With this major academic milestone coming soon, lots of students find themselves struggling to keep up with the workload. So, how do you prepare for A-levels accordingly?

Why A-Levels Are One Of Your Most Important Academic Milestones

After GCSEs, A-levels are the next big milestone in your academic life. This exam is not only a chance to explore a subject in more depth, but also an opportunity to show prospective unis that you can master complex topics. Here is why making sure you’re prepared for your A-levels is important:
 

A-level Grades Can Influence Which University You Get Into

A-Levels are the traditional way to gain entry into universities, with some institutions even taking AS Levels and GCSEs into account. It’s always best to closely check course requirements, especially for medicine, dentistry and veterinary medicine. 
Certain universities such as the universities of Oxford and Cambridge, along with some other Russell Group universities, will require the highest grades to gain a place and may even have an interview process.
However, if you do not have a specific plan or career in mind that is not a problem when choosing A-Levels. If you are not sure about your university plans then you can keep your options open. You can choose subjects which you are interested in and suit your skill set.
 

A-level Exams Mark The End Of A Life Stage

On top of the obvious academic and professional benefits, these exams also represent the end of your formal schooling and education. This is a huge milestone and a significant life stage, as completing your A-levels means that it is now time to prepare for attending university and possibly living away from home for the first time.
 

Biggest Challenges Students Face In Their A-Levels

A-levels are definitely a step up from GCSEs, and many students may face challenges that they were not expecting. Our tutors have worked with many A-level students, and most often they struggle with:

• Revisions
• Keeping organised
• Keeping up with heavy workloads
• Motivation
• Time management

There are various ways that you can overcome these challenges, and we’ll cover some of the most effective methods below. However, one of the most important things to remember is that you are not alone. Other people will also be facing these challenges so always speak up and ask for help if you need it.

How to Prepare For A-Levels - All You Need To Know

How To Choose Your A-Level Subjects

If you have a specific degree or career in mind, then you may need to study specific subjects. For example, if you want to pursue a career in science, then you would need to study at least one science subject at A-level. Some courses such as medicine; dentistry and veterinary medicine will have very specific subject requirements at both GCSE and A-level so this will need to be checked very carefully.

However, if you are not sure about your university plans, then you can keep your options open. You can simply choose the subjects you’re most interested in, or subjects that suit your skill set.  
 

Best Tips For A-Level Preparation

Create A Revision Plan
In order to keep up with all the study materials, you need to create a revision timetable for yourself as early as you can. Ensure that you know exactly what you will be working on each day, otherwise your study sessions can end up feeling chaotic and overwhelming.

Use Textbooks

Textbooks are your best friend! By reading your textbook, you will consolidate your understanding of the topics at hand and gain more confidence in your knowledge. Additionally, the textbooks will also contain hints and tips about how to answer different types of exam questions, so make sure you include that in your revision plan.

Look Over Past Papers

One of the best ways to prepare for upcoming exams is to complete past papers as this can give you an in-depth understanding of what you need to do in the exam. By completing past papers in timed conditions you can also get used to the exam environment, minimising stress on the big day.

Tailor Your Sessions For Each Subject

You also need to tailor your study approach to each subject. For instance, in subjects like maths and sciences, practice problem-solving regularly. For essay-based subjects such as history and English, you should focus on your knowledge of each topic, as well as hone in on your critical analysis and essay-writing skills.

Stay Organised

Once you’ve got a revision timetable in place, you can also split your studies up into more manageable chunks, making it seem much more achievable. Don’t try to cram too much into one day, as it can feel unmanageable and overwhelming.

Make sure your notes for each subject are kept separately so that you do not get confused. Use folders, sticky notes, highlighters and whatever else you like to keep your notes as tidy as possible.

How To Improve Time Management When Studying For A-Levels

A-levels are very demanding, and managing your time is essential for balancing revision, coursework and your personal life. Here are our few tried-and-tested strategies for time management:
 

• Create a realistic timetable

Setting daily and weekly goals can help make sure you can cover all of the topics in the time you have. It is also important to prioritise the things which you struggle with the most so that you can focus on mastering these

• The Pomodoro Technique

This technique essentially involves splitting your revision time into chunks of about 25-45 minutes of study followed by 5-minute breaks. This method has been proven to be of great help in maintaining your focus while dealing with intense studying. 

• Avoid distractions

Identify any potential distractions such as TV or social media and limit them during your allocated study time. 

How To Stay Motivated When Preparing For A-Levels

Think about why you are doing A-levels and your long-term goals. Is it to secure your dream job? Is it to secure a place at your first-choice university? By keeping your goals in mind you’ll feel motivated to continue studying. 
Self-care is really important as well: make sure you are getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet and exercising. Take your time to enjoy your hobbies and see your friends. Ensure that you get sufficient breaks and fresh air. 

Here are a few other tips our tutors have offered to students just like you:

• Avoid comparing yourself to others - everyone learns at a different pace.
• Use motivational quotes, mood boards or journalling to keep yourself inspired.
• Make sure you share your thoughts and feelings with friends and family so that they can support you in your studies.
• Remember to reward yourself! Set up a reward system and treat yourself to something you enjoy after completing one of your revision goals.
• Plan small breaks with something you enjoy such as a walk, a snack, or watching an episode of a TV show you enjoy.
• Make sure you celebrate your achievements no matter how small they may seem.  
   

How Can An Online A-Levels Tutor Help You Achieve Academic Success

There's no shame in asking for additional support when studying for your A-levels. If you feel like in-class explanations aren't enough, or simply want personalised attention away from the distractions of a classroom, a private tutor can help. Online tuition is also very flexible so it can be arranged for a day and a time which suits you and fits in with your studying and extra-curricular activities.

At TutorsValley, you can A-level tutors for Maths, English, Chemistry, Physics, Biology, and more, ready to work with you and establish a fully custom lesson plan tailored to your needs. Browse our list today or complete the free assessment to get paired up with the perfect online tutor!