UCAS Predicted Grades – FAQs

I’ve been out of education for years. Can I still apply to university?

Absolutely. Lots of adults head back into education after time away, whether that’s for a career change, a long-held ambition or simply a fresh start. The main thing to get your head around is UCAS predicted grades, because most university applications need them and they’re easy to overlook if you’re not coming straight from school.

What’s the difference between a predicted grade and my actual result?

Your actual result is the grade you get after sitting your final exam. A predicted grade is an estimate of what that result is likely to be, based on how you’ve done throughout your studies. Universities use predicted grades because most people apply before they’ve sat their exams.

Why can’t I just apply with my exam results later?

Universities generally make offers based on predicted grades, comparing them with the entry requirements for each course. Without a predicted grade, your application may not be able to move forward at all, so it’s something you’ll want sorted before you apply. The UCAS guide to predicted grades goes into more detail on how they’re used.

I’m studying on my own. Who’s going to give me a predicted grade?

This is where a lot of adults get stuck. School and college students have teachers who provide predicted grades as standard, but if you’re a private candidate, there’s often nobody in that position. The answer is to choose a course that comes with a predicted grade service. Pass Learn, for example, offers a predicted grade and academic reference with its A Level exam and course bundles, and sends the grade directly to UCAS for you.

Does it matter which subject or exam board I pick?

It really does. Predicted grades aren’t offered for every subject and exam board combination, so check before you commit. Maths, the sciences, Psychology, Sociology, Geography, Economics, Business and a handful of others are covered with specific exam boards. Have a browse of the A Level courses available with Pass Learn to see which exam boards include the option for the subject you want.

What does an “evidence-based” predicted grade actually mean?

It means your grade is based on proof of your progress rather than a hunch. With the service mentioned above, that includes your assessment results, how much of the course you’ve completed, the time you’ve spent on it, and a bespoke predicted grade assessment. At Courses and Exams, we know how important it is for adult learners to feel their hard work is properly recognised, which is why we’d always recommend looking for a provider that’s upfront about how your predicted grade is worked out.

Can I work full-time and still get a predicted grade?

Yes, as long as you plan ahead. You’ll need to meet certain requirements within an allowed timeframe to receive your predicted grade, and these are explained when you enrol. Fitting in a few regular study sessions each week, even short ones, is usually far more manageable than trying to cram everything in at once.

How can I make sure my predicted grade reflects what I can really do?

Keep going steadily. Because your A Level predicted grades are based on your work throughout the course, completing assessments as you go and spending extra time on the tricky bits will help give a fair picture of your ability. Leaving it all until the end won’t do you any favours.

Will universities think less of me because I studied independently?

Not at all. Universities look at whether your predicted grades meet their entry requirements, and an evidence-based predicted grade gives them the same kind of information they’d get from a school or college. You’ll usually sit your exams at a local exam centre, and the A Level you get is exactly the same as one taken in a classroom.

What should I do next?

Start by looking at the courses you’re interested in and noting down their entry requirements. You can search for courses on the UCAS homepage. Then make sure you know where your A Level predicted grades will come from and plan your study around any deadlines. 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

Courses and Exams Team

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