People only fail because they were never taught in school how to pass exams and revise properly
How to Ace Your A-levels challenges your assumptions about learning and hard work
If you follow the advice in this book, you will get the A-level grades you desire
Why buy How to Ace Your A-Levels?
Detailed guidance on revision timetables and revision methods telling you exactly what to do to get into the University you want
Discussions on important, often ignored areas such as revision styles, mind set, behaviour and motivation
A proven three step plan to help you achieve top grades (method, study cycle and motivation)
Realistic, honest, and straightforward advice on how to ACE your A-levels from authors who have done it themselves
Who are the authors?
Anshul Raja – a financial markets trader, who left UCL with a first class honours degree and a certificate of academic excellence by the Dean of students
Minesh Karia – a medical doctor with a BMedSc in Psychological Medicine
Where can I buy the book?
The book is available on Amazon in Paperback and on Kindle
ACE Your A-Levels is also available to order internationally, simply visit our online store
Testimonials & reviews…
For more reviews, check out the comments section below or our testimonials page.
I received my AS results of BCDU this year, even though I had worked so hard to achieve better grades so I was insanely disappointed. I will obviously be dropping the U grade subject, but in the D grade subject I only gained an E in the first unit, so do you think I should resit this exam alongside my A2 exams next year in order to improve this grade? I know it will be more work but I am determined to get into my favourite university
Hang in there. I was in the same position as you. I’ve seen students with lower grades than you completely turn it around. There is no reason why you can’t do the same!
Yes I think you should retake that module and others where you received low marks. I wouldn’t go above 8 or 9 retakes in June though.
I just wanted to know if you re took your practical assessments in any science subject you took.
This would mean I have 6 modules to retake in June along with the other 6 modules in June so that would mean 12 exams I would have to prepare for (excluding coursework/practical) , do you think it’s impossible to get my AAA’s . I’m worried about time management and whether I can do it or not. I work part time to for six hours a week, do you think this will effect my study plan. I personally don’t think so I’ll just sacrifice other things , but what I am really trying to ask is how to overcome self-doubt ? What did you do?
Thanks
I actually did OK on my Chemistry practicals but retook my Physics practical. 6 Retakes in June is OK but I would avoid going above 8/9. It’s admirable that you work 6 hours a week while studying. As long as you get yourself to the table most evenings/weekends the techniques in How to ACE Your A-levels will do the rest. Please note our techniques are not only effective ways to learn large amounts of information they are also extremely efficient. Have a look at the table comparing our scribble technique to traditional note taking – you can find this in the appendix at the end of the book. You’ll notice memory retention and speed of learning is higher using the scribble technique.
I too suffered from a lot of self doubt particularly during the first few weeks of A2. Can I actually improve my grades? Will I get into uni? Should I just give up and get a job? Those questions were running through my mind 24/7. This feeling of self doubt only started to dissipate after I really started to put pen to paper. As I started executing my plan the negative voices in my head started to disappear.
The solution to tackle self doubt is to immerse yourself in the process. Think about how many pages you need to get done in the next hour and not what grades you want to receive next August. Get yourself to the table each day, execute the methods in our book and those negative voices in your head will become quieter and quieter. Trust me!
Hi, I received BBCC in my AS results and I am really disappointed, I had very high expectations because of all the work I put in. In one of my subjects which was Law I was one mark away from a B after checking the grade boundaries on AQA. I am strongly considering putting my paper in for a re-mark. I hope it doesn’t ruin my chances for University. I am definitely going to buy your book. Thanks
I just wanted to know show you revised chemistry and what examining board you were. I don’t take maths so what would you do if you were in my positioned, I’m not 100% satisfied that the scribble technique will work for chemistry as I have seen from your book it is more of an understanding subject.
I had Edexcel as the examining board for chemistry.
I think the scribble technique will work for chemistry- there are still a lot of facts and information that need to be learnt by heart, and for those areas In particular the scribble technique should be really useful.
In chemistry, there are a number of areas which are difficult to understand. I would advise you in conjunction with the learning areas identify early on the areas which you find difficult to understand, and focus on those at the beginning using the layer one approach. Take time on these difficult areas – use you tube, ask teachers, different sources etc until you have a solid grasp on them, and use the scribble technique around it to remember the facts. I think once you get your head round the difficult concepts early on things will start to fall into place with you.
Hello I just saw your video and I recently got my AS results and I was so disappointed with them. I got an A in Sociology, D in Biology and 2 E’s in Maths and Chemistry :-(. I believe I worked hard throughout the year but I dont know what happened.. Would you recommend me to retake the whole year or just continue? If I do I will have 9-10 exams next year. Is it worth me continuing? Can i also get into a uni doing a science related course even if my predicted grdes will be like ACC? Thanks in advance your story is amazing.
Thank you for your message and kind comments. I’m sorry to hear about your grades.
I feel that you need to first identify where it is you want to go and what course you want to do. This should guide you in the answer as to whether you need to retake the year. I would advise you look into this first, and worry less about how you will get the grades- our book will help with that, but you will need serious motivation and desire to get the grades you need, and for that, you need to know exactly where you are going as the first step.
Identify which exact courses you want to do, and in which university ( look at the university prospectus). Different science related courses will have varying predicted grades, and it is difficult to tell what the predicted grades are until you identify which specific courses you would like. Once you have narrowed this down, find out what they want with regards
to the predicted grades. If they require strictly high predicted grades, you have your answer, but I would advise speaking to your teachers before you decide on retaking the year on the basis of the predicted grades, as he may have further advice or suggestions specific to your situation.
Hi Raja,
I am in a similar situation with Sonya in terms of the science exams. I went to a public sixth form and got CCEE. The Es were in Biology and Chemistry despite having an AS predicted grades of As in both of them. I know I didn’t try hard or at all due to my arrogance and really need help. I am now off to a private college to do an A-level intensive course as in AS and A2 in a year as you did. I will be doing Biology, Chemistry and Psychology. As Sonya said, that would be 12 exams in total excluding coursework. Having done plenty of research in terms of people who had done it before, I am totally freaking out and any advice you have would truly be appreciated.I am looking to get at least 3As at AS and AAB at A2 or higher maybe…
From what you have written, I feel you are on the right track- you remind me of the thoughts I had when I was in your position.
Firstly, you have identified that it was arrogance that let you down. That is important- a lot of people won’t look at themselves with truth and seek honestly where they need to improve.
Secondly, you are going for an intensive schooling course, they should be able to support you through the process as it sounds like a specialized course. It is important to enter with a clean and fresh slate- it is the motivation more than anything that will be needed here, and from your message it sounds like you are ready for the challenge.
Use the techniques in the book to guide you, start early, work hard and aim high.
Hi there Raja,
Amazing book & really helpful advice! Just wondering, did you apply to uni during your A2 year with predicted grades based on your AS, or apply after A2 having known your final A level results? I would not meet the requirement for my chosen course at university if I applied with my predicted, so do you think I should apply after A2 having followed your advice and achieving those top grades? Is it likely I will get an offer?
Thank you!
Sandra
Both myself and Raja went straight into A2 with our predicted grades and got into universities.
This may not reflect the current situation, however. It largely depends on which course and which university you are applying to.
Firstly, I think it is good that you have identified which course and which university to go to. This is an important step- to identify exactly what it is you are working hard for.
I feel that you should discuss your predicted grades and the course you want to attend with your teacher- he may have suggestions specific to your situation. Furthermore, it may be worth discussing with the university directly- possibly, they may show some leniency on the predicted grades- but this depends on the university and course.
What I would do also, is apply both this year and next year- I would also identify a second and third option of course/university you would want to go to. I would do this as a) it gives you practice on the application system early and b) you may get the course or at least get the second or third option c) you can always reject the course later.
To achieve the grades, our book will help with that- it is important to start early- I would advice having a look at the chapter on layers to see how you should plan your revision at this point.
Thanks so much! Excellent advice.
As I want to do medicine which strictly require the AAA grades and my teachers will not predict higher than ABB, the teachers have said it’s highly unlikely I will be getting an offer. Is it possible to apply after A2 with better achieved solid results? Thanks so much for your time and advice!
How to Ace Your A-Levels 
Hi Raja,
I received my AS results of BCDU this year, even though I had worked so hard to achieve better grades so I was insanely disappointed. I will obviously be dropping the U grade subject, but in the D grade subject I only gained an E in the first unit, so do you think I should resit this exam alongside my A2 exams next year in order to improve this grade? I know it will be more work but I am determined to get into my favourite university
Hi,
Hang in there. I was in the same position as you. I’ve seen students with lower grades than you completely turn it around. There is no reason why you can’t do the same!
Yes I think you should retake that module and others where you received low marks. I wouldn’t go above 8 or 9 retakes in June though.
Raja
Hi Raja
I just wanted to know if you re took your practical assessments in any science subject you took.
This would mean I have 6 modules to retake in June along with the other 6 modules in June so that would mean 12 exams I would have to prepare for (excluding coursework/practical) , do you think it’s impossible to get my AAA’s . I’m worried about time management and whether I can do it or not. I work part time to for six hours a week, do you think this will effect my study plan. I personally don’t think so I’ll just sacrifice other things , but what I am really trying to ask is how to overcome self-doubt ? What did you do?
Thanks
Sonya
Hi Sonya,
I actually did OK on my Chemistry practicals but retook my Physics practical. 6 Retakes in June is OK but I would avoid going above 8/9. It’s admirable that you work 6 hours a week while studying. As long as you get yourself to the table most evenings/weekends the techniques in How to ACE Your A-levels will do the rest. Please note our techniques are not only effective ways to learn large amounts of information they are also extremely efficient. Have a look at the table comparing our scribble technique to traditional note taking – you can find this in the appendix at the end of the book. You’ll notice memory retention and speed of learning is higher using the scribble technique.
I too suffered from a lot of self doubt particularly during the first few weeks of A2. Can I actually improve my grades? Will I get into uni? Should I just give up and get a job? Those questions were running through my mind 24/7. This feeling of self doubt only started to dissipate after I really started to put pen to paper. As I started executing my plan the negative voices in my head started to disappear.
The solution to tackle self doubt is to immerse yourself in the process. Think about how many pages you need to get done in the next hour and not what grades you want to receive next August. Get yourself to the table each day, execute the methods in our book and those negative voices in your head will become quieter and quieter. Trust me!
Raja
Hi, I received BBCC in my AS results and I am really disappointed, I had very high expectations because of all the work I put in. In one of my subjects which was Law I was one mark away from a B after checking the grade boundaries on AQA. I am strongly considering putting my paper in for a re-mark. I hope it doesn’t ruin my chances for University. I am definitely going to buy your book. Thanks
Hi Tommy,
I’ve seen a lot of mistakes with grading so I always support remarking. Thanks for buying our book & best of luck for this year!
Raja
Hi Raja
I just wanted to know show you revised chemistry and what examining board you were. I don’t take maths so what would you do if you were in my positioned, I’m not 100% satisfied that the scribble technique will work for chemistry as I have seen from your book it is more of an understanding subject.
Thanks and I appreciate the advice
Sonya
Hi Sonya,
I had Edexcel as the examining board for chemistry.
I think the scribble technique will work for chemistry- there are still a lot of facts and information that need to be learnt by heart, and for those areas In particular the scribble technique should be really useful.
In chemistry, there are a number of areas which are difficult to understand. I would advise you in conjunction with the learning areas identify early on the areas which you find difficult to understand, and focus on those at the beginning using the layer one approach. Take time on these difficult areas – use you tube, ask teachers, different sources etc until you have a solid grasp on them, and use the scribble technique around it to remember the facts. I think once you get your head round the difficult concepts early on things will start to fall into place with you.
I hope this helps
Karia
Hello I just saw your video and I recently got my AS results and I was so disappointed with them. I got an A in Sociology, D in Biology and 2 E’s in Maths and Chemistry :-(. I believe I worked hard throughout the year but I dont know what happened.. Would you recommend me to retake the whole year or just continue? If I do I will have 9-10 exams next year. Is it worth me continuing? Can i also get into a uni doing a science related course even if my predicted grdes will be like ACC? Thanks in advance your story is amazing.
Hi Stephanie,
Thank you for your message and kind comments. I’m sorry to hear about your grades.
I feel that you need to first identify where it is you want to go and what course you want to do. This should guide you in the answer as to whether you need to retake the year. I would advise you look into this first, and worry less about how you will get the grades- our book will help with that, but you will need serious motivation and desire to get the grades you need, and for that, you need to know exactly where you are going as the first step.
Identify which exact courses you want to do, and in which university ( look at the university prospectus). Different science related courses will have varying predicted grades, and it is difficult to tell what the predicted grades are until you identify which specific courses you would like. Once you have narrowed this down, find out what they want with regards
to the predicted grades. If they require strictly high predicted grades, you have your answer, but I would advise speaking to your teachers before you decide on retaking the year on the basis of the predicted grades, as he may have further advice or suggestions specific to your situation.
With best wishes,
Karia
Hi Raja,
I am in a similar situation with Sonya in terms of the science exams. I went to a public sixth form and got CCEE. The Es were in Biology and Chemistry despite having an AS predicted grades of As in both of them. I know I didn’t try hard or at all due to my arrogance and really need help. I am now off to a private college to do an A-level intensive course as in AS and A2 in a year as you did. I will be doing Biology, Chemistry and Psychology. As Sonya said, that would be 12 exams in total excluding coursework. Having done plenty of research in terms of people who had done it before, I am totally freaking out and any advice you have would truly be appreciated.I am looking to get at least 3As at AS and AAB at A2 or higher maybe…
Thanks,
Abdul
Hi Abdul,
From what you have written, I feel you are on the right track- you remind me of the thoughts I had when I was in your position.
Firstly, you have identified that it was arrogance that let you down. That is important- a lot of people won’t look at themselves with truth and seek honestly where they need to improve.
Secondly, you are going for an intensive schooling course, they should be able to support you through the process as it sounds like a specialized course. It is important to enter with a clean and fresh slate- it is the motivation more than anything that will be needed here, and from your message it sounds like you are ready for the challenge.
Use the techniques in the book to guide you, start early, work hard and aim high.
Best Wishes,
Karia
Hi there Raja,
Amazing book & really helpful advice! Just wondering, did you apply to uni during your A2 year with predicted grades based on your AS, or apply after A2 having known your final A level results? I would not meet the requirement for my chosen course at university if I applied with my predicted, so do you think I should apply after A2 having followed your advice and achieving those top grades? Is it likely I will get an offer?
Thank you!
Sandra
Hello Sandra,
Thank you for your very kind comments,
Both myself and Raja went straight into A2 with our predicted grades and got into universities.
This may not reflect the current situation, however. It largely depends on which course and which university you are applying to.
Firstly, I think it is good that you have identified which course and which university to go to. This is an important step- to identify exactly what it is you are working hard for.
I feel that you should discuss your predicted grades and the course you want to attend with your teacher- he may have suggestions specific to your situation. Furthermore, it may be worth discussing with the university directly- possibly, they may show some leniency on the predicted grades- but this depends on the university and course.
What I would do also, is apply both this year and next year- I would also identify a second and third option of course/university you would want to go to. I would do this as a) it gives you practice on the application system early and b) you may get the course or at least get the second or third option c) you can always reject the course later.
To achieve the grades, our book will help with that- it is important to start early- I would advice having a look at the chapter on layers to see how you should plan your revision at this point.
I wish you the very best of luck!
Karia
Thanks so much! Excellent advice.
As I want to do medicine which strictly require the AAA grades and my teachers will not predict higher than ABB, the teachers have said it’s highly unlikely I will be getting an offer. Is it possible to apply after A2 with better achieved solid results? Thanks so much for your time and advice!