Choosing your A levels? Your questions answered here!

Rank these in difficulty of me getting an A:

Economics (AS and A2)
Psychology (AS and A2)
Physics (AS and A2)

My stronger points are Maths and Sciences, and I'm weaker at English and History.

Thanks for the reply. My school is a grammar school which means it sticks to very academic subjects (Polotics and Philosophy of Religion are about the most extreme). As for your Economics point, the course my school does is Business & Economics combined in one A-Level.

The subjects I've chosen are the ones I enjoy the most and will get the best marks in. To be honest, I am maybe doubting my choices because of what other people are taking (lots of people who go to school here are really into science and maths ect.)

I think if I take what a enjoy and am successful in, I'm almost certain to do one of those subjects at Uni.



Thanks for the reply. I really don't see the point in me taking Science/Maths and then getting poor results just because that will give me the best options. As I said to the person above, I should take the subjects I enjoy & do best in..

Oh agreed, but be warned that you might not get in for english (if that's what you want) without another essay subject.

Hi! I'm thinking of taking maths, physics and classical civilisation but i'm stuck as to which subject to pick for my fourth choice. I don't particularly like anything outside these three subjects so does anybody know which one I could choose that would complement them or open up more doors?
Thanks =]

Hi i don't know if this is the right place to post it and im quite new to TSR so please would someone be able to help.

I am thinking of my A-level choices on what to study. I would like to persue a career in aerospace engineering. This A-level choices i can chose are: Physics, Maths, Further Maths, Chemistry, DT and computing. However Maths and Physics are compulsary to A2.

So i have to chose 2 extra options but i unsure whether to take further maths and DT but i plan on going to university to do engineering.

Thanks in Advance

Hi! I'm thinking of taking maths, physics and classical civilisation but i'm stuck as to which subject to pick for my fourth choice. I don't particularly like anything outside these three subjects so does anybody know which one I could choose that would complement them or open up more doors?
Thanks =]

I'm not sure I agree with this - I've gotten in for English two years running and my other essay subject is Film Studies, which isn't exactly respected... as long as his PS and AS grades are good he stands as much chance as anyone

It depends where you're applying - the top unis want two traditional essay subjects, but yeah, the others won't mind

I'm still gonna disagree, unless Warwick, York, Exeter, Leeds, KCL etc etc aren't top unis Yes, an additional essay subject helps (traditional or not). But that's all it does.* It won't be the deciding factor on whether or not you're given a place.



*possibly with the exception of Oxford, Cambridge and maybe Durham, in which case, yeah, two or more is generally a good idea. Even then I'm sure they will accept people with more science-based subjects

Yeah, you're right - nothing is essential. And I was largely thinking of Oxbridge - obviously most people aren't aiming for that. But if it helps, shouldn't he/she stay on the safe side? Isn't it best to go for the subjects which will be accepted by everywhere?

Which is mostly why I said it wasn't necessary. I know which I'd choose out of changing my choices to fit two universities offering courses that I might not even be interested in studying, as opposed to choosing choices that interest me more, that I feel I'd get better grades in, and would still be able to choose from every other university in the country...

I see where you're coming from, but given that they've said they don't even know what course they want to study, I don't think that they should be tailoring their choices on the off chance that they might want to do English at Oxbridge (which I still feel they would have a shot at should they decide to).

was wondering of anyone could help me. i am thinking about doing an English lit degree at uni. I have chosen the subjects pyschology, english lit & Lang, sociology and photography for a level. I am thinking about changing photography cus I'm hoping to get into a good uni and I'd hate for that to ruin my chances? could I get any opinions on wether or not my choices are good or bad? oh and sorry if I'm typing stupid, I'm on my iPod.

If you're aiming for top unis it is much much much better to have English Lit, rather than combied Lit and Lang (I presume that's what you meant, and not both subjects separately?). If you do combined you're facing an uphill fight, as you'll have to be able to prove that you're as good at analysing texts as a person who has done straight Lit, which, barring Oxbridge/UCL who ask for you to submit work, can be difficult to prove using just your personal statement. If you can't take straight Lit then don't worry, but that will have to be mentioned in your application.

Also, I would suggest that you take another essay based subject, as it shows commitment and ability (provided that you do well, ofc). History is very popular choice, but you can't go wrong with Politics, Philosophy, RS, Classics, etc etc. Obviously only take one (or two) of those if you're actually interested in the subjects though. I would say an essay subject should take priority over one of Psychology or Sociology. Taking one of those is perfectly fine (I did Psychology, and I know many other English applicants who have), but taking both may not do you any favours, given that there are 'stronger' subjects you could be doing.

I would advise against Photography, and I'm speaking from experience. I've applied for Eng Lit two years running, and Photography is my AS. I got a good grade in it, but other than that I don't think it has helped my application, in comparison to a person who took, say, AS French. That said, if you genuinely enjoy it, go for it! I have managed to get into top unis both years that I've applied, so it is not impossible.

Also, if it interests you, you could think about picking up a language. Unis like to see these (especially if you're interested in English), and not as many people do them. They are difficult though, so I wouldn't suggest taking one if you're not fully committed.

Basically though, your subject choice is good. It's completely fine if those are the subjects that interest you most (and at the end of the day that is the most important thing); though you could find some unis (Oxbridge and Durham in particular) are not overly impressed with your choices. It wouldn't be unheard of for you to get into either of those with your subjects, but you would be at a distinct disadvantage.

Hello there! It is me again The school that I am applying to informed me that I can't choose maths, english literature and history at the same time due to their silly schedule, I have to choose one of them What do you think of my current choice?
maths
english language
geography
business studies
or
history
english language
geography
business studies
I would like to pursue a career in business, marketing, advertising or public relations.