[kayleigh.jean]

(Original post by ThePepperRobot)
Hi

I am currently down to take maths, physics, chemistry and french for AS next year however i am not 100% sure on my choices. I am pretty certain on maths and physics but i am also interested in economics and am considering doing that instead of chemistry or french, probably french. I am likely to get an A* in french but im still not sure whether i would be able to get one of the top grades at AS and i also think there would be opportunities to do languages outside of school at other points in my life? I'm not really sure i want to take either chemistry or french to A2...

French at A-level isn't as difficult as it appears; it's building upon your KS3 and GCSE knowledge of the language so it's not a massively scary step up; if you're on for an A* at GCSE, with a bit of work you should be able to do well! Having a language would be beneficial and would offer a non-science subject, but only take it if you would have the interest to do it and put the work in; you do have a good selection of subjects anyway. A-level French is brilliant and the topics are much more interesting than those at GCSE
I think it's best if you take 4 that you'd like to take to A2 and not think about dropping them before you've started; you may be surprised at what/if you want to drop next year after starting your A-levels.
Hope that helps

[Clumsy_Chemist]

(Original post by ThePepperRobot)
Even if i do take french just at AS will that be considered ok by universities? If i was choosing subjects that i enjoyed i would probably pick economics over both french and chemistry. I sort of feel like i am only choosing french so that i have more variety in my subjects and im not really confident that i could get a worthwhile grade, even though im doing well at gcse, so i may swap it for economics.

On the other hand, if i swapped economics for chemistry i would be left doing only 1 science - would this put me at a disadvantage when applying for university? I am hoping to do something reasonably academic although im not sure what or sure about my career path. I have been considering something science based but im also interested in perhaps doing something to do with banking or finance. I have also read that you dont necessarily have to do economics at A level to do it at university?

Thanks for your advice, i appreciate it

You don't have to do economics A level to do it at uni but you can't know if you want to dedicate three years of your life to it without trying it first.

Having just physics and maths is fine for most engineering, physics, maths and electronics courses but chemistry would let you do chemistry, biochemistry, chemical engineering, medicine and some other things. So you would be limiting yourself without it, but a scientific career is by no means ruled out, just limited.

I'm not sure what you mean about French AS being acceptable - acceptable for what? It's not going to be enough to study French at uni but in terms of doing extra language classes there will be levels suitable for everyone regardless of level. I wouldn't worry too much about grades, it's hard to predict what A level will be like and it sounds like you have every chance of success.

It sounds like economics interests you and it's relevant to the sort of career you're interested in so do and decide which of the other two you want, both will open doors. What's more appealling? Broadening the range of science you can do or adding a language to your CV?

(Original post by wontdeny)
Hi, I have already chosen my subjects, but it is easy enough to change them, they'll just be a bit cross.

I've picked English Lit, Chemistry, ICT and Biology in that order with French as my 5th.

But we've just started theory work again in ICT and I have never been as bored as I am in that double, seriously it's terrible. We were given a past paper to do over the Easter break I only got round to it today because I was avoiding ICT and its just horrible. I know all of the answers but I just really can't be bothered writing a 12 mark answer for the advantages of touch screens.
I've never really liked ICT, but I've only come to realise how very very boring and useless it is. The thing is, that I've never done a scrap of revision for ICT, and I barely listen, but I'm still the best in the year and I have an A* in coursework so even if I didn't answer the twelvemarker purely out of lazyness I will probably get an A.

Basically, should I do ICT because I'm naturally good at it (It runs in my family, my sister came best in n.Ireland when she did her a-levels) or French because its actually useful and that class has never (so far) made me want to lay down and have a snooze.

If it helps I'm predicted a high A to an A* in French aswell, but I really do have to work in that class.

Do you mean French is your 5th AS or your backup subject? I strongly advise you to do French instead of ICT. Do not study an easy subject just because it's easy, it will weaken your CV and university application.

[ThePepperRobot]

(Original post by kayleigh.jean)
French at A-level isn't as difficult as it appears; it's building upon your KS3 and GCSE knowledge of the language so it's not a massively scary step up; if you're on for an A* at GCSE, with a bit of work you should be able to do well! Having a language would be beneficial and would offer a non-science subject, but only take it if you would have the interest to do it and put the work in; you do have a good selection of subjects anyway. A-level French is brilliant and the topics are much more interesting than those at GCSE
I think it's best if you take 4 that you'd like to take to A2 and not think about dropping them before you've started; you may be surprised at what/if you want to drop next year after starting your A-levels.
Hope that helps

Yes, i see what you mean about thinking about dropping them before i start. I quite enjoy french and i dont think motivation will be a problem, particularly if the topics are interesting. Thanks for your advice

[dan673]

What options (as in university courses or careers) does an A-level in Maths unlock, compared to an A-level in Chemistry? Trying to decide between these two as my fourth A-level. I realize Maths will generally be more useful, but I like it a lot less and can fairly easily do it myself in a gap year (unlike Chemistry) if I need to. Cheers.

[ThePepperRobot]

(Original post by Clumsy_Chemist)
You don't have to do economics A level to do it at uni but you can't know if you want to dedicate three years of your life to it without trying it first.

Having just physics and maths is fine for most engineering, physics, maths and electronics courses but chemistry would let you do chemistry, biochemistry, chemical engineering, medicine and some other things. So you would be limiting yourself without it, but a scientific career is by no means ruled out, just limited.

I'm not sure what you mean about French AS being acceptable - acceptable for what? It's not going to be enough to study French at uni but in terms of doing extra language classes there will be levels suitable for everyone regardless of level. I wouldn't worry too much about grades, it's hard to predict what A level will be like and it sounds like you have every chance of success.

It sounds like economics interests you and it's relevant to the sort of career you're interested in so do and decide which of the other two you want, both will open doors. What's more appealling? Broadening the range of science you can do or adding a language to your CV?

Taking that into account I am considering sticking with my original 4. I would like to keep open the broadest range of degree courses i can, so taking chemistry would help with this. The idea of another language is appealing, and although economics interests me I will probably be able to do the AS in year 13. If i chose to take economics in year 12 i would be stuck for an AS to pick up in year 13. I think these are the 4 that would show the widest range of ability?

[kayleigh.jean]

(Original post by wontdeny)
Hi, I have already chosen my subjects, but it is easy enough to change them, they'll just be a bit cross.

I've picked English Lit, Chemistry, ICT and Biology in that order with French as my 5th.

But we've just started theory work again in ICT and I have never been as bored as I am in that double, seriously it's terrible. We were given a past paper to do over the Easter break I only got round to it today because I was avoiding ICT and its just horrible. I know all of the answers but I just really can't be bothered writing a 12 mark answer for the advantages of touch screens.
I've never really liked ICT, but I've only come to realise how very very boring and useless it is. The thing is, that I've never done a scrap of revision for ICT, and I barely listen, but I'm still the best in the year and I have an A* in coursework so even if I didn't answer the twelvemarker purely out of lazyness I will probably get an A.

Basically, should I do ICT because I'm naturally good at it (It runs in my family, my sister came best in n.Ireland when she did her a-levels) or French because its actually useful and that class has never (so far) made me want to lay down and have a snooze.

If it helps I'm predicted a high A to an A* in French aswell, but I really do have to work in that class.

You should choose which one you think you'll enjoy more and get the most benefit from for you.
I've replied to someone else a few posts earlier here regarding French A-level - I really do recommend it. If French GCSE hasn't bored you then I seriously doubt A-level will!
With regards to ICT, I don't take it, but one of my friends does and from what he's said A-level is really a step up from GCSE which he found incredibly easy (got one of the highest marks ever at our school). The demand of the work seems a lot higher and being naturally good at it doesn't mean you won't have to work very hard.

[Clumsy_Chemist]

(Original post by dan673)
What options (as in university courses or careers) does an A-level in Maths unlock, compared to an A-level in Chemistry? Trying to decide between these two as my fourth A-level. I realize Maths will generally be more useful, but I like it a lot less and can fairly easily do it myself in a gap year (unlike Chemistry) if I need to. Cheers.

Maths is needed for physics, finance and science in general including chemistry. Chemistry helps with biology, physics and geography. My advice is to do chemistry unless you have plans that specifically require maths because at A level it's important to do subjects you like to have a chance of doing well.

(Original post by ThePepperRobot)
Taking that into account I am considering sticking with my original 4. I would like to keep open the broadest range of degree courses i can, so taking chemistry would help with this. The idea of another language is appealing, and although economics interests me I will probably be able to do the AS in year 13. If i chose to take economics in year 12 i would be stuck for an AS to pick up in year 13. I think these are the 4 that would show the widest range of ability?

Economics instead of chemistry would let you show you a broader range of ability because it's a social science and quite essay based. Chemistry doesn't offer much beyond what physics offers in terms of skills, but whichever you choose they're good subjects.

[ThePepperRobot]

(Original post by Clumsy_Chemist)
Economics instead of chemistry would let you show you a broader range of ability because it's a social science and quite essay based. Chemistry doesn't offer much beyond what physics offers in terms of skills, but whichever you choose they're good subjects.

But if i stick with these 4 then do economics in year 13 at AS i will have done all 5, to at least AS, and have an essay based subject as well?

[Clumsy_Chemist]

(Original post by ThePepperRobot)
But if i stick with these 4 then do economics in year 13 at AS i will have done all 5, to at least AS, and have an essay based subject as well?

But the advantage of doing it in year 12 is that then you'll have a grade for it on your UCAS application instead of just a predicted grade.

[07hutchj]

Hi guys, I'm choosing my A levels at the moment and would appreciate some help.

I'm currently choosing my A-levels and so far I've chosen Geography, Psychology and History A-level. For my 4th subject I'm deciding whether to take Media studies or Sociology. Media studies will probably be easier and I'd enjoy it more but Sociology is more respected and It goes well with my other subjects. Which do you think I should take? And do you think my other A-levels are good?
Also, I've heard that you shouldn't take Sociology and Psychology at the same time because they're too simular, do you agree?

I'd really appreciate your thoughts, advice and experience with these subjects.
Thanks.

[Clumsy_Chemist]

(Original post by 07hutchj)
Hi guys, I'm choosing my A levels at the moment and would appreciate some help.

I'm currently choosing my A-levels and so far I've chosen Geography, Psychology and History A-level. For my 4th subject I'm deciding whether to take Media studies or Sociology. Media studies will probably be easier and I'd enjoy it more but Sociology is more respected and It goes well with my other subjects. Which do you think I should take? And do you think my other A-levels are good?
Also, I've heard that you shouldn't take Sociology and Psychology at the same time because they're too simular, do you agree?

I'd really appreciate your thoughts, advice and experience with these subjects.
Thanks.

I don't think there's that much similarity between sociology and psychology. I would recommend sociology because as you said it fits your other subjects well I did history and it was the hardest while being by far the most enjoyable. I have to warn you now, you need to be prepared to do tons of reading - and you need to have the mindset of at least half enjoying that reading, because if you don't find any subject interesting you'll never get through A level. Make sure you pick subjects you're going to enjoy and are willing to put real effort into!

[07hutchj]

(Original post by Clumsy_Chemist)
I don't think there's that much similarity between sociology and psychology. I would recommend sociology because as you said it fits your other subjects well I did history and it was the hardest while being by far the most enjoyable. I have to warn you now, you need to be prepared to do tons of reading - and you need to have the mindset of at least half enjoying that reading, because if you don't find any subject interesting you'll never get through A level. Make sure you pick subjects you're going to enjoy and are willing to put real effort into!

Thanks for the advice I think I will stick to Sociology.

[Argent-chan]

I would like to do law at uni.

For A level, I am thinking of doing History, English lit, Philosophy- Goverment and Politics or Law.

I keep hearing mixed things about Law as some tutors have said it was a 'weak' subject but others said that it was neither encouraged or discouraged and you can still get into a good university with it. I would like to learn Law as it looks fascinating and give me more of an idea about Law before I go on to degree, but I worry that it is not as well respected as Politics and I would be better not taking the risk and doing that instead?

[kayleigh.jean]

(Original post by Argent-chan)
I would like to do law at uni.

For A level, I am thinking of doing History, English lit, Philosophy- Goverment and Politics or Law.

I keep hearing mixed things about Law as some tutors have said it was a 'weak' subject but others said that it was neither encouraged or discouraged and you can still get into a good university with it. I would like to learn Law as it looks fascinating and give me more of an idea about Law before I go on to degree, but I worry that it is not as well respected as Politics and I would be better not taking the risk and doing that instead?

a few of my friends are going to do Law at uni, and have been told that doing A-level Law wouldn't have been particularly beneficial, but Government & Politics would've. I take Politics, and a lot of the things covered would complement law really well and give you a broader understanding, as well as the skills you learn with the essay writing. At university, the political aspect of my degree choice is run with the Law school so there is a link there.

[Joel Williams]

At Sixth Form I am quite sure that I want to study History, Business and Law & Government. For a fourth subject I am not sure whether to take Sociology or Psychology. I am leaning towards Sociology.

I am interested in criminality or criminal studies for a fourth subject so which of the two I mentioned will be best suited for that?

[ethery]

Hi guys! I'm looking for opinions on what A levels to take.

I'm currently doing Maths, Chemistry, Geography and French, with the intention of doing either Chemistry or Earth Sciences at university.

Most universities I have looked at for Chemistry ask for Chemistry and one other science or maths A level, which I have at the moment. I haven't looked so much at the Earth Sciences courses but I'm fairly sure they asked for two or three science subjects (some considered Geography to be a science subject in this case) and didn't require Geography. But in both cases, I'm a little worried that not having Physics might affect me, and people keep telling me I should drop French and do it instead. But if I'm going to do Physics I'd be doing it instead of Geography, because French is my favourite subject.

Would I be better off doing Physics instead of Geography, is basically what I'm asking here. :P Thanks in advance for any help!

[merrrrr]

(Original post by ethery)
Hi guys! I'm looking for opinions on what A levels to take.

I'm currently doing Maths, Chemistry, Geography and French, with the intention of doing either Chemistry or Earth Sciences at university.

Most universities I have looked at for Chemistry ask for Chemistry and one other science or maths A level, which I have at the moment. I haven't looked so much at the Earth Sciences courses but I'm fairly sure they asked for two or three science subjects (some considered Geography to be a science subject in this case) and didn't require Geography. But in both cases, I'm a little worried that not having Physics might affect me, and people keep telling me I should drop French and do it instead. But if I'm going to do Physics I'd be doing it instead of Geography, because French is my favourite subject.

Would I be better off doing Physics instead of Geography, is basically what I'm asking here. :P Thanks in advance for any help!

No, not necessarily, especially as you might be going into sciences, so geography would be very helpful. Why not take geography, french, and two sciences? This shows you're a well rounded applicant, and will work in your favour

[Swords N Thorns]

I would like to go into Medicine after leaving sixth form, so I've decided that I'm definitely taking Biology, Chemistry and Maths.

However, for my fourth A Level, I can't decide between English Literature and Classic Civilisations...which do you think would be the most appropriate!

[GAB]

Do the one you think you'll most enjoy, top universities require at least 2 (ideally three) of Bioligy, Chemistry, Maths and Bioligy for a science based degree, you already have this. English Literature is slightly higher respected.

[Clumsy_Chemist]

(Original post by Joel Williams)
At Sixth Form I am quite sure that I want to study History, Business and Law & Government. For a fourth subject I am not sure whether to take Sociology or Psychology. I am leaning towards Sociology.

I am interested in criminality or criminal studies for a fourth subject so which of the two I mentioned will be best suited for that?

Definitely psychology, as sociology is seen as a soft subject and combined with business and law would weaken a uni application.

(Original post by ethery)
Hi guys! I'm looking for opinions on what A levels to take.

I'm currently doing Maths, Chemistry, Geography and French, with the intention of doing either Chemistry or Earth Sciences at university.

Most universities I have looked at for Chemistry ask for Chemistry and one other science or maths A level, which I have at the moment. I haven't looked so much at the Earth Sciences courses but I'm fairly sure they asked for two or three science subjects (some considered Geography to be a science subject in this case) and didn't require Geography. But in both cases, I'm a little worried that not having Physics might affect me, and people keep telling me I should drop French and do it instead. But if I'm going to do Physics I'd be doing it instead of Geography, because French is my favourite subject.

Would I be better off doing Physics instead of Geography, is basically what I'm asking here. :P Thanks in advance for any help!

Not really - there is a physics element to chemistry, but universities should generally give you enough extra help that it's not an issue. As long as you can remember gcse physics and you're good at maths (hopefully you'll have done mechanics?) then you'll be fine. It sounds like geography is an important subject for you to stick with for your future interests. And don't drop French, languages are very worthwhile!

(Original post by Swords N Thorns)
I would like to go into Medicine after leaving sixth form, so I've decided that I'm definitely taking Biology, Chemistry and Maths.

However, for my fourth A Level, I can't decide between English Literature and Classic Civilisations...which do you think would be the most appropriate!

English is probably a bit more respected but I don't think it'll matter too much, both are going to be essay subjects which complement the essential trio you're doing already.