Hi guys,
My GCSE predicted grades are 7A*, 1A and 1B... Realistically I think I will get 6A*, 2A and 1B, but who knows! I did triple Science, double English, History, Geography, German (A) and Music (B). On top of this, I completed a Free Standing Mathematics Qualification (advanced) for which I am predicted an A. I already completed GCSE Maths with an A grade (one mark off an A*, cheated out of it but oh well!)
I've already applied and been accepted into a good sixth form for the following subject combination:
History
Sociology
Psychology
Government and Politics
Yesterday I emailed the admissions administrator to ask whether I would be able to take Mathematics on top of this without taking lessons but teaching myself. I'd do this over the Summer and in my own time (I enjoy maths, but I wouldn't enjoy the overlap with what I've done already and I don't like working at other people's pace) and drop one of the five subjects in A2.
I was thinking - is it worth me completing Mathematics at A level if I want to apply for Cambridge? If I, say, got A*A*AA without the Mathematics and one of those A* subjects was the more demanding History, I'd have a good shot at Cambridge? Or would it be a much safer bet to top it up with a more traditional subject such as Mathematics to prove my ability?
If I went to Cambridge, I'd be looking at reading Sociology & Politics however there is a strong chance I won't want to go to Cambridge and will look to Southampton to study Criminology. Why? Ultimately, I want to join the police and progress up the ranks through the HPDS. Getting a good education would not only make this much more likely, however would give me a good backup if that didn't work out.
So yes.... sorry for the long windedness. Should I take Mathematics as a fifth subject at AS, and to what extent would this increase the likelihood of being accepted at Cambridge in a social science type subject?