[becca_bee]

I've just finished my AS exams and I studied 3 AS subjects. I took English Language, Psychology and History. Since we have recently returned back to sixth form for the summer term, we've started A2, and much emphasis has been placed on deciding what to study in university, where to study etc. I decided that I wanted to continue with psychology, and i'm practically certain that I want to do a degree in psychology. I've looked online at entry requirements and the grades requested are fine, the issue is that many universities state the preferred entry number is 3.5. Of course, i'll only be able to apply with 3 AS levels. How important do you think the 4th AS is? Because if it is essential i've been contemplating taking up an AS after summer to study alongside my 3 A2 classes. This way i'll achieve the 3.5, however if the 4th AS isn't overly important, i'd rather not take up a new subject. Just looking for some advice

[magicmuggle]

I think take up the fourth AS. Most universities ask for one, and it's better to stay on the safe side. Of course, the best thing to do is contact the universities you're looking to apply to.

[Juno]

If they state they want one you're at a disadvantage if you don't have one. You may get an offer anyway but they wouldn't waste time saying they wanted one if they didn't really want one.

If it's a points based offer, you're also making it harder for yourself by not taking an additional AS. Some unis let you include points from the additional AS, so you're 50 points (or whatever) closer to meeting the offer by having one.

[becca_bee]

It's just on ucas, where it says minimum number required: 3, number preferred: 3.5. I do achieve good grades, I'm actually on for an A* if not 2, it's just I don't have that fourth AS. And I'd just hate to have to focus on a fourth the same year I'm studying for my A2 exams. Luckily, not all ask for 3.5, just a few that looked ideal for me

[becca_bee]

Oh and by the way, they're not points unis that I'm looking at

[UnderPost]

For your future- none at all. Companies never ask for your AS grades, just your A-levels. I got three A's at A-level, but in my fourth AS (which I dropped) I received a D - I never mention it on a CV.

For Unis I think it is important as remember- you'll be applying to Uni before your A-level results come out (that's why some people say the system is unfair).

For you to do your A2 plus an AS I think is pointless as you will only receive the results next summer and the Unis will only look at your A-levels. If you are thinking of applying to a 'rubbish' Uni then maybe it is a good idea as their applications are based on points - but even here they will usually say "from three A-levels".

The best thing to do is contact the Unis- I've never seen an entry requirement be "3.5". It is usually "3 A-levels" and can accept an AS in lieu.

To me it looks pointless, but check with the Uni (admissions tend to be helpful, and I'm sure they're really helpful now you are paying them treble the fees!!).

[willbee]

Depends what calibre of uni you apply to. But I didn't have a fourth AS and I got offers from all the places I applied.

[willbee]

(Original post by UnderPost)
For your future- none at all. Companies never ask for your AS grades, just your A-levels. I got three A's at A-level, but in my fourth AS (which I dropped) I received a D - I never mention it on a CV.

For Unis I think it is important as remember- you'll be applying to Uni before your A-level results come out (that's why some people say the system is unfair).

For you to do your A2 plus an AS I think is pointless as you will only receive the results next summer and the Unis will only look at your A-levels. If you are thinking of applying to a 'rubbish' Uni then maybe it is a good idea as their applications are based on points - but even here they will usually say "from three A-levels".

The best thing to do is contact the Unis- I've never seen an entry requirement be "3.5". It is usually "3 A-levels" and can accept an AS in lieu.

To me it looks pointless, but check with the Uni (admissions tend to be helpful, and I'm sure they're really helpful now you are paying them treble the fees!!).

My application was based on points. Would you consider Aberystwyth a rubbish uni?

[becca_bee]

Yeah, many of my older friends applied to unis that stated their preferred number was 3.5, but they only had 3, yet they still got places at all the universities they applied to. I just get the feeling that if I took up a fourth, especially when I'm doing A2 level, I'd not concentrate and would only be doing it in case I wasn't accepted. The first issue is that there isn't any subjects I would wish to pursue. And if I came out with say AAAd or even e, would it be worse that just AAA maybe even A*s?

[Horatio-]

Only some Unis will ask for an AS for certain courses. E.g. Warwick. If you know what you want to do and perhaps where you would like to go try and look at different requirements..

Other than that it's really not highly important as most Unis will only ask for and look at your three A-levels.

[becca_bee]

Yeah, I think it should be okay. If worst came to worst and I had to resit my AS year i'd just take up a 4th that way. My biggest worry was that since psychology is a highly popular course, I imagined that many people would apply and they would instantly give preference to people with 3.5, therefore I wouldn't be first choice, despite good grades. I'll just contact the universities. I actually know someone who is an advisor at Durham university so I'll get in touch with her

[harufi]

Generally, Uni's only request for grades in 3 A-Levels. Doing an extra AS is normally just to give you a bit of movement when you get your results for deiciding what to take on to A2

[J.Nalbandian14]

To add more quality to your current assortment

[lou_100]

(Original post by becca_bee)
I've just finished my AS exams and I studied 3 AS subjects. I took English Language, Psychology and History. Since we have recently returned back to sixth form for the summer term, we've started A2, and much emphasis has been placed on deciding what to study in university, where to study etc. I decided that I wanted to continue with psychology, and i'm practically certain that I want to do a degree in psychology. I've looked online at entry requirements and the grades requested are fine, the issue is that many universities state the preferred entry number is 3.5. Of course, i'll only be able to apply with 3 AS levels. How important do you think the 4th AS is? Because if it is essential i've been contemplating taking up an AS after summer to study alongside my 3 A2 classes. This way i'll achieve the 3.5, however if the 4th AS isn't overly important, i'd rather not take up a new subject. Just looking for some advice

Obviously most emphasis is placed on the three A levels. So in that sense, the 4th AS level is relatively less important.

However, it's important shouldn't be overlooked, because a lot of Universities do request at least a pass at AS level (i.e. want you to have done an AS level). A lot of Universities aren't bothered about the grade in the sense of they only ask for a pass, some a B. I think I saw one course ask for an A at AS, but I can imagine that's rare. The higher the requirement for AS, the more important that University will find it.

For example, if a course asks for no AS level specifically, you can presume it won't affect your chances (although I'd ring them up and directly get an answer). Then, if a course asks for say a pass at AS level, there will be no point applying as it clearly is important enough to make it a requirement. If you don't meet the requirement, you probably won't be offered a place.

I'm presuming you have some predicted grades for this (or even next if your college is keen like mine) year. These will give you an indication of the type of standard offers you need to be looking at. Flick through some Universities which have your predicted grades as their standard offers, or thereabouts, and see how many ask for the AS. If it is not very many, perhaps you don't need to take it.

However, if it is more than just a couple, I'd advise you to take up the AS next year because otherwise your choices will be limited when applying unfortunately. You might want to note that the norm is generally to do at least 3.5 A levels, although I understand some only do do 3.

Hope this advice has helped If you would like my personal opinion, I'd say taking up the AS, as annoying as it may be, will open up a few more doors for you in terms of University choices. Although it's possible to get by without of course.

[becca_bee]

I hope people understand the universities don't specifically ask for 3.5. Like I said, they state minimum 3. Not 3.5