A-levels: Relative Difficulty and Uni Admissions Selection criteria

Definitely agree English Literature should be up there.
I'm interested in hearing how you'd rate Latin though, Paul. For GCSE I got B in Maths, A* A* in English Lit/Lang and A in Latin. I'm looking at A in Maths A Level, A in English Lit and B (hopefully A) in Latin. From my experience, I've personally found Latin has made Maths and English Lit A level seem simplistic in comparison, despite me having to work that much harder in maths. I mean for A2 Latin alone I'm having to learn 550 lines of latin in memory for a comprehension/essay/translation, learn prosody, learn/be able to use pretty much a (thick) book full of grammar rules (including declensions, conjugations and rules for writing english to latin), learn/be able to use the principle parts of over 1000 latin words eng to latin and vice versa. That added to the harsh marking of the examination and the fact that the exam will contain words you've never seen before.... very difficult stuff!

My friend got into Cambridge to study law with three 'reds'. People shouldn't take notice of this, just study what you enjoy.

which 3?

My bad, 2 reds (law & business studies) and one normal (English lit + lang combined).

Point still stands, though.

For Law LAw A-level would only be red-ish. But you friend still did well.


Yes students should take subjects they like. But if looking at top unis and or extra competitive courses they should all consider the preferences of those institutions.

I'm surprised that Law's red!

I'd like to have a go at applying for a prestigious Uni like Cambridge to do Computer Science. I study Maths, Physics, Computing and Media. Currently in Yr 12, I guess this means that I can only drop Media (or carry on all 4 next year) for a chance of getting in? Media is probably one of my better subjects and helps keep balance with my maths-related ones so would be quite reluctant to drop it really.

Found the list really helpful

Well in simple terms Law is a new A-level and unis are conservative. i.e. top unis are in a strong position as they get many applicants and so why would they take the risk on an untested A-level. But in time their positions soften. e.g. the report mentions specifically that unis are discriminating less against Law than they used to.

Carrying on with all 4 sounds like a good idea to me. e.g. the average entry tariff at cambridge for Computer Science is 585 (guardian 2010)/591 (Independent 2010).

Ah ok thanks. Sorry if I sound silly, but what's the difference between the average entry tariff & the UCAS tariff? Thanks

Find it slightly odd that Computing is on the green list yet is considered a C-list "only as a forth subject" by Trinity Cambridge?

I'm finishing off the old A2 of this and am planning an oxford application and am confused as to whether it is considered good or bad. (Applying for pure maths, in all likelyhood)

Find it slightly odd that Computing is on the green list yet is considered a C-list "only as a forth subject" by Trinity Cambridge?

I'm finishing off the old A2 of this and am planning an oxford application and am confused as to whether it is considered good or bad. (Applying for pure maths, in all likelyhood)