A level choices for Medicine at Uni

I'm really conflicted about choosing my A-Levels, I'm definitely doing Chemistry and Biology but I'm split between: Maths, Physics, French, Psychology? I'd really appreciate some advice!

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Reply 1

judogainz

Original post by ursila16

I'm really conflicted about choosing my A-Levels, I'm definitely doing Chemistry and Biology but I'm split between: Maths, Physics, French, Psychology? I'd really appreciate some advice!

Maths and french.

Reply 2

Pharmaholic

Some unis will want maths, others won't. Have a look at what entry requirements the unis you're interested in want.

My friend got into medicine with bio, chem, maths and food tech.
Another got into dentistry with bio, chem and good tech. She dropped maths after AS.
Another medic in my school did bio, chem and maths.
And a third medic I know of did bio, chem and psychology.

I'd say, as long as you have bio and chem, you're good to go!

Reply 3

Questions27168

Bio and Chem are pretty much essential. With A level reforms pick another 1 or 2 subjects that you know you will commit to and achieve the best in as A levels are mostly linear now (With the exception of Maths)

Reply 4

Semaphore

Computing
Ict
General studies
Politics

Reply 5

ursila16

Original post by judogainz

Maths and french.

thanks, that was my original plan! but i guess ive gotten more and more confused

Reply 6

ursila16

Original post by Pharmaholic

Thanks, that helps a lot, I'm just worried as to whether psychology is seen as a soft subject and if French is too 'common' now, I know it's important to be different when applying for uni's!

Reply 7

ursila16

Original post by Questions27168

Yeah, I guess so, it's just very stressful!

Reply 8

Democracy

Biology, chemistry and whatever else you like and think you'll do well in (is it two subjects now or just one?).

To confirm, you don't need maths or physics. Psychology and/or French would be fine.

Reply 9

Questions27168

Original post by ursila16

Yeah, I guess so, it's just very stressful!

Don't be stressed it's not worth it. You'll most likely have a chance to change in the first 2 or 3 weeks if you dislike a subject :smile:

And don't feel pressurized to pick all facilitating subjects either. Pick 3 you know you will excel at.

Reply 10

Questions27168

Original post by Democracy

Biology, chemistry and whatever else you like and think you'll do well in (is it two subjects now or just one?).

To confirm, you don't need maths or physics. Psychology and/or French would be fine.

Medicine schools as of 2017 will accept 3. We aren't sure if doing 4 will be advantageous yet. :smile:

Reply 11

Democracy

Original post by Questions27168

Medicine schools as of 2017 will accept 3. We aren't sure if doing 4 will be advantageous yet. :smile:

Thanks

So will future year 12s do three A levels and no AS levels?

Reply 12

ursila16

Original post by Democracy

Biology, chemistry and whatever else you like and think you'll do well in (is it two subjects now or just one?).

To confirm, you don't need maths or physics. Psychology and/or French would be fine.

Thanks, it means a lot!

Reply 13

ursila16

Original post by Questions27168

Don't be stressed it's not worth it. You'll most likely have a chance to change in the first 2 or 3 weeks if you dislike a subject :smile:

And don't feel pressurized to pick all facilitating subjects either. Pick 3 you know you will excel at.

I guess so, that's what everyone's been telling me, I guess I'm just worried about not standing out enough to med-schools!

Reply 14

rxns_00

Maths and physics.
Doing three sciences and maths is easy because you have a similar mindset for all of them, and they're connected material wise together too

Reply 15

ursila16

Original post by Democracy

Thanks

So will future year 12s do three A levels and no AS levels?

I'm not going to be doing AS's but I'm still picking four, I hate the new system, as even if you do drop a subject you have nothing to show for that one years worth of work!

Reply 16

ursila16

Original post by RonnieRJ

Maths and physics.
Doing three sciences and maths is easy because you have a similar mindset for all of them, and they're connected material wise together too

Thanks, I'm just worried that I might seem to 'one sided'. Do you think I'd be at a disadvantage if I did?

Reply 17

Questions27168

Original post by Democracy

Thanks

So will future year 12s do three A levels and no AS levels?

That depends on the school :smile:

Some are doing 4 and dropping one after an as that's not counted towards the final grade (so dropping for no qualification) , other schools aren't offering any as exams at all (since it's pointless really) so students are advised to do 3.

Reply 18

Questions27168

Original post by ursila16

I guess so, that's what everyone's been telling me, I guess I'm just worried about not standing out enough to med-schools!

Don't worry! Med schools are interested in work experience and volunteering as well as just grades so do what you enjoy. You'll stand out if you have a passion for a subject even if that's not maths or physics.

Reply 19

Chief Wiggum

Original post by ursila16

I'm really conflicted about choosing my A-Levels, I'm definitely doing Chemistry and Biology but I'm split between: Maths, Physics, French, Psychology? I'd really appreciate some advice!

I don't really think it would make much difference at all. I'd just pick your 2 best/favourite subjects out of that list.

Note, however, the exception is that if you want to apply to Cambridge, then you should do 3 science/maths subjects, ideally Bio, Chem, and Maths.