How to survive A levels

Going from GCSEs to A levels is a huge leap and not many people are prepared for it. Like so many others, I was one of the students that suffered to start with. I had done really well at GCSE but was getting really bad grades in my first few months of A levels.  Looking back on my time at sixth form I do wish that someone had given me a ‘how to survive A levels’ guide right at the start. Sadly, nobody did. So, I’ve decided to create one instead to try and help any students out there who are panicking about their grades. The difference between those that came out with A’s at the end and those that still came out with D’s, was how prepared they were to adapt to the new situation. Everyone was thrown into the deep end and those that succeeded, were the ones that quickly learned to swim. Here are my top tips.

• Firstly, make sure you choose subjects that you’re really interested in rather than subjects that everybody else seems to be doing. When the course does start to get tough, at least you’ll find it easier to bear and may actually enjoy the challenge.

• Secondly, organisation is crucial! If you stay on top of your workload you will be surprised at how easily you seem to be sailing through the course whilst others appear to be working all of the time! Try to do your work as soon as you get it. I worked through most of my free periods which meant that I actually had very little work to do at home. Make lists of all of the things you need to do so that you don’t miss anything out. Without my lists, I would have been completely lost!

• Thirdly, make revision notes as you go along. I know that everybody seems to say this, but doing it as you go along really helps in the long run. When exams roll around you will have saved yourself a lot of time and effort.

• Also, ask your teachers for help immediately if you find you don’t understand something. Don’t leave it for later because I can tell you, you will forget! That topic could come up on the exam. This was one very frustrating lesson that I had to learn.

• Finally, don’t worry too much if you start the year off badly as I can guarantee that you will improve! Even though it may not seem like it at first. I started off getting D’s and E’s but by the end of it, I was getting A’s!

The most important thing of all is to never give up. I desperately wanted to drop out during the first two months but my parents kept me going, which I’m glad they did. It does get easier as the year progresses as long as you don’t quit. You’ll be amazed at how much more organised you will become and you’ll be able to see yourself change as a person. Keep up a positive attitude and remember that the sun will still be shining at the end of it all. Good luck with your A levels!