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

Updated on 26/07/2024 in
Retaking-A-levels

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

Exams-Stress

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

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:

Retaking A-LevelsStudying Abroad
Time⤿ Delays university entry by at least 1 year, with potentially more if further retakes are neededDirect entry into medical school
Cost⤿ Exam and admin fees
⤿ Additional tuition fees for resit courses
⤿ Living expenses for a year
⤿ Typically higher tuition fees for med school in the UK
⤿ Typically, lower tuition fees and living expenses in most European and Caribbean countries 
Stress and Pressure⤿ High pressure to improve grades
⤿ Can lead to anxiety and burnout
⤿ Feeling left out by friends who have moved on to university
⤿ Pressure to perform on the entrance exam (Medlink Students can give you exam prep materials)
⤿ Initial adjustment to a new country and culture
⤿ Supportive international student communities
Opportunities⤿ Will likely get better grades, but there is a risk of not achieving your desired results
⤿ Mainly impacts your chances of getting into UK medical schools
⤿ Delayed career progression
⤿ Wide range of universities and programmes
⤿ International experience and exposure
⤿ Accredited and internationally recognised medical degrees

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. 

Why We Care

We are a group of international doctors and dentists who have been in your shoes. We know how difficult and discouraging it can be not to get the results you want, but just like you, we didn’t let that stop us. Instead, we found proven pathways to becoming medical professionals. Now, we want to use our experience and knowledge to help the next generations so they don’t have to struggle like we did. 

However, applying to study medicine or dentistry abroad is a whole different beast, which is why we want to make sure that students have the support to achieve their dreams without the stress of applying on their own. 

Don’t hesitate to reach out to us for a free consultation to get personalised advice and guidance toward making the best decision according to your circumstances. 

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

Is resitting A-levels a common choice for students who didn't achieve their desired grades?

Yes, many students consider resitting A-levels if they didn’t achieve the grades needed for their preferred university course. However, this decision should be carefully weighed against other options, including advantages and disadvantages. This includes studying abroad, which offers immediate entry into medical programmes.

What should I consider when deciding between resitting A-levels and studying abroad?

Consider the following factors:
How much delay can you afford in your academic and professional journey?
Can you handle the pressure of retaking exams, or would a fresh start abroad be more beneficial?
Which option is more cost-effective for you and your family?
Which path offers better opportunities for your future career and personal growth?

When can I retake my A-levels?

A-levels are retaken in the summer exam period, usually in May or June. The option to retake exams in January is no longer available, so you have no choice but to take a gap year if you want to resit the exams.

What are the alternatives to retaking A-levels?

Alternatives to retaking A-levels include enrolling in foundation programmes, taking a pre-med year or applying to study medicine abroad in Europe or the Caribbean. These paths can provide quicker and less stressful ways to achieve your dream of becoming a doctor or dentist.

How can Medlink Students help with studying medicine abroad?

Medlink Students offers personalised guidance and support to help you find the ideal university that fits your goals and needs. We can provide detailed information on different medicine or dentistry programmes, entry requirements, and the application process, ensuring you make an informed decision. Sign up for a free consultation, and we will help you kickstart your educational journey.

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

Article written by Dr Sam El Mais
Dr Sam El Mais, MD, MSc, BSc, graduated from a renowned medical school in Romania in 2019. He uses his professional knowledge and personal experience to guide students on crucial aspects such as university selection, admissions processes, and cultural adjustments.
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