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a-levels

What would you do if you were completely confused about what a-levels you wanted to take?
Do you have any idea what you would like to be in the future? because certain courses require specific A levels e.g medicine
(edited 2 years ago)
Reply 2
Original post by aniyah.haider
What would you do if you were completely confused about what a-levels you wanted to take?

Does your school offer sixth form taster days? I did those at my school and I got to experience what a lot of different A-level subjects would be like (I also had some sort of idea of what I wanted to study at university so that was helpful). I also picked one of my favourite subjects which really helps at A-level because it's quite difficult so having that passion can motivate you. I'm probably not the best person to give advice as I did change my subjects like three times in the beginning but whatever you have interest in or need to study at university (if you want to go to university) is a good place to start :smile:
(edited 2 years ago)
Original post by gogrizz123
Do you have any idea what you would like to be in the future? because certain courses require specific A levels e.g medicine

tbh im not very sure abt that either! ive thought abt doing either business management or aerospace engineering at uni, but they both require completely different subjects so idrk right now.
Original post by Jaz._bg
Does your school offer sixth form taster days? I did those at my school and I got to experience what a lot of different A-level subjects would be like (I also had some sort of idea of what I wanted to study at university so that was helpful). I also picked one of my favourite subjects which really helps at A-level because it's quite difficult so having that passion can motivate you. I'm probably not the best person to give advice as I did change my subjects like three times in the beginning but whatever you have interest in or need to study at university (if you want to go to university) is a good place to start :smile:

unfortunately my school does not offer taster lesson, im actually worried about all the amount of studying preparation each subject might take, and i've heard physics and chemistry in particularly A2 are very difficult. I wan't to make sure I don't achieve below an A. I do have an idea of doing business management or aerospace engineering at uni, but im not very sure about that either.
Original post by Jaz._bg
Does your school offer sixth form taster days? I did those at my school and I got to experience what a lot of different A-level subjects would be like (I also had some sort of idea of what I wanted to study at university so that was helpful). I also picked one of my favourite subjects which really helps at A-level because it's quite difficult so having that passion can motivate you. I'm probably not the best person to give advice as I did change my subjects like three times in the beginning but whatever you have interest in or need to study at university (if you want to go to university) is a good place to start :smile:

also do you mind telling me what you took for your a-levels?
Reply 6
Most schools have a careers advisor. Usually they can discuss what career path would suit you or in your case which Alevel subjects would be best suited to you. Otherwise there are plenty of resources online. Do you have a specific career path in mind? What are your strengths?
I would consider if there's any particular subjects that intrigue you or you think will be interesting as it will increase motivation, rather than focussing on what you were good at at GCSE and what you think will be an easy A level. If you are considering business and management, I'm hopefully doing the same course in September and found that a level psychology and sociology complimented each other and a level business well
Original post by Nadia-J
Most schools have a careers advisor. Usually they can discuss what career path would suit you or in your case which Alevel subjects would be best suited to you. Otherwise there are plenty of resources online. Do you have a specific career path in mind? What are your strengths?

I do have an idea of doing business management or aerospace engineering at uni. Ive done all science subjects in my gcse's so this will be my first time if i do end up taking commerce subjects for my a-levels.
Original post by SB1234567890
I would consider if there's any particular subjects that intrigue you or you think will be interesting as it will increase motivation, rather than focussing on what you were good at at GCSE and what you think will be an easy A level. If you are considering business and management, I'm hopefully doing the same course in September and found that a level psychology and sociology complimented each other and a level business well

would sociology and psychology be considered weak subjects to enter into uni or was it just fine?
Original post by aniyah.haider
I do have an idea of doing business management or aerospace engineering at uni. Ive done all science subjects in my gcse's so this will be my first time if i do end up taking commerce subjects for my a-levels.

Ah ok
If you decide to go for business management, then pretty much any subject at alevel is fine as long as you get solid grades. Whereas aerospace engineering would be more scientific, so sciences and maths would be essential
Original post by aniyah.haider
unfortunately my school does not offer taster lesson, im actually worried about all the amount of studying preparation each subject might take, and i've heard physics and chemistry in particularly A2 are very difficult. I wan't to make sure I don't achieve below an A. I do have an idea of doing business management or aerospace engineering at uni, but im not very sure about that either.

That's a shame but it doesn't matter:smile: Our school set us transition work so that our jump from GCSE to A-level would be easier and we would be more prepared to go into A-levels, I'm not sure if your school has mentioned anything like that? It was quite a bit of work but definitely helped and it wasn't too hard to be honest. I do Biology, Chemistry, and Psychology and I'm currently in year 12. Chemistry is definitely my most challenging subject and I really enjoy the content but it is very hard the other two are relatively nice subjects and the content is enjoyable. However my career prospects changed wildly and now I might be taking year 12 and year 13 English Lit all in one year!

I say definitely keep your options open and maybe just pick A-level subjects that you enjoy because that's all that matters in the end. If your considering future careers in business management or aerospace engineering I say maybe take a look at some universities and the a-levels they require and see if it's something you're genuinely interested in, they may be challenging a-levels but if you're passionate and genuinely want to reach that goal then you will <3
Original post by aniyah.haider
would sociology and psychology be considered weak subjects to enter into uni or was it just fine?

I'd ignore the idea of soft or facilitating subjects. For example, psychology has maths, science and essays so shows you have a variety of skills. I got all 5 offers, which included university of exeter, which was third for business and management when I was researching universities and was number one for graduate prospects because, unless the course has specific subject requirements, universities just want 3 A levels and at the end of the day it is better to get higher grades in subjects you actually enjoy than lower grades in subjects that you only took because you thought they were more respected
Hope this helps
Original post by aniyah.haider
What would you do if you were completely confused about what a-levels you wanted to take?

@aniyah.haider
I have a 1st BA Hons in Sociology and will shortly have an MSc in Psychology so I can advise a little on these and entry requirements in general.

1) Firstly, the key thing you need to get into university is a certain number of what is called UCAS tariff points (i.e. a high grade at GCSE or A level is worth more points than a lower one). For some degree's the tariff points are the key thing, the subjects do not matter, however, some degree's have very specific entry requirements as a professional requirement - primary teaching, nursing/midwifery are good examples of this.

2) Sociology and Psychology are great A level's to do. In terms of career progression, to be a registered Psychologist you have to go onto do doctorate level study and requires lots of dedicated. Sociology is great to get into teaching or social work, I would advise doing post graduate study in a specialist field after it, such as a PGCE or a social work masters.

3) I think it is worth talking to the career's advisor in your institution, usually a knowledgeable objective other can really help steer you in the right direction

Marc
Arden University Student Ambassador

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