Aiming for straight As in your A Level exams?
While it might seem almost impossible at first, a run of three As is perfectly achievable.
There’s no doubt A Levels are hard and you’ll need plenty of determination. They’re meant to test you after all! But with the right approach to revision, exams and work throughout the year, there’s no reason why you can’t get top grades.
Here’s what you need to know about AAA at A Level.
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How hard is it to get AAA at A level?
It’s no secret that A Levels are a big step up from GCSE exams. Just over a quarter of A Level candidates usually achieve three A grades or better. So if you want to rank among these students, you’ll need to embrace plenty of independent work, revision and exam practice. It is hard, but AAA is perfectly doable.
A Levels are demanding, that’s for sure. Why? Because you’re studying three (or more) subjects in detail. You’ll need to memorise lots of information and genuinely understand your topics.
While last minute cramming may have seen you through GCSE exams, this won’t cut it at A Level. There’s simply too much to cover!
A Level exams also prioritise independent analysis and critical thought – something you can’t conjure up overnight.
Before we look at how to achieve AAA grades, here’s why A Levels are so different to GCSEs.
What’s the difference between A Level and GCSE exams?
We’re guessing you’ve heard this before. From teachers, parents, well-meaning relatives or friends… but yes, it is true, A Levels are a lot harder than GCSEs.
Don’t let this scare you though!
If you’re preparing for A Levels, no matter what subjects you’ve picked, you can expect two years of dedicated study. There’ll be coursework, graded assignments and of course a series of final exams.
A Levels are designed to prepare students for university, with all the rigour, reading lists and research that goes with it.
They are a big jump from GCSE, but it’s important you’re aware of what’s required, so you don’t end up with a shock at exam time.
So, what’s the difference?
The main difference at A Level is how in-depth you go into your subjects. At GCSE, you might study lots of different topics at surface level. In History (for instance), you might study the First World War, the Tudor Dynasty, Cold War and the History of Western Medicine – all in a couple of years. At A Level, you might spend your entire course focusing on just two topics. It’s a similar picture in other subjects too.
As part of this, you’ll have to demonstrate independent research and analysis as well as in-depth factual knowledge during coursework and exams. It’s a lot!
So, if you’re aiming for AAA at A Level – here’s what you need to know.
How can you achieve AAA at A Level?
We’ve already written a guide to achieving A*s at A Level, so if you’re aiming for the very best grades, have a read!
From experimenting with different memory techniques to mindfulness and creating a good support network, the advice remains the same for A* and A grades.
You could also explore our top tips for acing your exams at A Level. This post focuses on revision tactics as well as advice for organising your notes and classwork.
In short though, anyone striving for AAA needs to prioritise effective time management and starting preparations early. There’s no big secret to doing well in exams, whether GCSE, A Level or even university – other than a good chunk of hard work and commitment.
Of course, there are techniques that can help your revision, such as time blocking or making the most of past papers, but there’s nothing like consistent focus and organisation over a long period of time. Three As at A Level isn’t something that’s done the night before you walk into that exam, but in the months and years of preparation beforehand.
Working with an experienced academic coach is a great way to understand revision techniques and your own learning style, as well as manage exam nerves. Discover how our team can help you succeed at A Level.
How many UCAS points is AAA at A Level?
UCAS tariff points are a way for universities to compare lots of different qualifications.
For instance, some students might have IB grades (that’s the International Baccalaureate) while others might have Scottish Highers or just A Levels. By giving each grade in each system a score, it’s easy to compare qualifications and make the admissions process a whole lot fairer.
AAA at A Level is equivalent to 144 UCAS points.
This is because an A Level A grade is worth 48 points. And 48 x 3 is 144. Simple!
While some universities include UCAS points in their entry requirements, others ask for specific A Level combinations. So check with your individual university or college exactly what they’re looking for.
If your university asks for 144 UCAS points (equivalent to three As), this means you could potentially get in with other combinations.
An A* is worth 56, an A is 48, B is 40 and C is 32 UCAS points.
This means you could make up the 144 points with two A*s and a C. You could also get into the same course with an A*, A and a B (also worth exactly 144 points). Admission decisions are always at the discretion of individual universities though. So again, check with admissions tutors if you’re unsure.
To find out how much your grades (or predicted grades) are worth, UCAS has a handy tariff calculator for figuring out your score.
What universities accept AAA at A Level?
In good news, pretty much all UK universities accept AAA at A Level.
So if you’re predicted these grades, you can breathe a sigh of relief. Phew.
Even so, there are some courses and universities (we’ll talk more about Oxford and Cambridge below) that are more competitive. Medicine and Law, for instance, might need higher grades.
If you’ve got a specific university and subject in mind, take a look at their website. Most unis have “standard entry requirements” letting you know what grades you need. St Andrews University (for example) asks for ABB to A*A*A for their courses. This means you’d definitely be in with a shot if you have AAA at A Level.
Of course, universities look at so much more than just A Level grades for admission. So while it’s wise to aim for the best grades you can, don’t forget those extra-curricular activities, music, sports, short courses and EPQs. It all makes a difference on your personal statement!
Can I go to Oxford or Cambridge with AAA?
Yes. Potentially….
Both Oxford and Cambridge accept AAA at A Level. So it is possible to go to Oxford or Cambridge with these grades.
Having said this, the higher your grades, the higher your chance of acceptance.
At Oxford, conditional offers usually range from A*A*A to AAA. The exact requirements depend on the subject you’re applying for.
Cambridge normally ask for at least A*AA, so you’re less likely to get an AAA offer here. Even so, it’s not entirely unheard of. So don’t give up hope!
Cambridge makes it clear students “need to have top grades to study at the university” and advises checking entry requirements for each individual course and college. As well as certain grades, you might need qualifications in specific subjects.
Oxford provides a useful list of undergraduate courses accepting AAA grades. This includes Classics, History, Archaeology, Music and Modern Languages, among others. You can find the full list (as well as courses asking for A*AA and A*A*A grades) here.
Final thoughts
So, is getting AAA at A Level hard? Yes. But this doesn’t mean it isn’t achievable with a good dose of hard work and dedication.
A Levels are challenging, but then again – they’re designed to be! So treat these exams (and the whole two years of your studies) as an opportunity to practise independent research, memorisation skills and working effectively under pressure. It will stand you in good stead not just for A Levels, but university, the world of work, and beyond.
If you need help with your A Level preparations, get in touch with our expert academic coaches. From revision tips to long-term planning and exam techniques, we’ll help you reach your full potential and get the grades you need.
