Really need advice! Dropping subject but only do 3 A-levels!

I am in year 12 doing my first year of A-levels. I really hate doing English Literature A-level and I want to drop it but I can't because I only do 2 other A-levels. I really really just wish I can get rid of it but I can'tttt and it's so depressing. I'm sure I'm not going to get a good grade in it and it just really depresses me and I can't deal with the amount of essays.

I really don't know what to do as I have already spoken to my school about dropping it a while ago but they didn't let me.

The replacement subject would be Arabic A-level. Arabic is my second language and I have looked at the past paper questions and they look good. I would take the exams at another venue.

Any advice would be much appreciated, thank you.

If you drop to 2 A levels, you will be putting yourself at major disadvantage when it comes to university applications. You will seriously struggle to find something. That said, if you are struggling to manage with three A levels at the moment, then it might be a good idea to look at apprenticeships or entering into a job as an alternative. If you do an A level in your native language, it may not be included in any university offers as many universities don't regard it in the same light as other qualifications. Think very carefully before you drop your third subject. You may regret it more than you think.

Arabic isn't my first language though?

Arabic isn't my first language though?

You said it's your second language. If you are fluent in it because it is a language you speak at home, then it won't often be counted as demonstrating a sufficient level of academic study.

I'm not fluent in it and I barely speak it at home. Also, even if I did regularly speak it at home, it doesn't affect anything because Arabs speak in their different dialects- not formal Arabic.

I used to go to Arabic Saturday school, which is how I learnt how to read and write it. I can read and understand and translate but my weakness is writing so I need to work on that before taking the exam.

And how would they know it's my second language anyway? I don't need to tell them that?

But at least your grade would be better than in english list. My advice is to keep on struggling with eng litt and take up arabic as a 4th subject.

The issue is taking it as an exam geared towards non-native speakers versus one for native speakers. If you take the non-native speaker exam as a native speaker, universities are not going to get the evidence of academic ability that they would get otherwise. No doubt your reference will tell them what level of fluency you have already. Taking the exam geared towards the native speaker would give them that evidence, in that way that English lit A level tests a different set of skills to French A level for a native speaker of English.

Yeah, that's why I don't want to continue with it. I don't see the point of all the stress of essay deadlines and everything and all the struggling only to get a rubbish grade in the end. I would rather drop it than fail it.

Regardless of that though, I might do what you advised although it really will be a struggle.

You should do it because Eng Litt is a good subject and Arabian will give you good points for getting into university. What do you want to study and where or haven't you thought about that yet?

Okay, but don't you think it's a safer option to take Arabic A-level rather than continue with English and get a rubbish grade in it?

I'm not completely sure yet but I think I want to do Psychology.

Actually, I don't, but your mileage clearly varies. It's a toss-up between an academic subject which will be included in any offers you get and an A level which may not be counted at all in any offers. I suggest you a) sit down and have a really honest talk with your teachers and b) contact any universities you are interested in and ask them what their attitude would be to someone with your profile before you make any decisions.

Actually, I don't, but your mileage clearly varies. It's a toss-up between an academic subject which will be included in any offers you get and an A level which may not be counted at all in any offers. I suggest you a) sit down and have a really honest talk with your teachers and b) contact any universities you are interested in and ask them what their attitude would be to someone with your profile before you make any decisions.

TBH you need 3 a levels so best pick up arabic asap Psychology sounds interesting I might do a short course in that myself. What other a levels are you doing?

Why wouldn't arabic be counted?