Is it worth doing an EPQ?

Hi!

I'm currently taking 4 A-levels ( double maths, bio and chem) and am contemplating doing an EPQ?

Is it worth it, especially with the workload of four A-levels?
Does the EPQ truly benefit you? I mean, a lot of people say it's good for uni applications and for actually being in uni and independent research and stuff but is it really worth it?

Thanks!

Bumpingggggg

Hi!

I'm currently taking 4 A-levels ( double maths, bio and chem) and am contemplating doing an EPQ?

Is it worth it, especially with the workload of four A-levels?
Does the EPQ truly benefit you? I mean, a lot of people say it's good for uni applications and for actually being in uni and independent research and stuff but is it really worth it?

Thanks!

Don't do an EPQ.

I did an EPQ myself with 3 humanities-based A-Levels and that was just enough workload for me to keep on top of my studies and balance a social life outside Sixth Form (which is extremely important for your mental health). The only benefits that I gained from taking an EPQ were a few extra discussion points for my personal statement and another grade on my A-Level results sheet. Of course, everyone can handle different workloads but personally, I'd stick with four A-Levels. I'd say an EPQ could be quite useful when you get to university as you've had experience with referencing and dealing with research, but plenty of scientists cope just fine without the experience of EPQ (I'm presuming you'd be going into STEM with your A-Level choices?).

Focus on getting great grades in your A-Levels, it seems as if you're really dedicated.

Hi!

I'm currently taking 4 A-levels ( double maths, bio and chem) and am contemplating doing an EPQ?

Is it worth it, especially with the workload of four A-levels?
Does the EPQ truly benefit you? I mean, a lot of people say it's good for uni applications and for actually being in uni and independent research and stuff but is it really worth it?

Thanks!

Thank you so much for your reply!

Did your EPQ mean you had a lower grade for uni? Cos my head of sixth form keeps on saying that past students had lower entry requirements. Although, I don't know if that is worth all the stress of it. Especially since I have no clue what I'd do the EPQ on or what I want to do for uni... or even if the subjects I've picked are the right ones for me.

Sorry this is turning into a bit of a rant... thinking about this stuff makes me really scared.

Also, which subjects did you do at A-level and uni?

IMO, 4 a levels plus an EPQ is too much to handle. It's better to focus on getting good grades in your 4 a levels than to have to worry about that and an EPQ.

Does the EPQ truly benefit you?
Kind of and kind of not (for me, at least) Skills wise, yes. It gave me useful researching, independent study, time management, planning and presentation skills, and made my life easier when I was doing other coursework cos I already knew how to reference and find academic journals.

Getting a university place wise, not really, no. Most top unis don't look at EPQs, although it might be a good talking point for an Oxbridge interview if you're doing an EPQ in something related to what you want to do at uni, plus it'll show that you already have these key independent study skills etc.

Some universities will give you a lower offer if you get an A at EPQ, it'll usually be one grade lower offer. You'll be able to see which unis take EPQ into account on their website but off the top of my head, there's Southampton, Birmingham, Queen Mary, Royal Holloway and probably a couple others.

I think it's important to do an EPQ in something you're really passionate about, otherwise you're going to lack that motivation to complete it. I'd do some research on potential topics, maybe sign up to do an EPQ but if after doing some research, you realise you can't think of anything you'd want to do it on or your workload is getting too much then you can always drop it later.

Hope that helps