My A-Levels didn’t go as expected. What next? 

For some of us, “unexpected” might look like that one university course we might not be able to enter. For others, it might be a conditional offer that we don’t meet the requirements of. If you’re facing something like that, then we’re in the same boat.

Honestly, I dislike my awkward score with a burning passion. I dislike the fact that I had to watch opportunities vanish into the wind because of this score.

I also dislike the fact that, in spite of my disappointment, my performance was objectively decent – which is why I can’t seem to talk about my results without feeling guilty.

Or maybe, you’re on the flip side of the coin. You exceeded your own expectations. Well done, and I really am proud of you! At this point, so many doors are open to you… but it is overwhelming and you feel lost.

Whatever you are facing, it can be conflicting, tiring and lonely. So, here are 5 Rs that will help to guide us through this season of uncertainty.

Remember God’s goodness

It’s easy to allow all our negative emotions to sink in and take root.

But there is a better way. We are called to give thanks continually even in the midst of suffering (Colossians 3:17).

I have found comfort in looking back on all the times God was with me and carried me through, and counting each of my blessings that God has blessed me with.

During my A-Level season, He was good to me.

Rereading my thanksgiving journal, I was reminded that God blessed me with familiar essay topics and good rest every night before my papers. I even had the opportunity to help my friends with General Paper, which was an experience that I would never forget and thoroughly enjoyed. 

How about you? Maybe it was an answered prayer for a certain topic not to be tested! Or maybe, it was the strength to endure long studying marathons.

We overcame A-Levels with God’s strength. And so, whatever the results may be, let’s thank God. Instead of focusing only on the outcome, let’s take a moment to be grateful for the journey and people along the way. 

Realign yourself with His will

Whether we have too many choices or nearly none at all, it’s natural to feel confused, lost and anxious at this stage. 

At this point, take some time to process your emotions. Talk to a trusted person about how you’re feeling. 

Above all, talk to God. Share with Him how you’re feeling because He cares for you (1 Peter 5:7)! Ask for His wisdom and guidance.

I’m reminded of the story of Mary sitting at Jesus’ feet. In Luke 10:38-42, Mary sits at the feet of Jesus in complete submission and trust, while Martha is consumed by working and worrying in the house rather than listening to Jesus Himself. 

Do we often find ourselves like Martha, in a state of frenzy and stress? Examinations are a big milestone, and results do matter – but they are not bigger than our God. He is greater than our situations and worries.

What helped me personally is spending time in prayer and reflection as I considered my future. Try not to be hasty and jump to conclusions, both about your future and yourself. Trust that God will speak as you wait on Him.

Recalibrate your path

Here come the more practical steps. Take time to reflect on what matters to you, and be intentional with your choices. Visit open houses and talk to seniors. Look at course modules to see what interests and suits you!

Even if you don’t have an exact career or profession in mind, it helps to think of something you want to achieve in the future. It could be helping others, interacting with people, doing research… you can trust that God definitely has something in store for you.

You might also consider certain paths less travelled.

Taking a gap year, retaking A-Levels, signing on… there are many options that we might bring before God with discernment.

There is absolutely no shame in doing something less conventional. If it really is God’s plan for you, it is the best plan. 

One thing I try to remind myself, is that God’s calling for me is greater than man’s approval. My next path does not require external validation, because I know that God is leading me to where He thinks is best for me.

Rest and rejoice

These few weeks of researching and applying will pass by quickly, and it can be exhausting. I see you, and I hear you. I, too, am finding myself in the whirlwind of university applications and figuring out what else to do. 

Amidst the busyness, if you haven’t already, take time to rest in God. Bring your feelings to God. Even though your As may have gone unexpectedly, your identity will first and foremost be God’s precious child.

He will always love you (Psalm 103:8).

Also, find time to reconnect with your family and friends. Many of them stood by us during A-Levels, so do spend some time with them and thank them for their support.

Finally, continue to hope in the Lord and trust that God is in control. Rejoice that this chapter in our lives can finally be closed, and take comfort in the fact that we are now moving towards our next phase of life.

So, what’s next?

For a while, I felt deeply upset about my performance. I felt strangely guilty for missing out on opportunities that I previously had. I felt that I had let everyone down. But, now, I have let go of these false expectations and negative feelings.

The A-Level results forced me to sit down and stop going through the motions of life. In some ways, it reshaped my outlook on my future and even strengthened my faith in God. 

These grades are really not the be-all and end-all. Whether you did well or not, your life is not going to be locked up in stone. Doing well now does not guarantee a smooth sailing life, and doing less well than expected does not mean your life is over either.

The A-Levels is just a stepping stone to the next phase in life. And that’s true whether you are retaking the examinations, going on a gap year or going to university.

Regardless of your results, nobody can take away the fact that you did your best and worked hard for this major milestone.

Don’t compare yourself to anyone else – there is no comparison and no condemnation in His love.

If nobody has told you this, I want to tell you that I’m proud of you and proud of your efforts! You are fearfully and wonderfully made in God’s image (Psalm 139:14) and you are deeply loved.

You might be feeling stuck, lost and tired, but even if you cannot see the light at the end of the tunnel, there is always a way out in Jesus.

After all, don’t we always sing, “We live by faith and not by sight”? It’s time to make this not just head knowledge, but also heart knowledge!