3 A Levels or 4 A Levels?

This is most likely an often asked question, but does the University of Cambridge prefer 3 or 4 A Levels?

I know there are many other factors, but seeing as AS Levels are being reformed, would I be at a disadvantage if I applied with only 3 A2s when presumably many other candidates will be applying with 4 next year?

Reply 1

username1415799

10

Hi there. I don't think it really matters tbh. If the university specifically says you need 4 subjects then yes it does matter. But if they say they only want 3 then doing a 4th subject does not give you any advantage. All they need is 3 grades (A*AA or whatever they ask). I think that is hard enough to get so I would not add extra pressure by doing an extra A-level :smile:

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Reply 2

asleep

OP

Original post by mj1dan2014

Hi there. I don't think it really matters tbh. If the university specifically says you need 4 subjects then yes it does matter. But if they say they only want 3 then doing a 4th subject does not give you any advantage. All they need is 3 grades (A*AA or whatever they ask). I think that is hard enough to get so I would not add extra pressure by doing an extra A-level :smile:

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thank you so much!

Reply 3

Doones

21

Original post by asleep

This is most likely an often asked question, but does the University of Cambridge prefer 3 or 4 A Levels?

I know there are many other factors, but seeing as AS Levels are being reformed, would I be at a disadvantage if I applied with only 3 A2s when presumably many other candidates will be applying with 4 next year?

Quality not quantity for Cambridge (and anywhere for that matter) :smile:

Having "only" 3 is absolutely fine, and increasingly common due to the A-level reforms.

What course are you considering?

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Reply 4

Reality Check

22

Original post by asleep

This is most likely an often asked question, but does the University of Cambridge prefer 3 or 4 A Levels?

I know there are many other factors, but seeing as AS Levels are being reformed, would I be at a disadvantage if I applied with only 3 A2s when presumably many other candidates will be applying with 4 next year?

Yes, it's been asked about 10,000 times - a search will reveal just how many.

The standard offer is 3 A levels. You are at no advantage doing 4.

Reply 5

210555

13

Original post by jneill

Quality not quantity for Cambridge (and anywhere for that matter) :smile:

Having "only" 3 is absolutely fine, and increasingly common due to the A-level reforms.

What course are you considering?

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And remember A*AA (arts) or A*A*A (sciences) is better at Cambridge than AAAA. Good luck with everything.

Reply 6

asleep

OP

Original post by jneill

Quality not quantity for Cambridge (and anywhere for that matter) :smile:

Having "only" 3 is absolutely fine, and increasingly common due to the A-level reforms.

What course are you considering?

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Thank you! I am considering applying for the English course. I am taking English Lit, French, Geo and Bio for A Level and currently the workload is manageable, but I am finding French the hardest, however a modern language is the only subject which some of the colleges have stated is useful for the English course so I am not sure if that would be the logical option to drop.