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TSR A-Level Options Discussion Thread[/scroll]
Choosing A-Levels is hard, we know that
and that's why we're here to help
Post the subjects you're considering doing for A-Levels below and any questions you've got regarding the subjects.
Our trusty advice:For choosing the subjects:1.
Pick subjects you love.If you have a passion for the subject then you'll find yourself doing wider reading etc without even thinking about it, which will help you massively.2.
If you already know which course you want to do, look at the A-Level requirements.Certain subjects at uni always require you have some specific subjects in your A-Level combo. E.g. medicine requires biology and chemistry.Also, make sure to check if a uni you know you'd like to go to will accept your A-Levels, this informed choices guide may help you with that3.
Pick the A-Levels for you, not a teacher, not parents and not friends.Essentially, don't let people pressure you into taking A-Levels you don't actually want to take!4.
Remember, the decisions you submit on your sixth form application aren't final.Most sixth forms are reasonably flexible about changing a-level options especially before you actually start and you'll likely be able to change your subjects a few weeks in if you end up not enjoying it anyway5.
Consider subjects/skills you're strong/weak atFor example, if you don't enjoy essay writing or you're not great at it consider whether you'd actually enjoy or be willing to put the effort in for an essay based subjectFor deciding whether to move schools or not:1.
Weigh up the pros and cons of going to sixth form/college.This may help you decide that one place will be better suited to you e.g: college X has lots of teacher contact time but doesn't offer an Oxbridge support program whilst college Y has great enrichment but is a trek.2.
Ask lots of questions at any open events.You want to get a feel for the place where you may be spending the next two years 3.
Think about what is actually best for you, not what sounds funIt may sound attractive to go to a college with a lot more freedom, but will you be self motivated enough to work with more freedom or would more structure be better for you?The jump between GCSE and A-LevelOne of the reasons the GCSEs had a massive change was to prepare us for A-Levels
so some AS content was moved into higher GCSE maths, for example. Obviously, the jump will differ depending on the nature of the subject but you might find that easing into the subject isn't that awful at all! Please don't be stressed over this 'jump'; if you do really enjoy a subject and want to pursue it further than go for it- and your teachers are there to support you
If you’re worried about choosing a ‘soft’ subject:‘Soft’ and ‘hard’ subjects are grossly exaggerated online. Whilst some subjects are more traditional than others, you should ultimately choose A-Level subjects that are best for you and your future career path. In the end, it matters more about excelling in the subjects due to your passion, rather than struggling in a subject that you chose due to how good it looks on paper.
It’s also important to mention that many students recommend taking at least 1 ‘facilitating’ subject. These are subjects which are the most commonly required for higher education courses, which, according to the Russell Group website include:
English Literature; History; Modern and classical languages; Geography; Biology; Chemistry; Physics; Maths and Further Maths.
However, as mentioned previously, take subjects you know are relevant to you, not having any facilitating subjects doesn’t mean you’ll get rejected by higher education institutions, it simply means that your opportunities to do different courses are much more open. 🙂
Unsure whether to do 3 or 4 A-Levels?Whilst you may feel you’re capable of taking 4 A-Levels, it’s key to remember that most universities only require 3. In fact, it’s only in situations where competitive courses are faced with applicants of the same calibre, does a 4th a-level play to your advantage and even then, it should be at the same standard as your other grades.
If you aren't sure about your subjects, some schools will let you start with 4 and drop 1 fairly quickly...try not to delay this decision too long if you know you don't want to do 4 full A levels though! Also, if you want to take maths and further maths, many schools will suggest you at least start with 4 so you can have a bit more variety (and a very limited number of universities won't accept further maths as a third A level for a number of courses).
Remember, it’s better to receive 3 fantastic A-Level grades than 4 mediocre ones. In fact, it may be better to consider undertaking the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) as it’s a year-long course which can lower your entry requirements at certain universities should you do well.
Unsure on your subject choices? Read some advice in
this thread Got more questions about this? Ask away below