Should I Retake or Resit My A Levels? Guide for Prospective Medical Students

Every year, thousands of students across the UK eagerly wait for their A-level results, with the hope of getting the grades they need for their dream university. However, the A-levels are notorious for being very difficult, and many students don’t get the results they were hoping for. After all, on average (check the report at the bottom), only about 8% achieve A* results, and around 18% get AAA, which is the typical minimum to get into a medical school in the UK. 

This leads to a significant dilemma - should students try improving their grades by resitting their A-levels or look for alternative pathways into medicine?

The goal of this blog is to help students make an informed decision by looking at the factors that go into making this crucial choice, while providing viable alternative options for becoming a successful doctor.

The key takeaways of this blog are:

• Students typically get better grades on their A-level resits, but retaking them comes with many drawbacks.
• There are 3 different and equally viable options to becoming a doctor instead of resitting A-levels.
• The final decision depends solely on your goals and circumstances, but you can always seek guidance from academic advisors.

Retaking A-Levels: Pros and Cons

Generally, candidates who decide to retake their A-levels do get better results on their second try. However, many students and their families end up wondering whether this was the best path forward, as it comes with several significant drawbacks that aren’t immediately apparent.

That’s why we want to help students make the best decision for their future, according to their unique circumstances. In order to do so, we must first take a look at the negatives that come with retaking your A-levels:

1 Year Delay

There used to be a window to resit A-level exams in January, but it was removed years ago. This leaves only the summer exam period, which means that if you aren’t happy with your results from this year, you will have to wait an entire year to be able to take a resit.

This means that you will have to take a gap year and start your medical education and career later than your peers. Many consider this the grand decider, as missing a whole year can be a significant setback and time loss.

Mental Health and Stress

One of the worst aspects of retaking A-level exams is that you HAVE TO do better next time, or you risk having to wait yet another year. The pressure to improve your grades can be overwhelming, especially when you know that your future depends on these results. 

This can often lead to anxiety, stress and a drop in motivation.

Financial Cost

Retaking science A-level can be very expensive, especially if you need to retake the whole year. The exact price depends on your school/college and subjects, but typically, you will have to pay hundreds of pounds per resit and several thousand if you need to retake an academic year.

Additionally, some students feel the need to enrol in additional courses and hire private tutors in order to be sure that they will achieve better results. When you factor in living expenses for the gap year you’ll have to take; it is safe to say that retaking A-levels can be a significant financial burden to you and your family.

Potential Impact on Medical School Applications

Repeated attempts at A-levels might raise questions during your university admissions about whether you will be able to succeed academically. However, the reverse can also be true, and some medical schools may praise you for your commitment and dedication.

Missed Opportunities

Delaying university entry means missing out on valuable academic and personal experience. Many students say that they feel left out as their friends move on to university while they’re stuck studying for better A-level results.  Additionally, being out of the school environment for a year can make it harder to regain your momentum and fit into university life later on.

You Might Still Not Get Accepted

Of course, the positives of retaking A-levels are that you are likely to get better results, which may result in getting into the university you’ve decided on. However, UK medical school admissions are known to be brutal and better grades don’t necessarily mean that you’ll get accepted.

You will also need to get high UCAT (University Clinical Aptitude Test) or BMAT (BioMedical Admissions Test) results in order to have a chance of getting accepted.

Alternative Pathways to Becoming a Doctor

If you didn't get the A-level results you hoped for, there’s no need to be worried because there are several incredible alternatives to retaking your exams:

1. Study Medicine Abroad

Applying to study medicine abroad in Europe and the Caribbean has become an increasingly popular option for UK students. After all, there are only about 46 medical schools in the UK, whereas Europe and the Caribbean have hundreds of universities that are accredited and internationally recognised.

The wide availability of high-quality medical schools leads to flexible entry requirements and higher acceptance rates, which greatly reduces the impact of A-level results. This means that you will have a much higher chance of getting accepted and launching your educational journey right away.

The best part is that you will benefit from the high international standards of medical education in Europe and the Caribbean, which will enable you to return home to the UK once you graduate and become a successful and sought-after doctor.

This presents a cost-effective solution that will let you start medical school without having to skip a year. In fact, some international medical programmes even offer integrated pathways that streamline the process of becoming a doctor. 

If you would like to learn more about your options to study medicine abroad, we offer free consultations with our British Council-certified academic advisors, who can guide you toward choosing the perfect university according to your circumstances. We have helped thousands of students just like you get into their dream university and become successful medical professionals.

Sign up for your free consultation today to take advantage of our years of experience and expertise so we can help you kickstart your medical education.

2. Enrol in a Preparatory Course

Also known as a Medicine Foundation Course, these programmes are designed to serve as foundational courses that lead up to the regular 6-year Medicine Master’s Degree in Europe. These pre-med programmes are perfect for students who didn’t get their desired A-level results and want to get a strong theoretical foundation before applying for medical school.

These courses typically last between 3 and 9 months and teach about the Basic Sciences of medicine. Enrolling in such programmes is one of the best ways to significantly increase your chances of getting into a medical school right away.

3. Take a Pre-Med Year

Similar to the previous option, some Caribbean medical schools, like Richmond Gabriel University (RGU), give students the opportunity to enrol in a pre-med year that prepares them to study medicine in their graduate entry programme.  They offer a comprehensive curriculum that covers all foundational sciences, ensuring you are well-prepared for your medical studies.

The best part about this option is that once you get accepted and go through the pre-medicine course, you can continue your education directly without having to take entrance exams. RGU is especially known for training exemplary graduates who have returned to the UK and have become outstanding doctors.

Comparison: Retaking A-Levels vs. Studying Abroad

Here’s a comparison table that neatly highlights the advantages and disadvantages of each option:

What Does Retaking A-Levels Mean For Medical Students?

At the end of the day, the question is whether you are 100% certain that you want to retake the A-levels so you can potentially go to medical school in the UK. If you are resolved to do this and you don’t mind taking a gap year, then by all means, give it a shot. Ultimately, this is the only way to improve your grades. 

Some may even consider this a question of proving to themselves that they can get the results they want. However, you can already prove yourself by getting accepted to a prestigious medical school in Europe and the Caribbean.

Why skip a year when you can enrol directly into an internationally recognised programme that will let you become a successful doctor anywhere in the world, including back home in the UK?

Don’t let this small setback define your choices, instead consider your options, weigh in the factors and make an informed decision. 

Conclusion

Hopefully, by the end of this blog, you have learned all about the advantages, disadvantages and alternatives to retaking the A-levels. What’s most important for us is that you have the knowledge and insights needed to make the right choice according to your ambitions and circumstances. 

Consider what is best for your personal well-being and long-term career goals, and the answer should come naturally to you. Remember, there is no universal solution that can be applied to everyone, and your journey to becoming a doctor or dentist is unique to you.

Important Q&As

Sources:
* GCE Advanced Level (A Level) results in the UK