UCAS Predicted Grades
If you enjoy working with numbers, there’s a good chance you’ve thought about taking your skills further. Maybe you’re eyeing up a degree in maths, economics or business, or perhaps you’re after a career where strong data skills really count. Either way, if university is part of the plan, you’ll need to get your head around predicted grades.
The good news is that they’re not as complicated as they first sound. This guide walks you through what UCAS predicted grades are, where they come from, and what to do if you’re studying your A Levels outside of school. We’ll also take a look at which number-based subjects can come with a predicted grade, so you can plan ahead.
Why You Might Need a Predicted Grade
When you apply to university, you usually haven’t sat your final A Level exams yet. Universities still need to know roughly how you’re likely to do, so they ask for predicted grades instead. These give admissions teams a sense of the grades you’re heading towards, and most university applications need them.
Universities then compare your predicted grades with the entry requirements for the course you’ve applied for. If you want to do a numbers-heavy degree, those requirements will often include specific subjects, so your predictions in those areas really matter. For a full rundown of how the system works, the UCAS guide to predicted grades is well worth a read.
Where Do Predicted Grades Come From?
If you’re at school or college, your predicted grades usually come from your subject teachers. They’ve watched your progress throughout the course, so they’re in a good spot to judge the grade you’re likely to get.
If you’re studying on your own, though, things work a bit differently. Private candidates often don’t have anyone who can give them a predicted grade, and without one, an application can grind to a halt before it’s properly started. It’s one of those things that’s easy to overlook until you’re filling in the form.
What Happens If You’re Not at School?
Thankfully, studying independently doesn’t mean you’re stuck. Some online course providers now offer a predicted grade service for private candidates. Pass Learn is one example, offering a predicted grade and academic reference with its A Level exam and course bundles. The grade is then sent directly to UCAS in good time for your application deadline.
At Pass Numerical Reasoning, we know how much confidence comes from seeing your progress in black and white, which is why we’d always suggest looking for a provider that bases its predicted grade on real evidence. That way, you know your grade reflects the work you’ve actually put in, and universities can trust it too.
How Is a Predicted Grade Worked Out?
If you like to know how the numbers add up, you’ll appreciate this bit. With the service mentioned above, your predicted grade isn’t a rough guess. It’s based on your assessment results, your course completion percentage, the amount of time you’ve spent on the course, and a bespoke predicted grade assessment.
Put simply, the more steadily you work through your course, the better your grade can reflect what you’re capable of. Keeping up with assessments and not leaving everything until the last minute will help your A Level predicted grades show your true ability. You’ll need to meet certain requirements within an allowed timeframe to receive your grade, and these are explained when you enrol.
Which Number-Based Subjects Offer a Predicted Grade?
Not every subject and exam board comes with a predicted grade option, so it’s worth checking before you sign up. Subjects such as Biology, Psychology and Geography are covered alongside many more. You can browse the full range of A Level courses available with Pass Learn to check which exam boards include the option for your chosen subject.
Will Studying Independently Affect My Application?
Not really, and that’s good news. Universities mainly care about whether your predicted grades meet their entry requirements. An evidence-based predicted grade gives admissions teams the same kind of information they’d get from a school or college, putting you on an equal footing with everyone else.
The qualification itself is exactly the same too. As a private candidate, you’ll usually sit your exams at a local exam centre, but the A Level you walk away with carries the same value as one taken in a classroom.
Conclusion
Predicted grades might seem like one more thing to think about, but once you know how they work, they’re pretty straightforward. Choose subjects and exam boards that include a predicted grade, make sure you know where your grade will come from, and work steadily through your course. You can search for courses and check entry requirements on the UCAS homepage to see exactly what you’re aiming for.
Whether you’re working towards a maths degree or simply building on your love of numbers, your A Level predicted grades can be a solid first step.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is a predicted grade?
It’s an estimate of the grade you’re likely to get in a subject, based on how you’ve done during your studies. Universities use it to get an idea of your likely results before you’ve sat your final exams.
Do I need a predicted grade to apply to university?
In most cases, yes. A predicted grade is needed for most university applications, so it’s worth sorting out where yours will come from before you apply.
Can I get a predicted grade for A Level Maths if I’m studying on my own?
Yes, if you choose a course that offers it. Predicted grades for A Level Maths are currently offered with AQA, OCR (A) and Edexcel through some online providers, so check the exam board before you enrol.
How is a predicted grade calculated for private candidates?
It depends on the provider, but an evidence-based grade will usually look at your assessment results, how much of the course you’ve completed, the time you’ve spent studying, and a dedicated predicted grade assessment.
When will my predicted grade be sent?
With a predicted grade service, your grade is sent directly to UCAS as part of your application, in good time for your deadline. You’ll just need to meet the requirements within the allowed timeframe.
Do universities treat private candidates differently?
No. Universities compare predicted grades with their entry requirements in the same way for everyone. The A Level you sit as a private candidate is the same qualification taken by students in schools and colleges.
Pass Numerical Reasoning Team
We help thousands of students each year with revision, courses and online exams.
