Dubai: Students who came on top in A-level exams that were released on Thursday, shared advice on how to excel.

Gulf News spoke to some of the high achievers and asked them how they were able to do well in these life-changing exams.

Eighteen-year-old Russian, Vlad Inataev, who was one of those who came top at the Dubai British School (DBS), said he was expecting to outperform his fellow students.

“I was expecting to outperform but I did not expect to receive an A*,A, A in politics, business and media. I advise students to put in the effort. I studied one month before my exams. At times I would study five to six hours a day.”

Inataev, who plans on studying business management in the UK, said he was able to a have a social life through planning his time with a timetable.

Priyanka Ayer, who attends Al Yasmina School in Abu Dhabi, was the top performer at her school, receiving an A+ in all four subjects.

“My advice to all students doing their A-Levels is to stay organised and work hard because it really pays off in the end. I would also like to thank all my teachers in Al Yasmina for their constant support and guidance,” said the 19-old Indian.

Australian Mariah Fresi a DPS student who received two A* and two A’s in economics, business, sociology and history exams, on the other hand advised students to keep practising and prioritise their studies over their social life.

“I had no social like but it was worth all the hard work. I plan on studying law at Sydney University.”

Natasha Wren, a British-Danish expat who received two A* and a B, said taking advantage of time in school is very important.

“You should take advantage of the teachers and free periods in school. Make use of the free classes to ask your teachers to explain questions that you have difficulty understanding.”

Wren plans studying communication and media at Newcastle University.