A2 was an awful year for me in terms of workload and motivation. On reflection I wish I spent more time having fun than studying.
Five things you should know:
- Everyone will go through that 'Oh my god, University of [name] has made me an offer, let's tell everyone!" phase. If you don't get an offer, don't worry. Offers don't really mean a certain university wants you, it just means you're being considered - subject to your actual grades. Don't haunt the internet checking if people have got offers yet, do something productive/fun instead.
- Get whatever grade predictions your school/sixth form has given you out of your head. They are not definite and will either make you stressed or lazy. Don't have a fixed target, have a comfortable grade range to work on instead.
- Have an excellent insurance choice, prioritise this! If you had to spend ages choosing between your first and insurance choice, and there's a nice grade difference between them, then you've done the right thing.
- You will change your mind back and forth about your course/uni and life in general. Ignore this as it's natural.
- Don't waste all your valuable time revising/studying. Go out, socialise, learn to drive, enjoy your final year, be 18 etc.
In other words, the whole year is hyped up to be the most crucial time in your life... it is not. Teachers will pressure you into following that mentality, but ignore them. Treat it like any other year and enjoy it.