Hello there, no you are not missing anything here. What you do need to do though is actually speak to the universities to which you are applying. All of us have comparison tables, so we can, for instance, have an idea of what HKDSE or Matura or A levels refer to, or GPA etc. All of us have experience of students coming in and all universities will have a view of, for instance, the maths levels, the thinking etc of students in general. I would very honestly call them, have a conversation, not defensively, just query it. Ask them what they think/ Remember also, learning 15 subjects at that level is not at all like learning 3 or 4 at A level. Students here have done their GCSE etc, before their A levels, and the depth A levels require (whatever some staff will tell you) is significant. Knowing a little about a LOT in MY opinion is PERFECT.. but some universities see it differently, they would rather the traditional A level, what they KNOW.. I would also say that the grades you see advertised on the web pages are 'reasuringly expensive' in some places.. by which I mean.. if they asked for 3 C's at A level would you apply? no.. because YOU want to go somewhere that askes for 3 A's.. IN reality I will BET you that most universities will consider a student who may not QUITE make their grades at clearing, and the best way to work that out is to actually talk to them.. come see us all, come to the svisits and opens, and if you cant do that, ring.. Do not rely on forums, webpages, and here-say.