What Does It Take to Get an A*?

An A* in A-Level Maths typically requires around 85-90% UMS (Uniform Mark Scale) across all papers. That means you can't afford to have any major weak areas — you need to be strong across pure maths, statistics, and mechanics. But here's the encouraging truth: an A* is not about genius. It's about consistency, precision, and smart practice.

The Difference Between an A and an A*

Students who get an A typically understand all the concepts well. Students who get an A* do three things differently: 1) They make fewer careless errors — sign mistakes, arithmetic slips, and misread questions. 2) They manage time better — they don't spend too long on tricky questions. 3) They've done more practice — so methods feel automatic rather than requiring conscious thought.

Step 1: Build Rock-Solid Foundations

A* students don't have weak areas. Go through every topic on the A-Level Maths syllabus and honestly rate your confidence. Any topic below 8/10 needs more work. Pay particular attention to: algebraic manipulation (the foundation of everything), trigonometric identities, integration techniques, and proof.

Step 2: Master the High-Mark Topics

Certain topics consistently carry more marks on exam papers. Focus extra practice on: differentiation and integration (including applications like optimisation, area under curves, and differential equations), sequences and series, trigonometry (including radians and compound angle formulas), and vectors. These topics appear on every paper.

Step 3: Practise Under Exam Conditions

Knowing the content is necessary but not sufficient. You need to be able to solve problems accurately under time pressure. From February onwards, complete one full past paper per week under strict exam conditions. Time yourself. No phone. No looking things up. Mark it honestly.

Step 4: Eliminate Careless Errors

At the A* boundary, careless errors are the difference between success and failure. Common errors include: sign errors (especially with negative numbers in brackets), forgetting +C in integration, not answering the actual question (e.g., finding dy/dx when asked for the gradient at a specific point), and arithmetic mistakes in long calculations. Use StudyVector's error tracker to identify your personal error patterns.

Step 5: Don't Neglect Applied Maths

Many students focus heavily on pure maths and treat statistics/mechanics as an afterthought. This is a mistake. Applied modules typically account for 33% of your total mark. Statistics: Make sure you understand hypothesis testing, the normal distribution, and conditional probability thoroughly. Mechanics: Practise resolving forces, projectile motion, and moments until they're second nature.

Step 6: Learn From Mark Schemes

Mark schemes reveal exactly what examiners are looking for. Study them carefully. Notice: how much working is required for full marks, common mistakes the mark scheme warns about, where method marks are allocated (so you know what to show even if your answer is wrong).

The A* Student's Weekly Routine

Monday-Thursday: 30-40 minutes of focused practice on specific topics (use StudyVector's practice mode). Focus on weak areas. Friday: Complete a mixed set of questions across all topics. Saturday: Full past paper under timed conditions. Sunday: Review the past paper. Redo every question you got wrong. Rest in the afternoon.

Mindset Matters

A* students don't see mistakes as failures — they see them as learning opportunities. Every wrong answer is information about what needs more practice. Stay patient. Stay consistent. The compound effect of daily practice is enormous.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

1) Doing too many easy questions — if you're getting everything right, the questions are too easy. Push yourself. 2) Revising without testing — re-reading notes doesn't build exam skills. 3) Ignoring weaker topics — it's human nature to revise what you're good at, but it's counterproductive. 4) Starting too late — A* preparation should begin in September of Year 13, not Easter.

Start Your A* Journey Today

Every day of practice brings you closer to the top grade. StudyVector provides unlimited practice questions, AI step-by-step solutions, and personalised gap analysis — everything you need to reach A*. Start free today.