The Student Room Group

4 - A levels or 3 A levels and a EPQ?

I am currently predicted A*(Maths), A, A and B(Further Maths) and I still have one chance in September to increase my Further Maths grades. I am in a dilemma because I really want to do a Maths degree in a top uni (Which needs Further Maths). So should I trade off and drop an A level subject and do 3 -A levels inc Further Maths and a EPQ or should I keep 4 A levels and not do an EPQ. I don't think I have the bandwidth to do 4 A Levels and a EPQ. Also how important is the EPQ?

Reply 1

Original post by dineshranganath
I am currently predicted A*(Maths), A, A and B(Further Maths) and I still have one chance in September to increase my Further Maths grades. I am in a dilemma because I really want to do a Maths degree in a top uni (Which needs Further Maths). So should I trade off and drop an A level subject and do 3 -A levels inc Further Maths and a EPQ or should I keep 4 A levels and not do an EPQ. I don't think I have the bandwidth to do 4 A Levels and a EPQ. Also how important is the EPQ?


You only need 3 A levels so you could drop the 4th and not do an EPQ.

Reply 2

Original post by dineshranganath
I am currently predicted A*(Maths), A, A and B(Further Maths) and I still have one chance in September to increase my Further Maths grades. I am in a dilemma because I really want to do a Maths degree in a top uni (Which needs Further Maths). So should I trade off and drop an A level subject and do 3 -A levels inc Further Maths and a EPQ or should I keep 4 A levels and not do an EPQ. I don't think I have the bandwidth to do 4 A Levels and a EPQ. Also how important is the EPQ?


If you want to take Maths at a top university you need to take 3 subjects included Maths and Further Maths at A level. You might also need to take STEP for a few. Most Maths universities dont require FM or STEP but the likes of Imperial and Durham do.

Reply 3

Original post by dineshranganath
I am currently predicted A*(Maths), A, A and B(Further Maths) and I still have one chance in September to increase my Further Maths grades. I am in a dilemma because I really want to do a Maths degree in a top uni (Which needs Further Maths). So should I trade off and drop an A level subject and do 3 -A levels inc Further Maths and a EPQ or should I keep 4 A levels and not do an EPQ. I don't think I have the bandwidth to do 4 A Levels and a EPQ. Also how important is the EPQ?


Other than at Universities that give a lower offer grade for the EPQ, for Maths it doesn't matter. If you have a topic you would like to research, do it, if you are sturggling with that bit, don't. You would be fine with 3 A levels and no EPQ for a Maths degree, they only care about Maths and Further Maths, a better use of time would be on MAT or STEP.

Reply 4

No need for either. You can do extra research and write about it on personal without having to do an EPQ about it if you cant manage the time

Reply 5

Not sure if you consider Lancaster a top school for maths but they offer AAB if you have maths and further maths but do not recognise the EPQ.

Reply 6

Bath offer A*AA for Maths including Maths and FM. Birmingham AAA. Exeter A*AA Liverpool ABB. Lots dont need STEP or FM and dont require 4 A levels.

Quick Reply