UCAS Predicted Grades

Introduction

Going back to learning as an adult is a big step, and it is one you should be proud of. You might be improving your skills for work, aiming for a new career, or working towards a place at university. If university is your goal, you will probably need A Levels, and with them comes something called a predicted grade.

This guide explains UCAS predicted grades in plain English. We cover what they are, why universities ask for them, and how you can get one if you are studying on your own rather than at a school or college.

What Does “Predicted Grade” Mean?

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

If you take more than one A Level, you will usually have a predicted grade for each subject. These grades show universities the level you are working at before you have sat your final exams.

Why Do Universities Want Predicted Grades?

Most people apply to university before they have their final results. Universities still need to know if you are likely to meet the grades their courses ask for. So they look at your predicted grades and compare them with the entry requirements for each course.

This helps them decide whether to offer you a place. That is why predicted grades are needed for most university applications. If you want to read the official explanation, the UCAS help page for predicted grades is a good place to look.

The Problem for Adults Who Study Alone If you study at a school or college, your teachers give you your predicted grades. They see your work throughout the course, so they can judge what grade you are likely to get.

If you study on your own, there is often no one to do this. This can leave your application stuck before it has really started, even if you are working hard and doing well. It is one of the most common problems adult learners face when applying to university, so it helps to know about it early.

How You Can Get a Predicted Grade

The good news is there is a way around this. Some online course providers offer a predicted grade service for people studying on their own. Pass Learn is one example. It offers a predicted grade and academic reference with its A Level exam and course bundles, and sends your grade straight to UCAS in good time for your deadline.

Your grade is based on real evidence of your progress. This includes your assessment results, how much of the course you have finished, how much time you have spent on it, and a special predicted grade assessment. This puts you on the same footing as students in schools and colleges.

At Functional Skills Level 2, we know that many adults come back to learning one qualification at a time, and we always suggest checking early how any course you choose will handle your predicted grade. Knowing this from the start makes planning much easier.

Picking the Right Subject and Exam Board

Not every A Level subject or exam board comes with a predicted grade. So before you sign up, check that yours does. Subjects such as Maths, English Language, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Psychology, Sociology, Geography, Economics and Business are covered with some providers, along with a few others, each with specific exam boards.

You can look through the A Level courses available with Pass Learn to see which exam boards include a predicted grade for each subject. It is also a good idea to check what subjects your chosen university course asks for, so you pick the right ones.

Making Your Study Time Count

To get your A Level predicted grades, you will need to meet certain requirements within an allowed timeframe. You will be told what these are when you enrol, so write them down and keep them somewhere handy.

Because your grade is based on your progress, steady study really helps. Try to study a little and often, rather than in long bursts. Complete your assessments as you go, and spend extra time on the topics you find hardest. This way, your predicted grade will show what you can really do.

Will Being an Adult Learner Count Against Me?

No. Universities mainly look at whether your predicted grades meet their entry requirements. A predicted grade based on real evidence gives them the same kind of information they would get from a school or college.

When it comes to your exams, you will usually sit them at a local exam centre. The A Level you get is exactly the same as one taken at school, so it carries the same value.

Planning Your Next Steps

Start by finding the university courses you are interested in and checking their entry requirements. You can search for courses and find out more about making your UCAS application on the UCAS website. Next, make sure you know where your predicted grades will come from and that your subjects are covered.

After that, it is all about steady progress. With the right plan in place, your A Level predicted grades can help you take the next step towards university.

Written by

PassFunctionalSkills Team

We help thousands of students get their Functional Skills Qualifications.