Flying to the US is already a nightmare. This is just the final straw, really, why would I want to put myself through any more? There are plenty of countries that I've never visited who would welcome my money and not treat me like a criminal for wanting to visit them. Sorry USA, no sale.

You don't technically need A Levels to get into even top universities, it's just the most common path. They can offer places just based on a good interview as can happen with Home Educated students who don't always bother with A Levels.