AS PHYSICS - should I or shouldn't I?

Hi,

I am so confused whether to do AS physics or not. I didn't really enjoy it at GCSE but I think that was down to my teacher. I was happy with my GCSE grade and the college that I am joining has really good grades for physics. I am worried if I will be able to cope? Please may I have any advice on AS physics eg any top tips.

Thank you,

GG16

I would say only take it if you do AS Maths alongside it. I made that mistake last year and ended up with a U. But it's up to you.

I would say only take it if you do AS Maths alongside it. I made that mistake last year and ended up with a U. But it's up to you.

Think about whether you NEED physics for your chosen uni course ?
Do you need physics or would you be better of picking another ' easier ' subject where you'll be more likely to get the A/A* grades, as unfortunately physics is a very time consuming subject which could hinder your performance in other subjects in order to make sure you get a good grade !

It seems the college has a good track record for physics yet this says nothing about how well you'll do at it .

Physics alevel is a different game between GCSE and this is the same for all the sciences so please don't just pick it cause you got a decent grade for GCSE.

Pick subjects you think you can do well in, rather than subjects that look ' good ' as most courses except physics degrees won't specific physics in their entry requirements


If you're still not sure please speak to someone at your school and ask whether you can try out the subject for a few weeks before making up your mind

I really don't know what I'd like to do at uni so I am trying to broaden my options, I am doing Maths Further Maths Chemistry and History. However, I don't sit my Further Maths till next year. These options that I have 100% chosen are my favourites and I am doing them for that reason only. Whereas physics is more of a less enjoyable one. When I look at the content for AS physics it looks ok but the bridging work doesn't seem good.

If you don't enjoy physics, then don't pick it for A-level. I recommend you find an online copy of the syllabus you'll be doing and have a think about whether or not you'll enjoy studying it. Also:

Is it something that you'd like to read about in your spare time?
Do you need it for your future career/university course?

If the answers are no, then you probably won't enjoy it.