Should I take 4 or 5 choices at AS?

Im a bit stuck as to whether I should just take maths, further maths, physics and chemistry at AS level, or take computing as well. I've got A*'s in all these subjects at GCSE, and I'm aiming at taking computer science at uni. I already know how to code to well above the course standard, so it would only be the theory portion that I'd have to learn.

Any advice?
Thanks

Hi. This is an Oxford answer, but we're not too different from other top Unis when it comes to CompSci so I hope it will be useful to you.

Our standard conditional offer for the straight CompSci degree is A*AA with at least an A in Maths. The A* has to be in either Maths, Further Maths, Physics or Computing. We only (normally) make offers based on three A Levels. We notice if you've done more, but they won't be included in any offer we make. AAAA (or even AAAAA) wouldn't be seen as equivalent to A*AA. Taking additional, (especially less relevant subjects) isn't really going to increase your chances of admission. The majority of successful candidates A Level-taking candidates we've seen in the last few years have done 4 subjects to A2. Some will have done 3, a few will have done more. But, for us it's important that you don't over-stretch yourself and miss the A*.

Computing is a very mathematical subject (especially the way we teach it here at Oxford.) We are very much looking for students who have developed their mathematical thinking. For us Maths is essential, and Further Maths strongly recommended as the best preparation for one of our degrees. We also suggest a science subject such as Physics.

We are looking for students with a genuine interest in CompSci. Our courses start from first principles so we aren't looking for any specific knowledge. A Level Computing is one way of developing and demonstrating this interest, but there are many other (less formal) ways. You wouldn't be penalised when applying for a CompSci course for having chosen not to take it at A Level. We talk more about this here: http://www.cs.ox.ac.uk/ugadmissions/why_oxford/standard_conditional_offers.html

Hope that helps.

What makes you think he wants to go to Oxford? (genuine question, not saying you guys are eletist and think everyone wants to apply there or anything of the sort)

You could have simply stated "No, most unis look at top 3 A2's."

And in my opinion (since you posted yours) Cambridge > Oxford.

Op just do 4 a's levels and do 3 a 2's.

What makes you think he wants to go to Oxford? (genuine question, not saying you guys are eletist and think everyone wants to apply there or anything of the sort)

You could have simply stated "No, most unis look at top 3 A2's."

And in my opinion (since you posted yours) Cambridge > Oxford.

Op just do 4 a's levels and do 3 a 2's.

What makes you think he wants to go to Oxford? (genuine question, not saying you guys are eletist and think everyone wants to apply there or anything of the sort)

You could have simply stated "No, most unis look at top 3 A2's."

And in my opinion (since you posted yours) Cambridge > Oxford.

Op just do 4 a's levels and do 3 a 2's.

Wow you are an angry one!

The Oxford poster clearly stated 'but we're not too different from other top Unis when it comes to CompSci', thus showing they aren't being 'arrogant' or 'elitist' like you say.

Also, I double checked his post and nowhere does it say 'Oxford > Cambridge', which makes me wonder why you posted your opinion with that excuse, other than to purposefully cause an argument.

This sounds horribly bitter. They were just trying to help, and gave advice specific to their own admissions. They also stated that their system is similar to other top universities, which presumably someone with lots of A*s would be aiming for. I seriously doubt you would have written that if, say, Manchester had written it.

Wow you are an angry one!

The Oxford poster clearly stated 'but we're not too different from other top Unis when it comes to CompSci', thus showing they aren't being 'arrogant' or 'elitist' like you say.

Also, I double checked his post and nowhere does it say 'Oxford > Cambridge', which makes me wonder why you posted your opinion with that excuse, other than to purposefully cause an argument.

Im a bit stuck as to whether I should just take maths, further maths, physics and chemistry at AS level, or take computing as well. I've got A*'s in all these subjects at GCSE, and I'm aiming at taking computer science at uni. I already know how to code to well above the course standard, so it would only be the theory portion that I'd have to learn.

Any advice?
Thanks

x