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Going back to studying as an adult can feel like a big challenge, especially when you start looking at university applications and all the terms that come with them. One of the first things you are likely to come across is the predicted grade. We have put together this step-by-step guide to UCAS predicted grades to explain what they are, how to get one if you are not at school, and how your revision fits in. If you have any questions as you go, you can use the helpline below to speak to a friendly support team.
Step 1: Know Why You Need a Predicted Grade
A predicted grade is a sensible estimate of the grade you are likely to get in a subject. It is based on how well you have done during your studies, not on a single test.
You need one because you will usually apply to university before you sit your final exams. Universities use your predicted grades to see whether you are likely to meet the entry requirements for their courses, and most university applications ask for them. If you want to read more about how they are used, the UCAS predicted grade guide explains things in more detail.
Step 2: Choose Your Subjects and Exam Boards Carefully
If you are studying on your own, it is worth thinking about predicted grades before you even pick your subjects. Not every subject or exam board comes with a way of getting a predicted grade, so choosing carefully at the start can save a lot of worry later.
Some online providers only offer predicted grades for certain subjects and exam boards. Looking through Pass Learn courses for A Level is one way to see what is covered, as each subject shows which exam boards include the option. Popular choices such as Maths, Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Psychology are included with specific exam boards, along with a number of other subjects.
Step 3: Sort Out Where Your Grade Will Come From
Students at school or college get their predicted grades from their teachers. As an adult studying independently, you probably will not have anyone in that role. This is one of the most common reasons an application gets stuck before it has really started.
The answer is to find a course that includes a predicted grade service. Pass Learn, for example, offers a predicted grade and academic reference with its A Level exam and course bundles. Your grade is then sent directly to UCAS in good time for your deadline, which means you have the same kind of support as a student in a classroom.
At MME Exams, we know that many adults sitting exams as private candidates have never had to think about predicted grades before, so we always suggest looking for a provider that tracks your progress properly and explains clearly how your grade is worked out. It is much easier to plan when you know exactly what is expected of you.
Step 4: Plan Your Revision Around Real Life
Revising as an adult usually means fitting study around work, family and other commitments. The key is to be realistic. Short, regular sessions that you can stick to are far more useful than long sessions you keep putting off.
Try picking the same times each week for revision, so it becomes part of your routine. Mix up how you revise by reading notes, answering practice questions and testing yourself on key topics. Spend a bit more time on the areas you find hardest, rather than going over the things you already know well.
Step 5: Show Your Progress as You Go
When you study with a predicted grade service, your grade is based on the work you do throughout the course. With the service mentioned above, this includes your assessment results, how much of the course you have finished, how much time you have spent on it, and a special predicted grade assessment.
This means your revision really counts. Completing assessments as you go and working steadily through the course material helps make sure your A Level predicted grades are a fair reflection of what you can do. It also means you are building your knowledge in good time for your final exams, which you will usually sit at a local exam centre.
Step 6: Check Your Timings Before You Apply
To receive your predicted grade, you will need to meet certain requirements within an allowed timeframe. These are explained when you enrol, so it is a good idea to write them down and check them against your application deadline.
It is also worth looking at the entry requirements for the courses you want to apply for, so you know which grades you are aiming for. You can search for courses and learn more about applying on the UCAS site.
Final Thoughts
The main things to remember when working towards your A Level predicted grades as an adult are to choose your subjects and exam boards with care, make sure you know where your grade will come from, and revise steadily so your progress speaks for itself. Studying later in life takes real commitment, and with a clear plan in place, there is no reason your predicted grades should hold you back. If you’re still unsure about anything to do with predicted grades or your university application, give our friendly team a call using the helpline below. They’re always happy to talk things through and point you in the right direction.
MME Exams Team
We help thousands of students each year with revision, courses and online exams.
