If you’re currently sitting at a C in AQA A Level Psychology and wondering whether an A or even an A* is realistic…
It is.
But not if you keep revising the same way.
I’ve seen students move up two grades in AQA Psychology - not because they suddenly became “smarter”, but because they changed how they practised.
(Quick note - if you want structured AQA-style 16-mark practice with model A* essays and proper mark schemes for 2026, I’ve put together some predicted papers here: AQA A-Level Psychology 2026 Predicted Papers. They’re designed specifically to improve AO3 and essay structure. Completely optional.)
Now here’s what actually needs to change.
Step 1: Realise It’s Not a Knowledge Problem
Most C-grade students in AQA Psychology think:
“I just need to learn more content.”
Usually, that’s not the issue.
You probably understand the theories.
The real issue is how you’re writing about them.
At C level, essays often:
- Spend too long on AO1
- Rush AO3
- List evaluation points without depth
- End with vague conclusions
That’s a structure problem - not an intelligence problem.
Step 2: Fix the AO1 vs AO3 Balance
In AQA 16-mark questions, AO3 is worth more than AO1.
Yet most C-grade essays are heavy on description.
If half your answer is explaining the theory, you’re limiting your mark.
To move up:
- Keep AO1 clear and concise
- Focus on developing evaluation properly
- Make sure AO3 is doing the heavy lifting
A* essays don’t write more.
They write sharper.
Step 3: Stop Listing Evaluation Points
A lot of mid-band AQA essays look like this:
Strength.
Weakness.
Another weakness.
That won’t reach the top level.
Instead, take 3-4 strong evaluation points and fully develop them.
Explain:
- Why the strength or weakness matters
- What it affects
- How it changes the overall judgement
Depth is what examiners reward.
Step 4: Make Real Judgements
To go from a C to an A* in AQA Psychology, your essays must weigh arguments.
For example:
“Although the study had low ecological validity, the high level of control increases internal validity, meaning cause-and-effect relationships can be established.”
That’s balanced.
But push further:
“However, because AQA Psychology emphasises real-world application, limited ecological validity may reduce the usefulness of the findings outside the laboratory.”
That’s evaluative.
That’s top-band thinking.
Step 5: Practise 16 Markers Under Time Pressure
Be honest.
How many full AQA 16-mark essays have you written under timed conditions?
Not plans.
Not half answers.
Full essays.
If the answer is “not many,” that’s why your grade hasn’t moved.
Structure improves through repetition.
Step 6: Rewrite Your Conclusions
A common C-level ending:
“Overall, there are strengths and weaknesses.”
That won’t push you into the highest band.
A strong AQA conclusion:
- Identifies the most significant factor
- Explains why it outweighs others
- Links back to the question
Examiners reward decisive judgement.
The Reality
Moving from a C to an A* in AQA A Level Psychology is not about natural ability.
It’s about:
- Tight AO1
- Developed AO3
- Clear structure
- Strong judgement
- Regular timed practice
Psychology is very beatable.
But it rewards precision.
If anyone wants, drop an AQA 16-marker below and I’ll show you how I’d structure it for top band.