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Subject choice advice - mechanical engineering

Hi there,

I am planning on studying mechanical engineering at university, starting in 2014. As it stands, I plan to apply to Oxford, Imperial, Bath, Bristol and Strathclyde.

I am currently studying maths, physics, chemistry, English and history at Higher level in Scotland, and currently, I am down to study maths, physics and history at Advanced Higher level next year.

I was just wondering whether anyone had thoughts about taking history as a third Advanced Higher, as obviously it is not related to what I aim to study. I really love history, and decided to take it so that my subjects are more varied. Do you think this will make my application weaker when compared to someone who has chemistry or applied maths as a third subject, assuming grades are equal?

I have quite sufficient evidence showing my passion for engineering, for example work experience, Headstart course and Arkwright scholarship; would this make up for taking history?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Many thanks.