4A2's vs 3A2's and an EPQ

Hey, Im currently studying Maths, Further Maths, Physics and Chemistry and have to make a decision as to either drop Chemistry and pick up an EPQ, or to not do an EPQ and continue with Chemistry. I am looking at applying to University for a Physics or a Computer Science course and am predicted 4A's for AS.
What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of each option in terms of applying for university?

Reply 1

hsbsdjdksksks

OP

2

Forgot to add that the EPQ will most likely be tied in to a Crest Gold award and will be based on Quantum Computing^^

Reply 2

Computer Geek

18

4 A2s anyday LOL, that's not even a competition, someone with 4 A2s will always look more impressive than someone with 3 A2s and an EPQ. It does depend on what grades you get in those A Levels, and if you really can't manage As/A*s across 4 A2s then maybe 3 A2s and the EPQ is a good idea.

Reply 3

Asurat

17

People do EPQs and get near full marks by dedicating 2 weeks in the Summer and backdating everything, so 4A2s if it's a choice of what you think will look better.

Reply 4

Ilovemaths96

13

Original post by Hareve

Hey, Im currently studying Maths, Further Maths, Physics and Chemistry and have to make a decision as to either drop Chemistry and pick up an EPQ, or to not do an EPQ and continue with Chemistry. I am looking at applying to University for a Physics or a Computer Science course and am predicted 4A's for AS.
What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of each option in terms of applying for university?

I'd probably have to say 4 A2's even though the topic of epq - quantum computing sounds very intertesting and relevant. I'd have to warn you about chemistry though. Start A2 chem in summer holidays, its a total b****. Will come back to bite you in the a*** near exams if you put it to one side like i did. Trust me, start chemistry over holidays. Best of luck.

Reply 5

alexjackson1711

1

Original post by Hareve

Hey, Im currently studying Maths, Further Maths, Physics and Chemistry and have to make a decision as to either drop Chemistry and pick up an EPQ, or to not do an EPQ and continue with Chemistry. I am looking at applying to University for a Physics or a Computer Science course and am predicted 4A's for AS.
What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of each option in terms of applying for university?

Hey I took Maths, Further Maths, and Physics with an EPQ this year and I found that the EPQ was really easy compared to taking another A Level. I got an A* with about the tenth of the work an A Level would have taken. In that respect, I would say taking an EPQ is a good (and lets be real - fairly easy) way to show that you're extending your knowledge beyond the curriculum. As well as this, double maths and physics is a LOT of exams. I'm 4 weeks into my 6 week exam period right now and if I had even more exams to study for I think I would probably collapse from exhaustion (but that's just me).

On the other side of the argument an A2 in Chemistry would be seen as a much higher qualification (rightly so) than the EPQ. It also allows you some breathing room for your offer. Someone I know is taking Maths, Physics, Biology, and Chemistry and their offer is for A*AA so they don't have to worry too much about physics this year (but it helps them with Maths and other subjects too).

That being said I have noticed that universities like UCL and Imperial are actually saying (for some, at least) degrees they prefer you to take 2 AS Levels than an extra A2 as you get a greater breadth of knowledge. And UCL specifically like the EPQ as a qualification (one of the main reasons I chose to do mine).

Hope this helps you make up your mind.

Alex

4A2's vs 3A2's and an EPQ

Quick Reply

Related discussions

Latest

Trending

Trending

Articles for you