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A Level Results Day: Why A-Levels are a good choice for international students

A Level Results Day: Why A-Levels are a good choice for international students

After two years of preparation, Globeducate A Level students in Europe receive their exam results today, 17th August, and, for many, this brings with it the news of their next steps in their educational journey. We wish all of our students the very best of luck - after years and weeks of hard work and months of revision, the big day is finally here!  Read below to find out more about A Levels and how to navigate UCAS Clearing if results have been a surprise today.

What are A Levels? 

A Levels, or Advanced Levels, are typically taken by students in their final two years of secondary education (typically ages 16 to 18).

They are widely recognised as a qualification for entry into universities and higher education institutions. They are subject-based qualifications and students typically choose three or four A Level subjects to study, preparing them for their chosen career paths or fields of study at university level.

 

Why are A-Levels a good choice for international students?

1. Internationally respected qualification – particularly in English-speaking countries, and making it easier for international students to transfer to other countries.

2. Subject specialisation – students can specialise in subjects they are most interested in and excel at. This can be advantageous for students who have a clear career goal or interest they want to pursue.

3. Smooth university transition – A Levels provide a structured pathway from secondary education to higher education, with increased focus on independent study, research, and development of original thought.

4. Critical thinking and analytical skills - the depth of study and critical thinking skills developed during A levels can help international students transition more smoothly into university-level studies, becoming mature learners.

5. Language proficiency – A Levels are typically taught in English, which is valuable for future academic and professional endeavours that require English proficiency.

6. Admission to top universities – A Levels can increase the chances of international students being admitted to top-ranking universities as many prestigious institutions consider A Level grades a strong indicator of academic ability and potential.

7. Flexible subject choices – Schools can offer a wide range of subjects, from Physics and Advanced Mathematics to Travel and Tourism and Photography. There are no obligatory subjects at A Level.

8. Tutoring – typically, A Level students will work closely with a tutor, in small groups, and have the opportunity to be challenged and developed and to develop study skills.

What happens if students exceed or miss their predicted grades?

A system to support students has been successfully operating for more than 25 years. On A-Level results day, students can log into their UCAS accounts and check the options for UCAS Clearing.

This is a system whereby students can view every course remaining at UK colleges and universities and apply – or in most cases reapply – for a place.  As such, Clearing is for anyone who hasn´t already secured a university place, hasn´t received the required grades or, at the other end of the scale, has done better than expected.

The system is managed by the University and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) and helps more than 50,000 students to be successfully placed each year. 

How to make the most of Clearing?

All you´ll need is your UCAS Track number, Personal ID number and copies of your UCAS form and relevant course codes to hand. Bear the following advice in mind.

1. Be open-minded – embrace a different, but still related, degree subject to give wider scope and choice.
2. Prepare good questions - ask admissions officers about the courses of interest – for example, asking how the course is taught and assessed, structure, is there any work placement or year abroad as part of the course? 
3. Speaking to an admissions officer - treat the call like a mini job interview – confident and informed conversations can make all the difference to an application.
4. Finding a course that appeals - make the call with the aim of getting a provisional offer.
5. Accommodation and campus facilities – ask about options and consider if you had decided you might prefer a city-centre university or a campus out of town. Both have their own advantages.

Overall, remember that phone lines will be busy and you may  be offered a place but subject to an interview in person or online. Be prepared to hold!

Useful contacts!

UCAS helpline – 0371 468 0 468 (UK) / +44 330 3330 230 (Outside UK) /
+44 371 468 0 468 (Outside UK but higher call rate)
Twitter / X:  @ucas_online
Facebook: Facebook.com/ucasonline
Instagram: ucas_online

Globeducate British International Schools offer A Level courses. Click here for more information on our leading cluster of international schools in Europe offering this quailfication. Click here for more information. 

In Cyprus, Pascal Private English School offers A Level courses at its three campuses in Lefkosia (Nicosia), Larnaca and Lemesos (Limassol). Click here for more information on these schools.