Should I resit my A-level exams?

Deciding whether to resit A-level exams to achieve better marks depends on several factors, including your current grades, university aspirations, and personal circumstances. 

If you fell short of your predicted grades or the grades you needed to get into university then resits are a genuine option to get you back on track. It will mean another year of study and can prove to be quite boring if you are going over the same syllabus, but it can be worth it to ensure a good strong foundation and to improve your chances of getting a university place at a university and on a course you really want. 

Here are some points to consider:

University Requirements

Many universities have specific grade requirements for entry into their courses. If your current grades do not meet these requirements, retaking exams can improve your chances of being accepted into your desired university and course. It will ensure you have more choice of where and what to study and means you won’t need to settle for studying on a course that was not one of your top choices. 

Always speak to the university first though as not getting the right grades doesn’t always mean you won’t be accepted. 

Check out our article Negotiation is King! for more advice on this. 

Career Goals

Certain careers and professional fields have stringent entry requirements. Achieving higher A-level grades can be crucial for getting a place on competitive courses, such as medicine, law, or engineering. Taking another year out isn’t such a bad thing in this case as it will ensure a good foundational knowledge of the subject. 

There may be other routes, though, so before you commit to resits, it is always best to research the industry you are looking to enter to see if there are other options, such as apprenticeships, on-the-job training, vocational courses, etc. 

Check out gov.uk for more information on alternatives to university.

Personal Satisfaction

If you believe you can significantly improve your grades and feel unsatisfied with your current performance, retaking exams can provide a sense of accomplishment and confidence. This will not be a top priority for all students but for some, the idea of not performing to their full potential can be detrimental. 

Gap Year

Retaking exams fit well with a gap year plan, giving you time to study and improve your grades while also gaining work or travel experiences that can enhance your university application and financial position. There are some great humanitarian and charitable causes that accept Gap-year students and provide invaluable life and work experience in both UK and abroad. Why not take the time to explore some of these.

Support and Resources

Consider whether you have access to the necessary support and resources to help you improve. This could include additional tutoring, study materials, and a conducive environment for studying. It is always best to think on why you fell short of your predicted grades or your university requirements.

If there were factors which can be addressed, e.g. not getting on with the teacher, family issues at home which affected your study, time off of school due to illness, etc., then think about whether these will be different or you can change these factors by studying for another year, or by changing your study environment. Perhaps doing retakes at college or online rather than at school will help you to improve your grades. 

Time and Financial Costs

Retaking exams requires a considerable investment of time and possibly money for tuition fees, study materials, and exam fees. Weigh these costs against the potential benefits of improved grades. It can be easy to think that resits are the way forward, but in reality, there is a lot to consider. You will need to pay for these course modules and exams; how will you do so? If you take on a job to pay for them, will you then find you have no time to study? 

Alternative Pathways

Explore other options such as foundation courses, BTECs, or access courses, which might provide an alternative route to your desired university or career. HE Access courses or university Foundation year courses can be an alternative to resits. They still mean adding a year more of study to your educational plan but mean that you can study in the area you are looking to take at university, e.g. Humanities, rather than resisting the same subjects that you took at A-level and can provide a stronger foundation for you in your first year. 

Emotional and Mental Health

Consider the impact of retaking exams on your mental health. The pressure and stress of preparing for exams again can be significant, so it’s important to ensure you have the resilience and support to cope. If stress was a factor in you not performing to the best of your ability, then before you sign up for another year of study and yet more exams, talk to a teacher, parent or professional about the support you need and whether or not putting that extra stress on yourself is going to be worth it in the long term. There are plenty of options available to you. 

If you need additional help with mental health issues, the charity Mind has some great articles that can help. 

In summary, retaking A-level exams can be worth it if it significantly enhances your university and career prospects but there are many other options out there. Do your research to make sure it is the right option for you.