Am I screwed?

Hi

Hope I can help here. I am in a slightly similar position this year, I am currently in a gap year and studying A-level Biology as I didn't choose it in year 12 and regretted that decision. And I managed to get an offer from St Andrews for Psychology this year (applied in my gap year). So I can definitely confirm that St Andrews doesn't mind A-levels being taken over 3 years. In fact, you can use it in your personal statement to show that you can do independent study and keep a disciplined timetable!!

However this is a slightly different situation to you - Biology wasn't a required subject for Psychology. For the best answer to your query I would email the admissions team and see if they would let you in after studying Maths for only a year (remember that they'll be really busy atm though).

Another big thing to remember is that you will need a predicted grade for Maths and Further Maths, given by an outside source (see if a tutor/ your current sixth form/college will be able to help here) by the January UCAS deadline (earlier if you also apply to oxbridge).

Good luck in your exams!

Hello,

I’m unsure if I would qualify for a position in the chemistry Bsc program at St. Andrews if I were to apply this year.

I’m in year 13, about to sit my A-levels in biology, chemistry and physics. I decided to not choose A-level maths or further maths in year 12, this is one of my biggest regrets and the reason I didn’t apply for university in 2022 - when I realised to wanted to study chemistry and that wouldn’t be possible without A-level maths.

My plan since then has been to take a gap year to study A-levels maths and A-levels further maths, and apply this year in 2023 (I will also be working + other productive things during this time period). I’ve heard that top universities are reluctant to accept students who’ve taken 3 years to sit their A-levels.

If I were to get, for example, grades A*BB (chemistry, physics and biology respectively) this year and then be predicted A*A* in A-level maths and further maths. Would I stand any chance of being admitted into the chemistry Bsc program at St. Andrews? (I believe I’m under the minimum entry requirements bracket)

Thank you very much,