If you did not achieve the results you had hoped for the first time you sat your A Level exams, you may be feeling rather distressed. If you were relying on certain grades to get a place on a higher education course or to get into the university you had your heart set on, disappointing results may have been devastating.
However, it's important to remember that less than ideal exam results are not the end of the world. By resitting your A Level exams you have the opportunity to achieve a better grade and achieve your full potential. Exam resits are also not the only option available to you, so it makes sense to have a discussion with your parents, teachers and university admissions advisors before choosing a course of action.
If you just narrowly missed the grades you needed, it is always worth making a telephone call to your first-choice university to explain the situation. They may just offer you a place anyway, or they might ask you in for an interview to discuss further or offer you a place on an alternative course.
Clearing is also an option if you didn't get the grades you were hoping for and thousands of students find places on university courses through clearing every year.
Some careers of a level question banks and university courses are very strict on minimum entry requirements so if this is the case, it may be better to resit your exams and achieve the grade you need for later entry. Remember that A Levels are not always only a gateway to university and future employers may take interest in the grades you achieved at A Level.
If you were ill around exam time or there were other special circumstances that may have prevented you from doing your best, this is also a good reason to consider resits. Resitting an exam will not be held against you when applying to university and rather it shows that you are motivated and willing to work hard.
If you took your first A Levels at school, you may find that you are more successful studying for your resits at college. Many students find they do better in a more mature environment with more freedom to organize their own studies. Colleges also frequently offer the benefit of studying in smaller groups and more one-on-one time with teachers and supervisors. In general, the environment is a lot more supportive towards students studying for resit examinations than a traditional school-based sixth form.