did anyone get higher a level grades than predicted grades? if so, what did u do?

Hi Im currently in y12 studying biology, chemistry, geography and psychology (but i plan to drop psych end of this year). i want to study medicine/veterinary medicine but i flopped my y12 exams for bio + chem, and throughout the year ive been averaging C for both…so i think i have to take a gap year. my ucas predicted grades are going to be released later in july and they would probably be lower than the entry requirements for 2026 applications into med and vet med schools.

if i work really hard for my a levels and get higher grades which meet the entry requirements for med/vetmed courses, should i take a gap year and apply for 2027 entry with my a level grades? i understand clearance is near impossible for med/vet med schools, and if i do take a gap year i hope to do volunteering/wex.

im also worried and a bit confused about the short time period between the date when i receive my a level grades (probably august) and the early entry date to apply med/vetmed (15th october). if i do end up applying for med, should i start studying for my ucat when i get my a level grades or much earlier, as the time period between is really short (august and september).
should i apply for similar courses with lower entry requirements with my predicted grades and decline any offers i get if i receive higher a level grades?
i heard that if u take a gap year to apply for med, people take the ucat exams twice and most score higher on the second time - is this true?

sorry about the many confusing questions, but if anyone has gone through a similar experience, any advice would be appreciated.