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Physics with only A2/SL maths?

I am currently studying for my IB and would like to do a Bsc physics at a top university when I am done. However, I dropped higher maths early last year as I didnt think that I would need it (didnt realise I wanted to do physics). Is it possible to apply with standard level maths and would I have any chance of being accepted with this disadvantage?

Just for other info, I am predicted to get around 38 points with at least a 6 in HL physics

Any help would be appreciated :smile:

Thanks

Reply 1

11flon

I did a similar thing but with A-levels. Dropped maths after AS thinking I wanted to study a different subject and then realised I wanted to study physics. I emailed round quite a few universities explaining my situation and mentioning my predicted grades and also making it clear i was willing to do a third year at college to complete maths A2 if that's what it took. I asked if there was any chance of being accepted onto a course this year or if doing a third year at college would damage my application next year. Exeter and Kent both agreed to look at my ucas but, as I'd used my 5 choices applying to the other subject, I was applying through Extra which meant I could only apply to one university at a time. I chose Exeter who made me a really nice offer and invited me down to give me the material to teach myself he required maths over summer :smile:

a lot of universities, particularly big city unis and unis which are higher in league tables for physics said they definitely required maths at A2/higher level, but they all said they'd be fine with 3rd year applicants except Edinburgh who said it may make me less competitive - whereas Manchester Uni said it would actually show my determination to study physics. I know pretty much nothing about IB so I don't know whether doing a third year to complete higher maths is possible but I thought I'd give you all the info I had :smile:

Tl;dr email the universities and explain your situation and ask their advice, I found most of them to be surprisingly helpful! :smile:

you might want to look into whether it's possible to complete maths at HL in a 3rd year at college or look at a foundation year if you find you can't get any offers without HL maths.

(edited 11 years ago)

Reply 2

Azland

AL math actually covers more then SL math. The only big change is when it goes to HL which covers much more.

Reply 3

oxymoronic

You will have to check each universities IB entry requirements. If they have HL maths as essential, then you can't apply to that university. I would also talk to universities who list HL maths as "preferred" as they will often use this to discriminate against applicants, so in a competitive situation, if one candidate is offering the preferred subjects and others aren't, then they'll opt for the people with the preferred subjects.