I am increasingly asked about the impact of AS module retakes. At present it is clear from my discussions with universities that they are entirely acceptable in most circumstances, but they can have a negative effect in three areas:
1. Universities put greater value on an A level completed in two years rather than three. So try to avoid doing retakes that span three academic years.
2. Universities are increasingly focusing on AS level grades, as these are now required to be put on the application form, and any discrepancy with "predicted" A level grades is treated with caution unless the school reference highlights a specific reason for AS level underperformance. So avoiding the need to retake in Year 13 is valuable in this regard.
3. With the most competitive courses, such as Medicine, there are a large number of applicants with very strong AS grades first time around who would have some advantage over those undertaking retakes.
