The Student Room Group

A Levels - what do I drop???

Hey, so I got much better than expected AS Results, AAAA. I'm planning to apply for civil engineering next year and I did Maths, Physics, Further Maths and Government and Politics this year.

Originally I was going to drop Politics and keep the other three, but turns out I got 97% in it, whereas Further Maths I got quite a low A, around 83%

Should I drop Further Maths because it's lower, or Politics because it's less relevant??? Thanks!
Reply 1
Look at the courses you want to apply to and what their requirements are, then you'll be able to know if you need Further Maths or not.
You need to look at the courses you want to apply for next year and check out their entry requirements :h: . Some may specify specific subjects you might take, so make the informed decision when deciding what to drop :h:
Reply 3
Original post by Lwin
Look at the courses you want to apply to and what their requirements are, then you'll be able to know if you need Further Maths or not.


thank you! most of the universities I'm applying to state it as a 'useful' subject but not a solid requirement
Reply 4
Original post by Nirgilis
You need to look at the courses you want to apply for next year and check out their entry requirements :h: . Some may specify specific subjects you might take, so make the informed decision when deciding what to drop :h:


thanks! I'm just a bit wary of continuing with Further Maths because although I did get an A, this was down to D1 which is easier than FP1 which i got a low B in. But I think it's not absolutely necessary for the universities I'm applying to
Original post by anise_mc
Hey, so I got much better than expected AS Results, AAAA. I'm planning to apply for civil engineering next year and I did Maths, Physics, Further Maths and Government and Politics this year.

Originally I was going to drop Politics and keep the other three, but turns out I got 97% in it, whereas Further Maths I got quite a low A, around 83%

Should I drop Further Maths because it's lower, or Politics because it's less relevant??? Thanks!


Hi anise_mc, congrats on your great results :smile: is it university that you're hoping to go to once you've finished your A levels? Have you contacted any to ask them which subjects would be preferable?

RMA Nick
Reply 6
Original post by anise_mc
thank you! most of the universities I'm applying to state it as a 'useful' subject but not a solid requirement


Then it's up to you if you want to take it or not. I might contact a few of them and ask them to specify a bit more clearly what "useful" means. Will they be more inclined to give you a place if you take it and do well?
If you do American politics at A2, you'll be matching up with the US election which is super fun! (Bit of a weird thing to say but genuinely you'll get to write essays about Donald Trump's potential vote share and it was definitely one of my favourite modules)
Reply 7
Original post by Jess & Nick RMA
Hi anise_mc, congrats on your great results :smile: is it university that you're hoping to go to once you've finished your A levels? Have you contacted any to ask them which subjects would be preferable?

RMA Nick


thank you :smile: I was thinking either Cardiff or Sheffield, and they both ask for AAA. That's a good idea, i'll do that this afternoon!
Original post by anise_mc
thanks! I'm just a bit wary of continuing with Further Maths because although I did get an A, this was down to D1 which is easier than FP1 which i got a low B in. But I think it's not absolutely necessary for the universities I'm applying to


Well, as I say, double check before you go and do it. Better to be safe than sorry! :tongue:
Reply 9
Original post by Lwin
Then it's up to you if you want to take it or not. I might contact a few of them and ask them to specify a bit more clearly what "useful" means. Will they be more inclined to give you a place if you take it and do well?
If you do American politics at A2, you'll be matching up with the US election which is super fun! (Bit of a weird thing to say but genuinely you'll get to write essays about Donald Trump's potential vote share and it was definitely one of my favourite modules)


I think I will talk to them. I'm guessing you did politics at A2, did you find it a big step up from AS?
Reply 10
Original post by Nirgilis
Well, as I say, double check before you go and do it. Better to be safe than sorry! :tongue:


Sure thing, I think I'll contact the universities like others have said!
Reply 11
Original post by anise_mc
I think I will talk to them. I'm guessing you did politics at A2, did you find it a big step up from AS?


It depends a lot on what your teacher decides to do and what exam board you're studying. At AS we studied UK Gov Pol, and then in A2 we looked at US Government. In many ways doing it that way A2 was a lot easier, because the US system of government is pretty straightforward and their constitution fits onto a sheet of paper (admittedly in very cramped handwriting but still). The exam also gave you the opportunity to specialise a little on a particular topic like the Supreme Court or Elections. However, you could also be doing Political theory, looking at various systems, or something else depending on the exam board. I'd ask your teacher what you'll be doing then you'll have a clearer idea.
Reply 12
Original post by Lwin
It depends a lot on what your teacher decides to do and what exam board you're studying. At AS we studied UK Gov Pol, and then in A2 we looked at US Government. In many ways doing it that way A2 was a lot easier, because the US system of government is pretty straightforward and their constitution fits onto a sheet of paper (admittedly in very cramped handwriting but still). The exam also gave you the opportunity to specialise a little on a particular topic like the Supreme Court or Elections. However, you could also be doing Political theory, looking at various systems, or something else depending on the exam board. I'd ask your teacher what you'll be doing then you'll have a clearer idea.


We do AQA which you do US Government definitely. I'll ask my teacher to clarify but thank you :smile:
Original post by anise_mc
thank you :smile: I was thinking either Cardiff or Sheffield, and they both ask for AAA. That's a good idea, i'll do that this afternoon!


Glad to be of help, good luck! Above all, it's probably best to do what you enjoy doing and the subject that you can really focus on studying for the next year.

RMA Nick

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