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Will these A-levels get me in Computer Science At a good uni?

Hey all.

I've decided to do, Maths, Further Maths, Physics and Computing for A-levels.
Do you think that if I do well in these there is a chance of me getting in to the likes of Cambridge?
Do you think a more essay based subject is needed? like english or something.
College does offer Pre U in global perspectives and Independent research, but I thought that this would just hinder me getting good grades in my 4 a-levels.

What do you think?
Reply 1
They seem good, but it's the grades you get that matters. I did those A levels as well.
Reply 2
You have the 3 essential subjects required (M/FM/P), make sure you aim for 90% or above in your AS levels, because that's what they check. Computing is blacklisted (according to Trinity College, Cambridge), however it wouldn't matter as you need the 3 subjects I mentioned previously to be the best you can.

Essay based doesn't help, if you get 100% in your Maths, Further Maths, Physics modules - then you are in a good shot of getting an offer, they won't care for other subjects.

Importantly, use free time to develop your interest for Computer Science and start reading ahead into it, learn a few languages, etc... it's not just about academics, but also passion for your degree.
Reply 3
I did Physics, Maths, English and History. I have 3 offers from very modest unis, so yeah your choices are pretty much spot on. Just focus on obliterating them, and top unis shouldn't be a problem for you :biggrin:
Reply 4
Original post by Woffles
I did Physics, Maths, English and History. I have 3 offers from very modest unis, so yeah your choices are pretty much spot on. Just focus on obliterating them, and top unis shouldn't be a problem for you :biggrin:


Do you mind if I ask which Unis?
Reply 5
Thanks for all replies..
Pre-U is largely essay and coursework based project. so I would probably just ensure I understand the maths and physics instead of wasting time with it.
Reply 6
Original post by aliakhtar
Do you mind if I ask which Unis?


Yeah i have offers from Royal Holloway, City University and Queen Mary. I just found out that i've also been accepted for an interview for UCL :biggrin:
Reply 7
Original post by Woffles
Yeah i have offers from Royal Holloway, City University and Queen Mary. I just found out that i've also been accepted for an interview for UCL :biggrin:


Sweet good luck man!
Reply 8
I did Economics, Maths and Computing at ALevel. Received offers from good universities but missed my UoB offer by one grade (sucks to be me). UWE isn't bad for CompSci though and I'm loving it here so no big loss.
Reply 9
Original post by RedCasino
You have the 3 essential subjects required (M/FM/P), make sure you aim for 90% or above in your AS levels, because that's what they check. Computing is blacklisted (according to Trinity College, Cambridge), however it wouldn't matter as you need the 3 subjects I mentioned previously to be the best you can.

Essay based doesn't help, if you get 100% in your Maths, Further Maths, Physics modules - then you are in a good shot of getting an offer, they won't care for other subjects.

Importantly, use free time to develop your interest for Computer Science and start reading ahead into it, learn a few languages, etc... it's not just about academics, but also passion for your degree.


Erm it's a bit stupid to say you'll have a good shot IF you get 100% - you don't need that at all. Solid A's and a genuine interest you can convey at interview is all that is necessary.

Don't scare people off with ridiculous comments like that.
Reply 10
Original post by i.am.lost
Erm it's a bit stupid to say you'll have a good shot IF you get 100% - you don't need that at all. Solid A's and a genuine interest you can convey at interview is all that is necessary.

Don't scare people off with ridiculous comments like that.


Agree. He goes from "aim for 90%" to "you really need to get 100% in order to have a shot".

But seriously OP just aim for 90% - it's too hard to get 100%. We all make little arithmetic errors in Mathematics and sometimes in Physics you may come across a difficult question they've thrown in there.
Reply 11
Original post by Dededex
Agree. He goes from "aim for 90%" to "you really need to get 100% in order to have a shot".

But seriously OP just aim for 90% - it's too hard to get 100%. We all make little arithmetic errors in Mathematics and sometimes in Physics you may come across a difficult question they've thrown in there.


Statistically it's the people with the highest averages that normally get offers. Although obviously the interview is also taken into consideration.

100% is very unlikely over 4 subjects. Aim for 95% i would say (allowing errors)
(edited 13 years ago)

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