3 A levels + EPQ / 3 A levels + 1 AS level / 4 A levels

(Original post by BlueParadise)
So I'm thinking of taking maths, economics, product design, and physics for my A levels.

1) Is It sensible choosing 4 A levels or should I
2) take physics as an AS level or
3) just drop physics and do 3 A Levels and an EPQ

Also is an EPQ widely recognised by universities? What subject can i do an EPQ on?

I want to go into graphic design and advertising or business and finance in university if that may help.

(Original post by Dapperblook22)
Most Universities do recognise the EPQ, but usually do not make an EPQ grade part of an offer. They may take the fact that you are doing an EPQ into consideration when making you an offer, especially if the EPQ is related to your course as it shows you are doing activities relevent to your study. An EPQ can be on any subject that you have an interest in, and can come in a variety of formats such as making something (e.g a website, robot, childern's book - all of these were done by students in my school), or a written report. My EPQ was evaluating the work of Alan Turing with regards to his importance in providing a basis for modern Computer Science.

Some Universities also lower entry requirements provided you get a good grade in the EPQ. For example, I applied to University of East Anglia this year. They gave me an offer of AAA, but this would be lowered to AAB if I got an A in my EPQ.

4 A Levels is a large workload, and most Universities only give out offers requiring 3 A Levels, but if you think you can cope with it then you can certainly take four. Last year I took 5 AS Levels in Maths, Computing, ICT, Physics and Critical Thinking. This year I completed A2s in Maths, Computing and ICT, an AS in Further Maths and an EPQ.

All in all, the EPQ is a good option to take. It could be possible to do 3 A Levels, an AS Level and the EPQ all together as I did, but the workload can be large. Do make sure you choose what is best for you in the end .