Mock Exams, Predicted Grades, and Your Med School Application: What You Need to Know
- miriamsch
- Jun 17
- 2 min read
Mock exams can feel real, even if they are only formative. If you didn't get the results you hoped for, they might also feel like the end of the world. But here’s the truth: they’re not the final word. What matters now is what you do next.
Why do mock exams matter?
While your final A-level grades are what universities ultimately look at, your predicted grades play a huge role in your medical school application. And those predicted grades are often based heavily on your Year 12 mock results.
Most UK medical schools require AAA predicted grades as a minimum. So if your mocks didn’t reflect that, you may need to take action quickly to shift the trajectory.
Didn’t do as well as you'd hoped? Here's what to do:
Talk to your teachers: Don’t avoid the conversation. Speak to your subject teachers and ask what you can do to improve. Let them know you’re serious about medicine and committed to improving.
Understand what went wrong: Were your marks down to lack of revision, exam technique, or gaps in understanding? Knowing the cause is key to fixing the issue.
Start preparing for Year 13 mocks now: Many schools run new mock exams early in Year 13 – these can influence your final predicted grades. Start revising over the summer and aim to hit those top marks next time.
Get extra support: If you’re struggling with content or motivation, a tutor can make a huge difference. One-on-one support can help fill gaps and build confidence.
Show your progress: Even if your mocks weren’t ideal, a strong upward trend in class assessments or coursework can help convince teachers to predict higher grades.
The bottom line
Your predicted grades are crucial for getting med school interviews. If you didn’t hit AAA in your mocks, don’t panic – but don’t wait either. Use this moment as a wake-up call and put in the work now to turn things around.
Need help? Our expert A-level tutors specialise in helping aspiring medics reach the grades they need. Get in touch to find out how we can support you.
