1. A levels are equalent more or less to the US Undergraduate system, at least in terms of academic knowledge that students learn. Its the differing aims of the US and Uk systems, the US is about integration into society, rather than so much learning.
Hmm...so I presume that you've had things like linear algebra, ect,
since you're interested in Math(s). Outstanding students, in good
districts in the US manage that level. It kind of makes me wonder
what you do at the undergrad level though. I mean, foreign grad
students seem about at the same level of knowledge as those from
the US. Indeed, we had a couple of students from France recently,
who were pretty damned unimpressive, in terms of what they seemed
to know.
I am sure you will end up being content again, but being content isnt my thing.
I have mixed feelings on it. The exhilaration comes from NOT being content.
The strong raw emotions - even intellectual ones. On the other hand, there's
something nice about all the big problems in life being settled - and just enjoying.
Ah, I didn't feel any of that, at your age though. You might find that you feel
more of a pull towards contentment, as you age.