Frequently Asked Questions

Every question parents ask,
answered right here.

The most common questions we've received over 7 years — organized by topic for fast answers.

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01 · Program

About the A Level Program

The most common questions about Cambridge, Edexcel, and study pathways.

What is A Level? How does it differ from IB and AP?
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A Level (Advanced Level) is the UK's 6th Form qualification spanning 2 years (Year 12 and Year 13). Students typically choose 3-4 subjects to study in depth, rather than the broader approach of IB or AP.

Key differences:

  • A Level vs IB: A Level goes deep in fewer subjects; IB is broader with 6 subjects + Core (TOK, EE, CAS). A Level is generally considered easier to achieve A* than IB.
  • A Level vs AP: AP consists of standalone US exams, not a full program. A Level is recognized as an official qualification by UK/Singapore/Australia; AP serves as supplementary credits.
  • Best fit: A Level is ideal for UK/Singapore/Australia. IB suits US-bound students. AP is best for the US.
Should I choose Cambridge (CAIE) or Edexcel?
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Both are equally recognized by universities. The difference lies in exam structure and question style:

  • Cambridge CAIE: Questions tend to test concepts deeply, with application questions requiring flexible thinking. Grade thresholds are typically higher.
  • Edexcel (IAL): Questions are more structured and closely follow the specification. Multiple exam sessions per year (Jan, May/June, Oct), flexible for retakes.

The choice depends on your child's school (many only offer one board). When there is a choice, we advise based on each student's learning strengths.

How many A Level subjects should my child take?
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3 subjects is the standard — sufficient for most UK, Singapore, and Australian university entry requirements.

4 subjects may suit your child if:

  • Targeting Oxbridge or Medicine (highly competitive)
  • Strong academics with good time management
  • Unsure about degree choice and wants to keep options open

Avoid 5 subjects — unless targeting specific scholarships. Quality trumps quantity: A*A*A in 3 subjects beats AABB in 4.

Is AS Level mandatory? Does it require a separate exam?
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Not mandatory. There are two approaches:

  • Linear: Study for 2 full years then sit all papers at once in Year 13. Common with Cambridge CAIE.
  • Modular: Sit AS separately in Year 12, then A2 in Year 13. AS marks contribute to the final A Level grade. Common with Edexcel IAL.

AS grades are used as Predicted Grades for UCAS applications, very important for university entry. Many schools require AS as evidence of ability.

Can my child study A Level in Vietnam?
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Yes. A Level can be studied in Vietnam through three formats:

  • International schools: BIS, ISHCMC, BVIS, UNIS... teaching the official A Level program.
  • Tutoring centers: Independent study, sitting exams at British Council or CfBT as a private candidate.
  • 1-on-1 tutoring: Personalized roadmap, sitting exams as a private candidate. Ideal for retakes or self-study.

At Times Edu, we support all three formats — especially registration and exam prep for private candidates.

When do A Level exams take place?
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Depends on the exam board:

  • Cambridge CAIE: Two sessions per year — May/June and October/November.
  • Edexcel IAL: Three sessions — January, May/June, and October.

Exam registration must be completed 4-5 months early (e.g. register by February for May/June). We handle the entire registration process for our students.

Can you retake A Level exams if scores are low?
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Yes. A Level allows unlimited retakes. The highest score is used for university applications.

Points to note:

  • Some UK universities look unfavorably on multiple retakes — consider carefully
  • Oxbridge and Medicine may view retakes unfavorably — best to achieve your highest score on the first attempt
  • For most universities, one retake to improve from B to A* is perfectly acceptable
My child is in the Vietnamese curriculum — can they switch to A Level?
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Yes, but preparation is needed. The biggest gap isn't knowledge — it's academic English and learning to a structured syllabus.

Our typical recommended roadmap:

  • Assess IELTS level + current subject proficiency
  • If IELTS < 6.0: Build academic English for 3-6 months first
  • Start AS Level with 2-3 familiar subjects (Math, Physics) first, add more later
  • Advise on choosing the right board (CAIE/Edexcel)
02 · Tuition

Tuition & Payment

Transparent about costs — no hidden fees, no long-term commitment.

How much does A Level tutoring cost?
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We publish four transparent packages — the more sessions you book, the lower the per-session rate:

  • Foundation · 12 sessions: 21,600,000 VND (1,800,000 VND/session)
  • Intermediate · 18 sessions: 30,780,000 VND (1,710,000 VND/session) — most popular
  • Advanced · 36 sessions: 59,400,000 VND (1,650,000 VND/session) — outcome-guaranteed
  • Academic Elite · 72 sessions: 113,400,000 VND (1,575,000 VND/session) — full A* roadmap with priority Senior tutor

Each session is 90–120 minutes, taught 1-on-1 (offline at our offices or online via Zoom). Combo discounts apply for 2+ subjects (see below). Call our hotline 0362 038 998 for personalised guidance on the right package for your child's goals.

Do I need to pay upfront for the full course?
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You can choose how to pay for your chosen package:

  • One-time payment: Standard package price, no extra fees
  • 2–3 instalments: Available for larger packages (36 or 72 sessions) — split evenly by progress
  • Pay-as-you-go: Most flexible — pay monthly as your child uses sessions, at the per-session rate of your chosen package

No binding contract — you can stop at any time with one week's notice. Unused sessions are refunded at the per-session rate of your package.

Is there a refund policy?
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Yes. We have a "first 2 weeks" guarantee:

  • If after 2 weeks there's no clear improvement, parents can request a free tutor change
  • Or request a 100% refund for unused sessions
  • The first assessment is always free — not counted toward this guarantee

No hidden conditions, no fine print.

Is there a tuition difference between online and offline?
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A slight difference (about 10-15%) since offline includes room and tutor travel costs. Online is usually more economical with equivalent quality — especially for calculation-heavy subjects (Math, Physics, Accounting).

We recommend online for most students, unless your child specifically needs in-person sessions.

Are there discounts for multiple subjects?
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Yes. We offer:

  • 2-subject combo: 10% off total tuition
  • 3-subject combo: 15% off + a free 60-minute UCAS consultation (most popular for Year 12/13 — most A Level students take 3 subjects)
  • Sibling discount: 15% off for the second child, 20% off from the third — stackable with subject combos
  • Referral bonus: 1 free month (4 sessions) for every successful referral — no limit on how many times you can refer
What payment methods are accepted?
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We accept:

  • Bank transfer (most common)
  • Momo, ZaloPay (for smaller transactions)
  • Cash at our Landmark 81, Linden Residences (HCMC) or Century Tower (Hanoi) offices
  • International credit cards (payment gateway, 2-3% surcharge)

VAT invoices available upon request.

03 · Tutors

About Our Tutors

The people who walk directly alongside your child.

What qualifications do Times Edu's tutors have?
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Our tutors are highly experienced specialists, with degrees from top global universities — including Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial, UCL, LSE, Warwick, and King's College London. A handful also hold degrees from leading Australian and Singaporean institutions.

Minimum recruitment requirements:

  • Bachelor's degree (First Class / Upper Second) or higher
  • Degree must match the subject taught
  • Pass 3 rounds: CV screening, teaching demo, 1-month trial
  • 40 hours of internal A Level teaching methodology training
Can I choose a specific tutor?
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Possible, but not always. We typically recommend the best-matched tutor based on:

  • Student's current level
  • Phong cách học tập (visual, auditory, analytical...)
  • Mục tiêu điểm số và lịch thi
  • Tutor's track record with similar cases

After the first session, if the match isn't right, parents can request a switch — completely free.

What if the tutor isn't a good match?
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Free tutor switch, no explanation needed. We understand that tutor-student fit is crucial — sometimes "excellent" doesn't mean "right fit."

The switching process is straightforward: parents notify us via Zalo or hotline, we propose a new tutor within 48 hours, and the first session with the new tutor is free if your child decides not to continue.

Are the tutors Vietnamese or foreign? Can they teach in English?
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Our team is primarily made up of Vietnamese tutors trained at top global universities — they understand both worlds: the rigour of the A Level curriculum and the mindset of Vietnamese students.

All tutors can teach in English (minimum IELTS 7.5+), but they default to Vietnamese so students absorb the material faster. Subject-specific terminology is always introduced in English to match exam wording.

If parents request fully English instruction (for international students or listening practice), we can arrange it.

Are tutors monitored for quality?
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Yes. We have a 4-layer quality monitoring system:

  • Weekly reports: Tutors submit detailed progress reports every week; parents receive a copy
  • Periodic review: Academic Director reviews sample lessons monthly
  • Student surveys: Feedback collected after every 8 sessions
  • Standardized mock tests: Students take common mock tests quarterly to measure progress
04 · Roadmap

Roadmaps & Methods

How we walk alongside every student.

What does the first consultation look like?
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The first session is completely free, lasting 45-60 minutes, with 3 parts:

  • 15 min — Listening: Parents and students share their current situation, goals, and challenges
  • 20 min — Diagnostic test: Student takes a short assessment so we can determine actual level
  • 15 min — Roadmap proposal: Based on results, we propose a personalized roadmap with specific timelines

No commitment, no pressure. Many parents use this session to understand their child's situation before deciding.

How many sessions per week does my child need?
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Depends on goals and time remaining before exams:

  • 2 sessions/week: Most popular — ideal for a long-term plan (3-6 months before the exam)
  • 3 sessions/week: When you need to accelerate, closer to the exam (1-2 months out)
  • 1 session/week: Maintenance mode — best after the foundation is solid
  • 4+ sessions/week: Intensive mode — when you need a breakthrough in a short time

Each session is 90-120 minutes. Your tutor will recommend the specific frequency after the initial assessment.

Can the roadmap be adjusted?
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Yes, regularly. We review the roadmap every 4 weeks based on:

  • Mock test results
  • Student feedback on difficulty level
  • Changes in target grades or intended degree
  • AS exam results (if applicable)

This flexibility keeps the roadmap aligned with real needs, rather than locked to the initial plan.

What platform is used for online learning?
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We use Zoom alongside several supporting tools:

  • Zoom Pro: High-quality video with every session recorded
  • Microsoft Whiteboard / Miro: Interactive whiteboards for writing formulas and drawing diagrams
  • Google Drive: Shared materials, past papers, and assignments
  • Zalo/Telegram: Out-of-class support and quick photo sharing of homework

Students receive a recording after every session to review — a major advantage over in-person sessions.

My child is at grade C/D — can they reach A*/A?
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Absolutely — and we've proven this hundreds of times. A C/D grade rarely reflects a lack of ability. The usual culprits are:

  • Foundation gaps (a shaky AS base)
  • The wrong study approach (broad instead of deep)
  • Missing exam technique aligned with the mark scheme
  • Not enough timed practice with proper feedback

When the issue is diagnosed correctly and fixed at the right spot, many students improve by 2-3 grades within 3-4 months. You can read specific stories on our Student Testimonials page.

Do parents receive progress updates?
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Yes — this is one of our core transparency commitments. Parents receive:

  • Weekly report: Sent via email or Zalo, summarising lesson content, strengths and weaknesses, and the plan for the coming week
  • Mock test report: A detailed error analysis after every mock test
  • Parent meeting: Quarterly check-in with the tutor, in person or online
  • Zalo hotline: Direct line to the tutor during business hours, any time
Is there support for homework outside class hours?
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Yes. Every student receives:

  • Homework: Assigned after every session, marked with feedback within 48 hours
  • Zalo support: Send photos of difficult problems — tutors respond same day
  • Past paper library: Access to a question bank organised by topic
  • Study materials: Flashcards, mind maps, and summary notes
05 · Study Abroad

Study Abroad Guidance

A Level is just the first step — the destination is your dream university.

Which countries accept A Level?
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A Level is widely recognized worldwide:

  • UK: "Gold standard" — accepted by all universities
  • Singapore: NUS, NTU, SMU all regard A Level as a top qualification
  • Australia: Recognized as equivalent to ATAR
  • Canada: Accepted by most universities, some may require extras
  • US: Accepted, but most universities also require SAT/ACT
  • Hong Kong, Europe: Well recognized
What A Level grades are needed for Oxbridge?
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Minimum requirements are typically A*A*A for most courses, with A* in the relevant subject. However, A Level grades alone aren't enough — you also need:

  • High scores in admissions tests (MAT, STEP, TSA, BMAT...)
  • An impressive Personal Statement
  • Successful interview (Oxbridge interviews are notoriously challenging)
  • Relevant extracurricular and super-curricular activities

We offer a dedicated Oxbridge consulting service — contact us for details.

How to choose subject combinations for your target degree?
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Each degree has its own "golden trio." Popular combos:

  • Medicine: Chemistry + Biology + Math/Physics
  • Engineering: Math + Physics + Further Maths/Chemistry
  • Economics/Finance: Math + Economics + Accounting/Further Maths
  • Computer Science: Math + CS + Further Maths/Physics
  • Law: Flexible (no specific subject required), but History/English give an edge
  • Architecture: Math + Art/Physics + a humanities subject

For more detail, see our Subject Combos page.

What are Predicted Grades? How important are they?
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Predicted Grades are forecast scores that teachers/schools estimate a student will achieve in actual A Level exams. Used for UCAS applications (UK) and some Singapore/Australia universities.

Important because:

  • Determines whether you meet the entry requirements for your target degree
  • Affects your "offer" (conditional offers are based on Predicted Grades)
  • Some universities only consider applications with Predicted ≥ minimum requirements

Chúng tôi hỗ trợ học viên tối ưu Predicted thông qua mock test kết quả cao và báo cáo học tập chi tiết gửi cho school.

What is UCAS? Does Times Edu help with UCAS?
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UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) is the centralized application system for all UK universities. Students submit just 1 UCAS application with up to 5 choices.

We provide comprehensive UCAS support:

  • University and course selection aligned with abilities and goals
  • Personal Statement writing (brainstorm, draft, in-depth editing)
  • Admissions test preparation (MAT, STEP, BMAT...)
  • Interview preparation for Oxbridge and Medicine
  • Tracking offers and guiding CF/I confirmation
My child wants to study in the US — is A Level enough?
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A Level is recognized in the US but not sufficient on its own — you also need:

  • SAT or ACT: Required by most universities
  • TOEFL/IELTS: English proficiency proof
  • Extracurriculars: Much more important in the US than UK
  • Essays (Common App): Multiple in-depth essays
  • Recommendation letters: 2-3 letters required

If the US is the primary goal, IB or AP may be a better fit than A Level. We advise specifically based on target universities.

Still have questions?

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