After completing two years of non-stop study, I have some advice for those who currently are or are considering undertaking A Levels.
- It’s constant
2 years may seem like a short time but with what seems like never-ending note taking, revision and exams, it can feel like a lifetime.
Although the final A Level exams take place in the last term of sixth form, working hard in your first year of study is essential. After all, with the new linear A Levels, first year content will make up half of your overall A Level. So, making comprehensive notes for ‘AS’ is very, very helpful. This will take the pressure off slightly as you will understand the first year learning, which is likely to be built upon during your second year, making everything a little bit easier. Along with this, constant revision is needed, in order to keep year-old information fresh in your mind, ready for your exams.
- Having a goal in mind makes it easier
I have always known what I wanted to do at university and beyond, and this was the driving force for me during my two years of intense study. Knowing that I was working towards my dream job made me keep on pushing myself when A Levels become hard.
If you aren’t as lucky as I was and don’t know what you want to do after college then the summer before you start a two year study course is the perfect opportunity for you to explore possible options for you after you finish. You may not get a definite answer but you may have some idea of where you may be headed once your A Levels are done. Having some ideas in mind will be helpful as you start studying as your school or college will be able to help you explore what you could venture into.
Remember that you may change your mind during your studying as you may enjoy some subjects more than others, taking you into a different direction, but as long as you are focussing on what your future may hold – it makes the two years more bearable.
- Organisation is key
Knowing what you need to do and in what order is crucial, especially when mock and real exams are around the corner. Most A Level subjects have lots of content and making sure everything is in order makes you less stressed when it comes to compiling notes and posters.
Whether you use colour to code your notes, make gigantic information-filled posters or produce helpful flashcards, ensuring that you have a revision method that works for you makes it so much easier to revise in advance for any tests coming up. This organisation helps long term too, as you will have all your revision ready for the all important exams at the end of your two years.
- They aren’t for everyone and that’s okay
Yes, A Levels are hard and what may be seen as a unceasing slog but they aren’t supposed to be completely unbearable. They simply are not for everyone and realising this after taking your final exams and not getting the grades you wanted or needed may be too late as you may have wasted two years. My advice would be that after a year, if your grades do not reflect the hard work you are putting in then other options should then be considered in order to help you find a path more suited to your needs and ability.
Apprenticeships or alternative courses may be better for you and shouldn’t be disregarded. Many people change their minds and take a different path of study which more often than not is the best thing for them. Nevertheless, work hard even if you find A Levels tough, you are likely to get good grades with using lots of effort and having a strong work ethic.
- Pick subjects what you like and ones that you are good at
Subject choice is vital when undertaking A Levels. Having a passion for a subject will make you likely to do better in it as you will enjoy it due to you having an interest in the area. Taking a subject that you have done well in at GSCE level may give you some indication as to if you will succeed in it at A Level, this is just an indication however as some people may not do as well in their chosen area due to the academic ‘step up’ that A Levels are.
- Sacrifices will have to be made
Juggling a vibrant social life, a part-time job and ensuring you are studying hard is so hard during those two years of study. So, naturally sacrifices need to be made to make sure that you achieve the absolute most you can at A Level.
You have lots of time during university and beyond when you can go out and party so during your two years at A Level try to limit your attendance at social events
My last piece of advice: Bear in mind that although they may feel like the hardest thing that you’ve ever done but working hard throughout both of your years will make you a lot more likely to get the grades you want, rather than cramming in all of the content in a month or two. You can get through your exams, don’t worry.