Gap year.....Maths A - level...Cambridge ???

hey all, so basically my dilemma is i initially i started out wanting to do medicine. after some 'somewhat' invaluable work exp, i decided it wasn't for me. instead due to my 3rd a level of economics. (i'm doing bio chem econ) i began developing a massive interest for economics as a degree. i enjoy the subject and i find it very interesting. i'm applying for some economics courses this year, however i've been very limited to middle rank unis. (best is probably loughborough who want B only at GCSE) so my question is if i achieve my precited of A*A*A*A (EPQ ASWELL) and then did maths a level in my gap year... what are the chances i will get into economics for a top uni... more specifially Cambridge LSE, UCL. would i be at a disadvantage due to the fact i'm a year older or at at advantage as i already have 'A levels in the bag' Cambridge would be my main goal though..

many thanks

Would probably be in your interest to also take Further Maths A-Levels.

What are you other A-levels?

The gap year isn't a problem for Cambridge (it's only sometimes an issue if you are applying for maths, which you aren't).

Taking an extra A-level outside the normal 2 year period *might* be ok as you aren't resiting it, just doing it because you have the "wrong" A-levels.

It will probably be worth asking one of the ATs on TSR after the current rush of 2018 cycle applications has subsided.

Would probably be in your interest to also take Further Maths A-Levels.

Can I do ALL of Maths A level with further maths in a year though.. even with my 8 hour a day of studying, rule is that feasible..?!!

I agree with the above poster, but I'd say that being a year older and having your A levels in the bag gives you a decent advantage. Maybe try to find some economics related work experience alongside the Maths A level during your gap year- it can be invaluable. i know people who achieve mediocre grades at A level and went on to study at top universities because they had professional work experience.

Can I do ALL of Maths A level with further maths in a year though.. even with my 8 hour a day of studying, rule is that feasible..?!!

I have KPMG work exp this Christmas if that helps

I was thinking that too - or at least AS FM (if that's still available?)

I was thinking that too - or at least AS FM (if that's still available?)

I believe it is, as a standalone, yes.

[Is Econ planning on making FM a requirement? I know Maths is soon enough, forgot it I heard similar for Econ]

I agree with the above poster, but I'd say that being a year older and having your A levels in the bag gives you a decent advantage. Maybe try to find some economics related work experience alongside the Maths A level during your gap year- it can be invaluable. i know people who achieve mediocre grades at A level and went on to study at top universities because they had professional work experience.

I have KPMG work exp this Christmas if that helps

Yes, you could do it in much less than a year with much less studying a day if you're sufficiently fast at learning lots of boring and easy material (are you?).

yes i can learn material pretty quickly. tend to smash out past papers early on and eliminate any mistakes i have.

Then you'll be done with maths and further maths in a few weeks if you're doing 8 hours a day.

you're making it sound a breeze. !!! xD most people that i know got Ds at AS maths after a whole year of doing it. but then again without sounding arrogant my academic merit differs substantially from most in my year