The Student Room Group

A Level Choices- Can someone give me some advice?

Hi, I am in the process of choosing my A Levels for next year and was having a little trouble making my decisions. If you are doing any/have done any of the A levels that I am considering it would be fantastic if you could just let me know what kind of subject it is or if you have found it helpful in your university applications.

Currently I am aiming to study either Computer Sciences or Economics at my chosen university, and am not entirely clear on the best subject combinations that ensure a good chance of acceptance AND a moderately enjoyable 6th form- hating a subject doesn't really suggest it is a good career path :biggrin:

Option 1
Computer science: A* A* A

- Maths
- Physics
- Biology
- Computer Science

Option 2:
Economics: A* A* A

- Maths
- Physics
- Biology
- Economics

I have seen that economics colleges at my preferred uni do not REQUIRE economics whereas Computer science, Maths and Physics seem very highly recommended for the CompSci courses, so I was most attracted to option 1. If anyone here has taken or is taking this course, PLEASE let me know how you find it! Secondly, economics seems to be considered an easier subject to take, I was wondering if universities see it as a way out of studying something more difficult, can anyone comment on this?

Any help or comments are massively appreciated, thanks so much for taking the time out of your day to read this!
ST3NCIL
Reply 1
Take option one believe me. Economic is an all right subject but it really ain't that difficult compared to something like computer science. Hence uni's don't really mind if u wanna study economics but u didn't take it for a level, your other grades will come into consideration. Whereas if u didn't take computer science but u wanna do it for uni, u can't because u also need to take it for a level to study it in uni because it's a hard subject and you'll struggle if u haven't takin it in a level. Whereas economics not really. So take option 1 because with that u can take computer science or economics for uni whereas option 2 will force u to take economics
Virtually no uni economics courses ask for an A-Level in economics, preferring maths A-Level instead, so I'd say that you should stick with option 1, as you have a bigger choice in uni courses when you're in year 13.
If you're seriously considering either economics or compsci, I'm not sure why biology is a factor on both lists. It's a well-regarded subject but is of no particular relevance to either course.

Surely the obvious option would be maths, physics, economics, and computer science? Covers all the bases.

Pretty sure computer science courses do not generally expect computer science A level (plenty of schools don't even offer it), just maths A level, so there's nothing really to choose between the two options you've given.
(edited 9 years ago)
Reply 4
Ditch Biology and do Economics, that way you are flexible in doing both options - even though CompSci or Economics requires A-levels in CompSci or Economics...
I dunno. If option 1, then perhaps knowledge of biology could lead to some interesting computer science application in the future (albeit post-degree level), with the computational mapping of biological processes (e.g. computational neuroscience). Though I'm biased, but just a thought.
Original post by hellodave5
I dunno. If option 1, then perhaps knowledge of biology could lead to some interesting computer science application in the future (albeit post-degree level), with the computational mapping of biological processes (e.g. computational neuroscience). Though I'm biased, but just a thought.


That may be stretching it a bit for A level.
Original post by Potally_Tissed
That may be stretching it a bit for A level.


Maybe you're right...
Opens possibilities though.
Maybe its just my midnight imagination.
Reply 8
I saw a lot of you wondering why I included biology. To be honest that is one subject that I am not sure about yet, but it is my provisional second science (going to wait until after my chem/bio mocks before I can confidently pick one) as I enjoy it and I think I have a good chance of getting a high mark in it. As was mentioned above also, it opens some more specific career paths but personally I am still quite undecided about my 2nd science.

Can anyone tell me if latin is a decent subject at A Level? I have found it incredibly easy at GCSE, a total walkthrough (A* in a past paper with no revision at all in my last end of years) and I was thinking it might be a good one to take at A level. Can anyone give me some pointers on that?
Original post by grace10101
tbh I would suggest just doing 3 A Levels as no unis require 4 and 3 A levels alone are hard particularly the ones you have chosen but that is just my opinion

OP has probably graduated - the thread is 7 years old
Original post by ST3NCIL
Hi, I am in the process of choosing my A Levels for next year and was having a little trouble making my decisions. If you are doing any/have done any of the A levels that I am considering it would be fantastic if you could just let me know what kind of subject it is or if you have found it helpful in your university applications.

Currently I am aiming to study either Computer Sciences or Economics at my chosen university, and am not entirely clear on the best subject combinations that ensure a good chance of acceptance AND a moderately enjoyable 6th form- hating a subject doesn't really suggest it is a good career path :biggrin:

Option 1
Computer science: A* A* A

- Maths
- Physics
- Biology
- Computer Science

Option 2:
Economics: A* A* A

- Maths
- Physics
- Biology
- Economics

I have seen that economics colleges at my preferred uni do not REQUIRE economics whereas Computer science, Maths and Physics seem very highly recommended for the CompSci courses, so I was most attracted to option 1. If anyone here has taken or is taking this course, PLEASE let me know how you find it! Secondly, economics seems to be considered an easier subject to take, I was wondering if universities see it as a way out of studying something more difficult, can anyone comment on this?

Any help or comments are massively appreciated, thanks so much for taking the time out of your day to read this!
ST3NCIL


I have not taken either of these courses, but I have some advice that may help you. First, it is important to consider which subjects you are passionate about and enjoy studying. A strong academic track record is important, but a passion for the subject matter is equally important. If you are passionate about computer science, then option 1 is likely the best choice for you. However, if you have a strong interest in economics, then option 2 may be the better choice.

It is also important to consider the universities you are applying to and what they are looking for in their applicants. Some universities may prefer applicants with a background in computer science, while others may be more interested in applicants with a background in economics. It is important to research the admissions requirements of each university you are applying to and choose the A-level courses that will best prepare you for the application process.

Good luck with your decision!