Thursday (August 18) is a big day for students up and down the country, as they anxiously wait to receive their A level results.
Tens of thousands of pupils across England, Wales and Northern Ireland will find out how they did in the first exams held since the coronavirus pandemic. It is expected that A level grades will be lower overall compared with last year, when students were assessed by teachers, but should still be higher than in 2019.
This year’s race for university places is expected to be one of the most competitive yet, with almost 40 per cent of students thought likely to make use of the clearing system to find a place on a course.
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The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) has acknowledged that offer-making has been “more conservative” this year, with the chief executive Clare Marchant warning results day will not be a “pain-free” experience for students. However, Ofqual – the exams regulator in England – and UCAS has sent a letter to students reassuring them that most will still secure their first choice of university.
In making their offers, some universities will consider UCAS tariff points. The UCAS Tariff provides a way for universities and colleges to draw comparisons between the wide range of qualifications they see on their applications.
What are UCAS tariff points?
Tariff points translate qualifications and grades into a numerical value, according to UCAS. Most qualifications have a tariff value which depends on the qualification size, and the grade awarded.
While some universities, colleges, and conservatoires do refer to tariff points in their course entry requirements, UCAS says this doesn’t mean they won’t consider qualifications that don’t appear on the tariff – so it is worth checking the course requirements carefully.
In addition, not all universities and colleges use tariff points when making offers – many just use qualifications and grades instead.
What are A level grades worth in UCAS tariff points?
At A level, the following grades are worth the equivalent tariff points:
- A* is equivalent to 56 Ucas tariff points
- A is equivalent to 48 Ucas tariff points
- B is equivalent to 40 Ucas tariff points
- C is equivalent to 32 Ucas tariff points
- D is equivalent to 24 Ucas tariff points
- E is equivalent to 16 Ucas tariff points
You can calculate your total tariff points using the UCAS Tariff calculator here.
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