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Choosing A level subjects?

So I'm about to start year 11 and so I'll be choosing my a level subjects soon and im really unsure of what to choose.

I'm one of those people (not trying to sound super showy offy) who are really good at most subjects but I still hate them. The only subject that I actually really enjoy is French.

So because of some changes, I now only get to choose 3 and don't drop any of them or anything like you used to.

One of the subjects that I know I definitely want to do is French but I still have to choose 2 others.

In terms of future career prospects I am considering doing a language degree at uni because that is something that I know I'd love and enjoy a lot but the only problem is that it doesn't help in terms of jobs? I don't want to become a teacher and not to keen on translator so what good can it help me with? I might wanna be a foreign diplomat but it's very competitive to get into.

My other idea is to become an astrophysicist or astronautical engineer because I'm in love with space and it would be a dream job to work for nasa etc. But the only problem is that although I like physics, I absolutely hate maths and im only decent at it (I'm expected an A for gcse, but I think if I try my best I can get A*) but i can never enjoy it. And that's the problem, what's the point of doing physics without maths.

So the two options I'm thinking about is doing:

French, maths and physics

Or

French, film studies and psychology

Because film and psychology both interest me but I don't think I'd want to pursue either at uni so my options are sort of limited. But I know this would be the options that I would enjoy the most and find easiest.

But doing physics and maths would enable me to pursue the other career path but I know I will find my two years at sixth form extremely difficult and boring and i may end up not wanting to even do it further. Doing those two would take up so much of my time I wouldn't be able to properly focus and have fun with French.

But if I don't choose a science, I feel like im wasting my brains and smarts when I could be using them. The thing that draws me to astronomy or astrophysics is that I could have the chance to discover things or help do things that no human has ever done before. But I'm worried that the reality will not be the same as I think it is.

Help???

Reply 1

username1208193

I've finished my first year of A levels. You should really be looking to study A levels you enjoy. It's a bonus if they a relevant to further study/job prospects e.g. University. I've heard that French is a hard A level to study in general, however, if you're committed to working at it, you'll do pretty well; as the same with any subject. Having a language is pretty useful and opens up more doors than you think. If you hate subjects, I don't see the point of you doing them because you'll naturally struggle and you'll probably be fed up and be reluctant to put any effort in.

It's good to be thinking of job prospects and what not now, but many people often have a change of heart after exploring their job opportunities, whether that be a change in interest or anything else. Many people walk out of Sixth Form/College/University not knowing what they really want to do. At the end of the day, if you want to be happy, go with A levels that you enjoy and you know you can do well at. I'm sure you'd rather be achieving high grades in subjects you enjoy rather than mediocre grades in subjects you're really not into. Say if you get AAA studying the subjects you enjoy, that opens a lot of doors for you in terms of Universities and what not and makes you more competitive. It's a huge risk basing your A levels off of subjects you hate and job prospects, especially ambitious ones. (being an astronautical engineer) It's all good taking those subjects if you feel you can get more out of it in the future, however, if you get mediocre grades e.g. BBC, what will you do then? Since the area of astronautical engineering is a complex one, you can expect it's only worth taking if the University specialises in it. With grades like BBC, you're unlikely to be competitive and meet entry requirements. Don't take this to heart, I'm not trying to discourage you.

It's up to you really. Also, consider the idea that your degree doesn't always need to be relevant to your job, but it's preferable. I know an older student who went to Oxford to study Philosophy. After coming out with her degree, she now works in head office sales for John Lewis earning a substantial amount of money, and she loves the job.

(edited 7 years ago)

Reply 2

cherryblossoming

Original post by randomteenx

But if I don't choose a science, I feel like im wasting my brains and smarts when I could be using them. The thing that draws me to astronomy or astrophysics is that I could have the chance to discover things or help do things that no human has ever done before. But I'm worried that the reality will not be the same as I think it is.

Don't worry about not picking any sciences, seriously. I'm doing French, English Lit, Maths and History myself. Though I am a bit skeptical about your choice of Film Studies tbh. If you are a smart, capable student I think you should pick a facilitating subject. I don't think universities will respect your choice to do Film Studies. Also, if you think you could manage Physics, I deffo think you should go for that. But if you're not sure, I'd say French, Psychology and another subject other than Film Studies would be the way to go - after all, Physics is known to be one of the most rigorous A-Levels.

Good luck! :smile:

Choosing A level subjects?

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