If, like most of my students, you are considering taking maths A level and wonder what it takes to get an A*.
I can assure getting an A* in maths A level is certainly doable, but it will require dedication, hard work, and a good understanding of mathematical concepts.
With the right attitude and a little bit of help, I believe it can definitely be achievable. Let’s look at what it takes to get an A* in maths A level and the skills and strategies you will need to adopt to achieve this goal.
Also, if you are looking for ways to revise your A level maths, I wrote a whole article sharing how to successfully revise for A Level Maths with helpful tips and tricks.
How Hard Is It To Get An A In Maths A Level?
Getting an A* in maths A Level is much easier than most students think. To get an A* in A-level maths, I suggest you practice as many exam questions as possible, set up excellent and consistent revision methods, be organized, and ensure you fully understand the content covered.
In addition, I recommend you attend all your classes and stay on top of the content as you learn to get the best grades in A Level Maths.
Attending and staying on top of the content learned will save you a tremendous amount of time when it is time to revise.
How Many Points Is An A * Worth?
Generally, students who gain 217 out of a maximum of 300 marks will get an A*, according to June 2022 Edexcel’s maths A-level grade boundaries.
The table below shows the A level math grading and UCAS points.
| A Level Grade | UCAS points ( or UCAS Tariff points) |
| A* | 217 |
| A | 164 |
| B | 130 |
| C | 96 |
| D | 62 |
| E | 28 |
| U | 0 |
What Does It Take To Get An A* In Maths A Level?
Getting an A* in maths A level will take a lot of work for most students. But with the following tips, I believe you can increase your chances of scoring higher on your A level math exam.
Here is what it takes to get an A* in maths A level:
1- Start Early and Be Prepared
It is best to start preparing for your A level maths exam as early as possible. Ideally, I suggest you start from day one of your classes, as it will give you time to familiarize yourself with the topics and understand the key concepts that will be tested in the exam.
Make sure you have all the necessary textbooks, notes, and other materials ready before you begin studying so that you can make the most of your study sessions.
Additionally, I suggest making sure that you plan out your revision timetable far enough in advance so that you can cover everything in time for the exam.
2- Practice Makes Perfect
The more practice questions you do, the better prepared you’ll be for the actual exam. There are plenty of resources available online such as Past Papers and Mock Exams, which can help you get familiar with different types of questions and how they’re structured.
Additionally, there are also some great online courses available that can provide additional support if needed.
Furthermore, don’t forget to review past papers, as it will help you gain an understanding of what kinds of questions tend to appear in exams so that you can focus on those areas during your revision sessions.
Here are a few online resources to help you better prepare for your A level maths exam:
3- Understand Your Weaknesses
I strongly recommend you identify any weak areas in your knowledge so that you can focus on them during revision sessions. You should also pay attention to any mistakes that were made during practice tests or exams, as this will give you an idea of where your weaknesses lie and how best to address them.
Additionally, if there are any topics or concepts that are causing difficulty, then seeking out extra help from your teacher or a tutor may prove beneficial as they will be able to provide guidance on tackling difficult problems or explain concepts in more detail if needed.
4- Knowledge and Understanding of the Subject Matter
To get an A* in maths A level, you must have a strong grasp of the subject matter, including being able to identify formulae, solve equations, and answer logical questions quickly. It also involves being able to apply concepts from different topics together when solving problems or completing projects.
To achieve this knowledge and understanding, I believe that it is essential for you to review past exams or practice tests in order to familiarize themselves with the types of questions they may face on their actual exam.
5- Time Management Skills
Time management skills are vital for success in any area of life, but especially during exams such as those required for maths A level. During a test or exam period, time management becomes even more important as there are often more topics covered than can be completed within the allotted time.
Being able to gauge how long should be spent on each question accurately is key here; not rushing through them too quickly will give students more time to think through their answers and double-check their work before submitting it.
Additionally, making sure that enough time is allocated for breaks between subjects so that students can remain alert and focused throughout the entire exam is essential for high grades.
6- Exam Technique
In addition to having a thorough understanding of the subject matter and having sharp time management skills, having good exam technique is another critical element when attempting to get an A* in maths A level.
Exam technique involves things like reading each question carefully so that all instructions are followed accurately; using diagrams where appropriate; double-checking answers before submitting them; writing down any additional notes which may help with future questions; and managing stress levels throughout the duration of the exam (which can be done by taking frequent short breaks).
Practicing these techniques regularly will help ensure that your performance during exams will be top-notch come test day.
7- Watch a Lot Of YouTube Videos
YouTube is one of the best universities to learn anything you want, particularly the A level math. I encourage you to find good YouTube channels; keep in mind the channel does have to be about A level.
Your goal is to understand to deepen your understanding of fundamental math concepts. If you are looking for ways to learn calculus online with free resources to ace calculus, check out the article I wrote.
Here are a few excellent YouTube channels dedicated to math:
I encourage you to watch the video below for more tips on what it takes to get an A* in maths A level.
What to read next:
- Can You Do A Level Maths In 1 Year? (And How to Ace A Level Math in a Year!)
- Is A Level Chemistry Harder Than A Level Maths?
- Is the Casio FX-CG50 Graphing Calculator Worth It?
- 9 Hardest Calculus Problems Ever You’ll Ever Encounter.
Wrapping Up
Achieving an A* on your maths A Level isn’t easy, but I believe with hard work, dedication, effective studying techniques, good time management skills, and good exam technique, it can most definitely be done!
I suggest you start by preparing and ensuring you have all the necessary textbooks and materials ready before beginning your studies. It is also important that you practice as much as possible by doing mock exams or taking online courses if needed.
Additionally, I recommend you identify any weak areas you might have and address them effectively during your revision sessions. Don’t forget to seek extra help from a tutor if needed.
With these strategies under your belt, I believe you will have everything you need to succeed on your journey toward getting that coveted grade.