A levels vs Access to HE science.

It might be doable, depending on how you organise your time. We were in college about twelve hours a week, and I probably should have spent an equal amount of time doing study at home, and a maybe a couple of hours extra a week when assignments were due.

Really not as much as I should. I did a lot of all-nighters. I get distracted very easily, so I'd just lose myself in reading. Ideally should have matched tbe college hours then do one extra per night for assignments, so I did three hours per day in college. Should have done another three hours writing up notes and reading, plus an extra hour per day for assignments. You might manage it.

Hey guys,

I'm currently waiting to do an access to HE science course. I am undecided whether to do A levels or the course. I've read some posts that say A levels are easier and some that say the Access is easier. So obviously to better my chances I would prefer to take the path of least resistance.

If I were to pick A levels it would be Biology/Chem and something else to fill up the space.

The requirements for the uni I want to go to are "Strong Science component required. Pass Access to HE Diploma with 45 credits at level 3 of which 30 level 3 credits must be at Distinction." or AAB to ABB

I'd like to hear from someone who has done both A levels and an access and which is harder. As I did A levels prior and was too immature and ended up doing badly.

Thanks.

What are you looking at doing at University? If there is more than one university you can apply to for that subject with Access then I would definitely recommend! I just completed access Science and really enjoyed it! A few years ago I did A-levels (although not science subjects) and personally preferred the fact you are treated more like an adult unlike at school.I feel universities are much more open to Access courses and as long as you can get the right number of modules and credits at your local college it is quicker than A-levels.

Leaning towards biology at the moment! How did you find the work load?

Good choice, biology is awesome. I think access to science would be a really great idea then! Most people on my course got offers for Biology related subjects such as nursing, biosciences, Dietetics/nutrition, etc
The work load wasn't too bad but sometimes you are stretched for time. You either had exams coming up or coursework due in, and at the end of the year we had both due in a short space of time. I personally didn't work at the same time (my course was 3 days a week) but I think it paid off as I got Distinctions. If you are dedicated about it and work when you need to you will be fine.
Also a few people got 30 Distinctions + so it's certainly not impossible!

Do you think you could of managed a 12 hour job?

A few people do still work part time while doing the course. My friend did and got into her chosen university. 12 hours isn't tooooo many, as long as you are organised I wouldn't think there would be a problem about you getting good grades

Let's hope for the best, it's only three 4 hour shifts so I can study before and after them. How many hours a week did you put into the course (out of college)

Hmm, well I remember our tutor saying for each hour we do in class we should be doing 2 hours at home of our own study. So they reckon around 30 hours, but on average I probably did 20+? Some weeks you will do a little more when an assignment or exam is due and others less. It also depends what sort of learner you are, some people don't need to do lots of extra studying to understand the topic and some do~
Every holiday/ half term I did work experience which meant I didn't do much in those times at all.

Hmm, well I remember our tutor saying for each hour we do in class we should be doing 2 hours at home of our own study. So they reckon around 30 hours, but on average I probably did 20+? Some weeks you will do a little more when an assignment or exam is due and others less. It also depends what sort of learner you are, some people don't need to do lots of extra studying to understand the topic and some do~
Every holiday/ half term I did work experience which meant I didn't do much in those times at all.

Also how doable is "45 credits at level 3 of which 30 level 3 credits must be at Distinction " . I think I need 15 for chem and 15 for bio

Access is a horrific stressful tense ten month experience - BUT it's very specifically aimed at getting you to university, the tutors are there to help you, your fellow mature students are a great source of strength and support and it takes half the time of A-Levels and is a far more streamlined course, you only learn what you will use in assignments and exams. I can't praise them enough.