Academic Comeback

I am currently studying 4 A-levels, Portuguese, Sport Science, Biology and Chemistry.
I am predicted As for Portuguese and Sport, and I am quite confident with both subjects.
Biology and chemistry however have became increasingly difficult since Christmas and I got an E for my mocks in December. Previously I had been getting Bs and Cs.
My question is: Realistically how much can I improve before my exams? I need Cs for both and is it possible to improve 2 grades in about a month before my exams?
I would like to listen to the people who have done so and I am open to receive constructive criticism and tips from the people who have improved their grades last minute.
Thank you in advance and good luck to those sitting their exams in June 🫶🏻💕

Hi,
I definitely think improving by two grades in a month is possible, especially since you’ve been getting Bs and Cs before, so the potential is clearly there. Many students see a dip around December and then improve massively in the final stretch because they start focusing on the right things.
Try to identify your weakest areas first, use your mock feedback, past papers and exam specs to figure out which topics are dragging your grade down. Don’t try to re-learn everything, go for the high-impact gaps. Active revision only, no more passively reading notes. You should be doing active recall (e.g. blurting, flashcards, past paper questions) and practising timed exam questions every single day, even if it’s just 1–2 per subject.
Lots of marks in bio and chemistry come from how you answer, not just what you know. Use examiner reports and mark schemes to understand how to phrase things, especially with definitions, diagrams and 6-mark questions. Aim to touch all 4 subjects across the week, but give more time to bio and chem. You might want to do something like: Portuguese & Chem on one day, Sport & Bio the next — and mix in question practice for both.
Rooting for you!
Danish
BCU Student Rep

I am currently studying 4 A-levels, Portuguese, Sport Science, Biology and Chemistry.
I am predicted As for Portuguese and Sport, and I am quite confident with both subjects.
Biology and chemistry however have became increasingly difficult since Christmas and I got an E for my mocks in December. Previously I had been getting Bs and Cs.
My question is: Realistically how much can I improve before my exams? I need Cs for both and is it possible to improve 2 grades in about a month before my exams?
I would like to listen to the people who have done so and I am open to receive constructive criticism and tips from the people who have improved their grades last minute.
Thank you in advance and good luck to those sitting their exams in June 🫶🏻💕

Hey! 😊
Totally hear you, I did Chemistry at A-Level and trust me, they really ramp up in difficulty, especially after Christmas. But yes, with a month to go, improving by two grades is definitely possible.
Here’s what helped me when I needed to boost my grades fast:
1. Focus on your weak spots first. Go through your mock or past papers and see what topics consistently trip you up — start there.
2. Use active recall and past paper questions. Flashcards, blurting, and topic questions are way more effective than just reading notes. Learn a topic, then test yourself straight after.
3. Prioritise exam technique. For both subjects, knowing how to answer the question is just as important as knowing the content. Use mark schemes and examiner reports to learn what examiners are looking for.
4. Use short but focused sessions. Try 40-minute chunks with breaks to stay productive without burning out.
5. Past papers are your best friend. Do as many as you can, not just to test yourself, but to learn from them. You’ll start to recognise patterns and build confidence with the style of questions.
And honestly, don’t underestimate what you can do in a few weeks with the right approach. You’ve already done the hard part by recognising what needs work, now it’s about acting on it. You’ve got this! 💪
Happy to share more tips if you need, and good luck for June! 😊🫶🏻