From A Levels to Cognitive Science: How CGA Supports High-Achieving Students like Jed

For families exploring high-quality online schooling, one question consistently arises: can an online school truly prepare students for competitive universities such as Cambridge, UCL and Edinburgh?

For Jed, a full-time A Level student at Crimson Global Academy based in Shanghai, China, the answer is clear.

With offers from the University of Bristol and the University of Manchester, an unconditional offer from the University of Edinburgh, and awaiting decisions from University College London, his academic journey demonstrates how structured online education can support ambitious students aiming for leading UK universities.

Studying A Levels Online with Academic Rigour

Jed is currently in Year 2 of his A Levels at CGA, studying:

• Mathematics
• Physics
• Psychology
• Biology

His subject combination reflects both scientific precision and intellectual curiosity. His long-term academic interest lies in Cognitive Science, Cognitive Neuroscience and Psychology.

“I wish to study human minds and behaviour. I want to explore how we perceive things and why we might ignore certain things.”

His university course choices reflect this focused academic direction:

• University of Edinburgh – Cognitive Science, unconditional offer
• University of Manchester – Cognitive Neuroscience
• University of Bristol – Psychology with Innovation
• University College London – Arts and Sciences

Each course explores different dimensions of human cognition, decision-making and behaviour, demonstrating both depth and intellectual flexibility.

University Preparation and UCAS Support at CGA

One of the defining advantages of studying A Levels at CGA is personalised university guidance.

Jed credits Ms Jessica Jay, Head of Psychology and UCAS Coordinator, for playing a central role in his application journey.

“She helped me determine my academic interests and choose the five universities I applied to. I wrote the first draft and second drafts of my personal statement, and she gave me important advice on how to polish my essay. Luckily, I received a commendation award at the end.”

For students applying to competitive UK universities, expert support with personal statements, course selection and academic positioning is critical. CGA’s structured UCAS guidance ensures students are both challenged and carefully mentored throughout the process.

Achieving Top Grades in A Level Physics

Academic ambition must be supported by disciplined study habits. At the end of his AS year, Jed was awarded the prize for achieving the top mark in Physics.

His strategy reflects effective online learning habits:

• Building on strong foundations, including prior AP Physics study
• Using OneNote to organise subject knowledge systematically
• Completing past papers to identify strengths and knowledge gaps
• Accessing additional revision resources to strengthen exam technique

“I use OneNote, which is an important way to organise all your knowledge together and review it. I also did past papers before the exams, so I know which knowledge is a weaker part and which part I am doing well in.”

This combination of independence, structure and strategic practice is essential for success in A Level examinations.

The Benefits of a Global Online School Community

Beyond academics, Jed highlights CGA’s international student community as one of its strongest advantages.

“There are students from China, Japan, Europe, the Middle East and Africa. You can make friends with people from so many different cultures.”

Through cultural assemblies and student clubs, including the Psychology Club, students gain exposure to diverse perspectives and global traditions. Celebrations of events such as Halloween and the Mid-Autumn Festival create shared learning experiences beyond the curriculum.

For students who may previously have studied in more locally concentrated environments, this global interaction broadens perspective and builds intercultural competence.

Collaborative Learning in an Online Classroom

Online learning at CGA is designed to be interactive and discussion-based.

“What I enjoy most is discussing with other people in the collaboration space in class. For example, in Maths, Psychology and Biology, we sometimes discuss a particular exam question together. We can share our understanding.”

This collaborative model challenges the misconception that online education is isolating. Instead, students develop confidence in articulating ideas, analysing complex problems and engaging in academic dialogue.

Preparing for University and Beyond

Looking beyond his undergraduate studies, Jed is considering two potential paths:

1. Becoming a university researcher in Cognitive Neuroscience, exploring topics such as perception, consciousness and free will
2. Applying psychological knowledge in real-world contexts, bridging theory and practice

Both ambitions reflect critical thinking, intellectual depth and a desire to contribute meaningfully to society.

Advice for Students Considering Online A Levels

For students and parents considering online A Levels, Jed offers clear advice: develop strong time management skills.

“In an online school, there is no one supervising you like in a physical school. You need to manage everything yourself.”

He recommends creating structured timetables and using digital planning tools such as Google Calendar to organise coursework, revision and personal commitments.

This independence prepares students not only for university life but for professional environments where self-direction is essential.

Why Jed Recommends CGA

Jed strongly recommends CGA, particularly for students who are seeking academic challenge or who may not have access to high-quality international schools locally.

“For Chinese students from smaller cities, CGA might be a better choice compared to international schools in the local area. The faculty and teachers are better compared to lots of physical international schools in China. The support is also great.”

His experience highlights CGA’s ability to combine academic rigour, global exposure and structured mentorship in a fully online environment.

At CGA, students who are seeking greater challenge are not only supported, they are stretched, guided and empowered to think beyond boundaries. Ready to explore if online school is right for your family? Book a free consultation with a CGA Academic Advisor today and discover how we can help your child thrive.