UCAS Predicted Grades

If you are an adult building up your qualifications, you may already have worked hard on your maths or English skills. For some people, the next goal is A Levels and then university. When you start looking into applying, you will quickly come across predicted grades. This step-by-step guide explains UCAS predicted grades in plain language, so you know what they are and how to get one if you are studying on your own. If you have any questions, you can use the helpline below to speak to a friendly support team.

Step 1: Get to Know What a UCAS Predicted Grade Is

A predicted grade is the grade you are expected to get in a subject. It is worked out from how well you do during your studies, so it is based on your real progress rather than a guess.

Each A Level subject you take will usually have its own predicted grade. Together, these give universities a picture of the results you are working towards.

Step 2: Find Out Why You Need One

Most people apply to university before they have sat their final exams. Because of this, universities use predicted grades to see if you are likely to meet the entry requirements for a course. They compare your predicted grades with those requirements to help decide whether to offer you a place.

A predicted grade is needed for most university applications, so it is not something you can skip. If you want to learn more about how they work, the UCAS predicted grade guide explains the process in more detail.

Step 3: Work Out Where Yours Will Come From

Students at school or college get their predicted grades from their teachers. As an adult learning on your own, you probably will not have a teacher who can do this for you. This is one of the most common reasons an application gets held up.

The good news is that some online course providers offer a predicted grade service. Pass Learn is one example, offering a predicted grade and academic reference with its A Level exam and course bundles. Your grade is sent straight to UCAS in good time for your deadline, which means you are on the same footing as students in schools and colleges.

At Functional Skills Maths Level 2, we know that many adult learners take their qualifications one step at a time, and we always suggest finding out early how your predicted grade will be worked out. A good provider will explain this clearly, so you know exactly what you need to do.

Step 4: Check Your Subject Is Covered

Not every A Level subject and exam board comes with a predicted grade, so check this before you sign up. Predicted grades are offered with some providers for subjects such as Maths, English Language, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Psychology, Sociology, Geography, Economics and Business, as well as several others, each with specific exam boards.

If you have a particular university course in mind, look at which subjects it asks for and make sure your choice of subject and exam board includes a predicted grade. This small check can save you a lot of trouble later.

Step 5: Make a Study Plan You Can Stick To

With a predicted grade service, your grade is based on the work you do on the course. With the service mentioned above, this includes your assessment results, how much of the course you have completed, how much time you have spent on it, and a special predicted grade assessment.

So the more steadily you work, the better your A Level predicted grades can show what you can really do. Try to set aside short, regular study times each week that fit around work and home life. If you are ready to get started, you can prepare for your A Levels with Pass Learn or another provider that offers structured course material you can work through at your own pace.

Step 6: Keep an Eye on Deadlines

To get your predicted grade, you will need to meet certain requirements within an allowed timeframe. These are explained when you enrol, so write them down and check them against your application deadline.

It is also a good idea to look up the entry requirements for the courses you like. You can search for courses and find out more about applying on the UCAS site. When the time comes, you will usually sit your exams at a local exam centre, and the qualification you get is exactly the same as one taken at school.

Final Thoughts

The main things to remember about A Level predicted grades are that most universities need them, private candidates can get them through a suitable course, and steady study helps your grade reflect your true ability. Going back to learning as an adult takes real effort, and with a clear plan, predicted grades do not need to get in the way of your university goals. 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.

Written by

Pass Functional Skills Team

We help thousands of students each year with revision, courses and online exams.