Take our quiz to find out what your revision personality is! >>

What should I take as a 4th A-level?

I'm a Year 11 being talked to about my A-levels so far and I need help deciding on a 4th.

I know for a fact I'm taking Maths, Further Maths and Physics, but I'm stumped on the last one now and I've got a few options I'm considering though. Things to bear in mind are that I'm probably going to do either Maths, Physics or some kind of Engineering in uni, but I'm mostly considering maths. That, and I want to apply to MIT (USA college) as well. They require a LOR from a non-stem teacher and would probably prefer a more well rounded student so thats why I'm thinking of not doing a STEM subject here. High difficulty isn't a problem either.

Chemistry - stem, is facilitating, I'm quite good at it and like it, teachers at my school aren't so great, current grade 9

Computing - stem, quite fun theory and not too boring, not a fan of programming, has coursework as well, not facilitating, current grade 9

DT - one of my fave subjects, not facilitating which is its biggest problem, almost at top grade and I'm great at coursework, is considered stem so idk, current grade 8 but coursework might get me to a 9

French - easy peasy, hate the teacher, not a fan of the IRP involved, idk if i can be arsed doing french lit tbh, facilitating, teacher really wants me to do it, straight grade 9s so current 9

Eng Lit - non-stem and essay-based so may be ideal, has coursework which idk how to feel bout, i'm getting better and english right now and love it (not as much as dt and geog but yeah), is quite difficult though like so much more effort than the other subjects, current 8 but like 2 marks from a 9

Geography - one of my fave subjects, facilitating but idk if its as academic or impressive as english lit or french so i need ops on that, quite stem-ish so idk if its considered non-stem from the rest of my subjects tbh, straight 9s in this so current grade 9

Honestly, any insight into this would be helpful because while I've got a few months to choose this, I want to stop thinking about it already so I'd rather figure it out now.

Reply 1

McGinger

Original post by elemenohpee

I'm probably going to do either Maths, Physics or some kind of Engineering in uni, but I'm mostly considering maths.

Then look up which subjects are required at a range of different Uni for these degree subjects - and, if doing 4 A levels is actually worth it (usually only if your 4th subject is FM).

Examples
Bath - https://www.bath.ac.uk/corporate-information/undergraduate-subjects-2024/
Imperial - https://www.imperial.ac.uk/study/subjects/

Reply 2

elemenohpee

Original post by McGinger

Yeah I know, that's why I'm definitely doing Maths, Further Maths and Physics definitely, this post is about a 4th one to do with them though as well.