Pupils should sit American-style university admissions tests to help tutors to discriminate between candidates, according to a review of examinations commissioned by the Tories.
The independent review, which says A levels are not fit for purpose, also recommends that universities be given a central role in designing the A-level syllabus to make it more rigorous and prepare pupils for a degree.
Sir Richard Sykes, former rector of Imperial College London, who chaired the 18-month review said the pre-university test would measure language, mathematics and reasoning skills.
A university assessment test spans the entire population, irrespective of the subject that they are taking, he said.
Related LinksGlut of A* for pupils at private schoolsThe new university challenge is to unravel Labours messThe panel of academics, heads and examination experts concluded that universities needed more than A-level grades to choose the best candidates.
More than one in eight candidates was awarded an A grade at A level last year. Competition for places on degrees is now fiercer than ever with straight A students missing out on offers.
Michael Gove, the Shadow Schools Secretary, said: The current A level offer doesnt provide universities with the degree of precision that they require when it comes to ranking students by ability.
The Conservatives will consult universities over the introduction of an aptitude test, similar to the US SATs, for all prospective university students, he added.
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