own disappointment, but you are also surrounded by friends and family who all try in their own way to help you take the next step. Then of course there are your peers who did achieve top grades and are off to their first choice of university in September. It can be a confusing and difficult time, but follow the advice below and hopefully you'll find the decision a little bit easier.
1. Talk - talk to someone impartial about the results that you've got and the results you'd like to get. Looking back at how you prepared for your exams, the places where your knowledge was weaker, any problems you had with the exams themselves and any external pressure you might be under will help you to understand why your grades were lower than expected, and what you could do to improve things. You could talk to someone at your school, or look at other educational facilities that can help.
2. Ask - if you can, find people you know who have done A-level resits and ask them about the benefits. You'll find that a lot of people who have taken the extra time to retake their exams are really pleased that they did so. They may have taken a shorter, intensive course that left them time to go travelling or find a job and earn some money, or they might have gone back for a whole year, making new friends, learning more life skills and being far more ready to move away from home when the time comes. Even if you just read about others' experiences on the internet, you'll soon find that hundreds and thousands of students every year are in the same boat as you.
3. Learn: Consider carefully what options are right for you after doing some in-depth research into the A level retake process. There are a number of factors involved: how many subjects you wish to retake, how long you want the process to take and whether you want to continue studying at school or move to a dedicated A Level college. Gather as much information as you can, as this will help you make a much more informed decision as to what's right for you.
