1) Self-studying economics? 2) Is FM really hard? 3) GCSE importance?

1) Had a teacher. But read the book in advance + took brief notes. Basically, summarised the textbook. Worked well. Resources - textbook + student guide (the thin green little books) = more than enough to get >80%. There is no coursework (at least none for Edexcel).

2) FM harder than AS Maths? Different planet. But, it's not too hard once you understand few basic rules and there are only limited types of questions they can ask you on the real exam, so once you get a good grasp of what you to do, then it's not too difficult. Past papers = success.

3) You should be fine (taking into account your mitigating circumstances).

You had a teacher as in a tutor but also self-studied? Or you just had a normal lesson in school? And where could I get the textbook/student guide? How would I know what exam board I'd be? Would the school pay for the exam or would I have to?

2) Hm, I'm not so sure about FM tbh. I think I'd prefer to self-study economics if I'm honest.

3) Thanks very much, I'm hoping this is the case.

1) Normal lessons at school. Amazon. You choose - tell your principal or whoever is responsible for A-levels at your school that you would want to take Economics exams independently, search for exam centres near your area, contact exam boards and that's it I think. In 101% of cases the student is the one paying.

2) Does your school offer FM? If yes, then just attend the lessons, see if you can keep up with the pace. If yes - perfect. If no - try to take it to AS. If that's no, too - normal Maths.

1) Alright thanks a lot. Do you know how much it would cost?

2) They do offer it, yeah, but I'm starting to panic about getting behind now. Surely if I keep mucking around with subjects I'll have to catch up on everything? How long after you start does it start getting serious? I'd imagine the first week is just getting familiar with your environment etc?

1) In my college we had to pay £40 per paper. But private candidates pay more, £70 (?).

2) Well, for FM I had to do S1, S2, FP1, FP2, FP3 and M3. First three were easy, last three were nasty Okay, weren't too bad - manageable. Had bit harder, as in the beginning I took Maths, only in May Year 12 realised that in order to get to top universities I will need FM. So in Year 13 had 8 modules (instead of 6) to study for. All in all went better than I initially thought it would. So scrap what you have heard about FM and just take it now. At least you will never have this 'what if' feeling.

Ah right, that's fine.

And were those for AS and A2 or just AS FM? My plan is either to take maths, history and english literature at A2 and FM at AS or self-study economics at AS.

Would having FM at AS put me a disadvantage? I've heard that some universities count maths and FM as one subject if you're applying for English literature or something like that?

FFUU, I'm so confused tbh.

How about Maths, Economics, History + AS FM? Stronger subject combination for an Economics applicant. Basically, do whatever you can to have as much of Maths + Economics as possible.

If someone was to apply for Eng Lit, I really doubt they would have Maths + FM You never know though ...

But yes, generally, if you are to have Maths + FM, then you need 4 subjects at A2. Maths + FM = '1.5' A-level.

Naw, I won't take FM then. And I'm undecided between taking Economics, English Literature or something else at university. I know I should decide but I'm not aiming for Oxbridge/LSE/Warwick so yeah, hopefully I'll be alright.

Oh, I see. If Econs - take AS FM. Eng Lit - not an expert, but I don't think it's that necessary, better to focus on the present subjects.

I guess I could take FM AS in my second year. Would I have an advantage for economics if I take economics AS instead of psychology AS?

Well, I reckon most Economics applicants will have Maths and Economics at A2, so you will only shorten the gap between them.

So I'm screwed basically?

F M L.

If your school won't teach economics or FM you are absolutely not screwed. Next year make sure your referee/s include that you couldn't study them with the school.
It would be good to self teach one of those as an AS to show your dedication to the subject but your school isn't being very helpful so you can't be blamed for not having those A levels.
And yes, doing FM would be much better than psychology. Good luck.

My mum's going to ring the school tomorrow and ask if they're running economics

Why aren't you ringing up?

'Cause I'm a big baby, okay?

I got that from your 'I'm too scared of FM' comment but I was just wondering if there was some special reason.

Anyway, as you were...

They're not offering economics but they are offering FM, although I'm not sure if they had adequate numbers for that either. My mum's going to ring the school tomorrow and ask if they're running economics and, if not, whether I can self-teach it. I just don't feel like I'd manage FM so yeah.

I NEED SOMEBODY WITH EXPERIENCE OF SELF-TEACHING ANYTHING - PREFERABLY ECONOMICS - TO SHARE THEIR EXPERIENCE WITH ME.

Pl0x.