[GuitarWorm]

From what I've read universities don't care about languages you do if you can already speak fluently in that language because you're from that country. Secondly, universities want well rounded pupils so you will need volunteer work etc and with 7 A levels would you really have time for that? Lastly, you'll need a good personal statement and you will need to get the grades which meet the universities entry requirements.


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[Newbie123]

(Original post by GuitarWorm)
From what I've read universities don't care about languages you do if you can already speak fluently in that language because you're from that country. Secondly, universities want well rounded pupils so you will need volunteer work etc and with 7 A levels would you really have time for that? Lastly, you'll need a good personal statement and you will need to get the grades which meet the universities entry requirements.


This was posted from The Student Room's iPhone/iPad App

That's not necessarily true - apparently because more and more people are doing/saying they do volunteer work in their communities, universities are becoming less and less impressed by the standard amount of volunteer work - especially if people just do it so that they can write about it on their PS. If we're talking major fundraising, then obviously that would impress admissions tutors, but anything commonplace- meh.

[GuitarWorm]

(Original post by Newbie123)
That's not necessarily true - apparently because more and more people are doing/saying they do volunteer work in their communities, universities are becoming less and less impressed by the standard amount of volunteer work - especially if people just do it so that they can write about it on their PS. If we're talking major fundraising, then obviously that would impress admissions tutors, but anything commonplace- meh.

Okay thanks for the correction, it was just what I've been told from careers advisors etc


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[Rainingshame]

(Original post by ibz_kout)
There all my native languages, which is why I can cope with them, I'm half Spanish and half Algerian.

So four of the course you are taking are new to you.... that explains a bit.

[dks100]

(Original post by ibz_kout)
I plan on applying to Imperial College next year with 7 A-levels: Maths, further maths, physics, chemistry, and 3 languages, I am predicted pretty much A*'s.
I have a job and engage in a lot of sports, for those who think I have no social life. I was wondering if that would boost up my chances?

some Modesty would boost your chances!

[Rainingshame]

(Original post by wenger16)
EXACTLY SO GET WHY PEOPLE ARE COMPLAING!!

OP IS HALF ALGERIAN, HALF SPANISH so most likely knows spanish fluently as well as algerian fluently. And probably knows a dialect of french as well.

Maths, Further Maths and Physics are closely linked therefore should pose no real problems for someone good at solving mathematical problems.

And then there is Chemistry.

Universities will ignore the fact you are doing Algerian or Spanish but would probably count French. All 3 should be really easy for you anyway.

They would look more closely at your other 4 and you could drop one at a2 if you wanted as you would only need 3.

So in fact you are only doing 4/5 alevels and it should be fine really.

Dude... Algerian isn't a language, they speak Arabic and French there.

[Xarren]

(Original post by ibz_kout)
I plan on applying to Imperial College next year with 7 A-levels: Maths, further maths, physics, chemistry, and 3 languages, I am predicted pretty much A*'s.
I have a job and engage in a lot of sports, for those who think I have no social life. I was wondering if that would boost up my chances?

Lol. Just why?

Getting into Imperial with just 3 is easy enough..

[cyfer]

(Original post by ibz_kout)
There all my native languages, which is why I can cope with them, I'm half Spanish and half Algerian.

Take this from someone who tried to pin a native language as a valid A-level: Universities (of any calibre) will simply ignore it.

So you have 4 A levels. Which is standard....

(Original post by Supportive mum)
Ah, I see. In that case, universities would generally only consider the other 4 subjects, as native languages are taken as 'given'. However, it's impressive that you are able to undertake a university course in English. Which course?

People who are shown to be truly bi/multi-lingual have generally been found to have limited vocabularies in all languages or better vocabularies in some with lacking standard in others.
With regards to the above, I am sure the University course will not be questioning his knowledge of the English language, given his choices at A-level and therefore it is no surprise at all if you examine it from this perspective.

[CintiaMarina]

In my honest opinion, I'd rather have 3/4 strong Alevels and a social life, than 7 average ones and not be very social, as those skills are primordial anywhere.

I'm not saying you aren't social already, but Alevels can take a lot of your extra time, restraining you from having more of a social life and 7?!?
Not realistic, I dont think. I don't even think your school would allow you this.
My school does not allow students to study more than 5 at most!

You could though, join clubs and/or get yourself a job, if you want to fill your time more.

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[tania<3]

If you're essentially doing 4 because you're fluent in the 3languages already, dont really see any issue so long as you can cope with them. Maybe drop one at A2 if workload is too much

[Nathanielle]

Concerning the languages, even if you are a native, but: when you weren't educated for some time in those languages you may have to do extra tests in them sometime (yeah, it is ridiculous, but not that uncommon) to prove it, so these A Levels may be beneficial in another way. For university admissions they shouldn't play a big role, unless you plan to study some time in France/Spain/Arabic country, too. Or get selected for a study abroad program.

[Arekkusu]

Only if you write them backwards while standing on your head

[besarlalluvia]

Being a native speaker does not necessarily make A2 languages any easier.
Translation is not that simple, it requires knowledges of different nuances in both languages, and the ability to match them.
You would need to do economical/geographical/political research on all those countries..or I guess you could do Algeria for both French and Arabic, and find another for Spanish.
You may also need to read literature in all those languages, and develop ability to write creatively.
*This applies to Edexcel.
There is a French girl in my class, who just came from France, and she acheives lowers marks than me in French. Of course, she is much better at me at French, but she simply can't grasp how to argue and look at different viewpoints. She gives one-word answers instead of elaborating. She also brings in French colloquialisms. Although I should point out that she hardly attends the lessons.
It's not impossible, but just be aware of the massive change at A2
I mean, don't become complacent just because they are you mother/native tongues. That will bite you in the arse with a nice, round D.

[GreenLantern1]

(Original post by somethingbeautiful)
Seems a bit pointless. You only need 3 A levels and at most, 4, to get into uni. After uni you'll find that on job applications all they care about is that you can tick the box that says 'At least 5 Cs at GCSE including English and Maths' - they don't care beyond that - they don't care how many others you have or in what subjects.

If you're applying to graduate roles then as per above, but they also care that:

a) You have 3 A-levels (on online forms a lot of them only let you enter
3)

b) You have a 2:1.

But that is just the first step, what matters much more than that is work experience in the particular field that you're interested in and a suitable degree for that position (i.e. an English degree for a copywriter role or a IT/Graphic Design degree for a creative web role). How many A-levels/GCSEs you have is pretty much a non issue so long as you meet the 5 GCSEs at C and 3 A-levels minimum.

TBH I doing 9 not to make myself look good, but because I enjoy them! 3 of them are Maths anyway so it isn't like a huge amount. Only 1 doss though - Photography

[GreenLantern1]

(Original post by CintiaMarina)
In my honest opinion, I'd rather have 3/4 strong Alevels and a social life, than 7 average ones and not be very social, as those skills are primordial anywhere.

I'm not saying you aren't social already, but Alevels can take a lot of your extra time, restraining you from having more of a social life and 7?!?
Not realistic, I dont think. I don't even think your school would allow you this.
My school does not allow students to study more than 5 at most!

You could though, join clubs and/or get yourself a job, if you want to fill your time more.

This was posted from The Student Room's Android App on my ST18i

I do 9 and have a social life!! Just don't waste that much time watching TV and stuff. And if you get work done at school and in some of your frees, well then you would notice, as I ahve, me and my friends (who do 4) have about the same amount of free time.

[Converse Rocker]

Work experience > a stupid number of A levels.

Every time.

[Tortious]

(Original post by GreenLantern1)
9 AS-Levels here Bitches

And this deosn't include general studies/ critical thinking - thought to be fair 1 is Photography loooooooooooool

Just seen this post - nice.

Enjoy filling in your UCAS form.

[isp]

It'll give you an edge.

[AverageExcellence]

Youll be at a strong disadvantage im afraid. Ull need at least 20 A levels at A*!

[GreenLantern1]

(Original post by Tortious)
Just seen this post - nice.

Enjoy filling in your UCAS form.

Ohh I will have a very fun time. Especially when I fill in my SAQ for Cambridge. All those 100%s that I get to fill in - ahhhh very nice!