Do A level subjects matter (for degree apprenticeships) ?

Im in Y11, doing my sixth form applications. I have to pick my subjects (4). That really. My parents think I should take further maths and slog it out because it opens a lot of options.

My first choice is degree apprenticeships (Digital /Tech). I’ll be applying to as many as I can, I’d love to get into one of these : GS/JPMC/UBS/AMAZON/BLOOMBERG.
Back up is Uni. I aim to study computer science.

TBH, I don’t enjoy maths much. Predicted an 8 right now, but putting in hard work to get to 9. I want A*s in all my A levels. If I take FM, I know I’ll be totally buried under maths books for full 2yrs. Is it worth it?

I’ll definitely take CS and Maths. That’s all I can handle with reasonable effort I guess. Does it make sense to take Physics + Economics as the other two? Do I have to take so many stem subjects?

Keen to hear what subjects people in this TSR sub-group are taking. Grateful for any relevant advice.

Reply 1

artful_lounger

Universities Forum Helper

21

Original post by Robin8

My first choice is degree apprenticeships (Digital /Tech)...I aim to study computer science... I don’t enjoy maths much.

This is really a contradiction in terms. If you don't enjoy maths why do you think you will enjoy CS or working in a tech role?

Reply 2

Robin8

OP

4

I enjoy coding. Not hard core maths.

Reply 3

artful_lounger

Universities Forum Helper

21

Original post by Robin8

I enjoy coding. Not hard core maths.

I mean I suspect a number of those companies looking to hire CS grads and similar are looking for those with strong mathematical skills to develop and implement various computational models. Generally the highest paying roles in the computing sector are going to some degree presuppose a certain level of mathematical ability simply because that is less common than ability to program things. The latter is not that uncommon a skillset and is actually relatively easy to teach to even non-specialists to a point. Something to bear in mind - also to consider if you actually enjoy coding, or just the idea that coding is going to get you a well paying job, if I may infer from the companies you are expressing interest in...

Reply 4

Robin8

OP

4

I want to aim for well paying jobs in CS. I’m inclined towards tech in Finance related companies as I have some people in the family who can guide/mentor me.
Although it’s an important factor, it’s not just about pay, I’m not looking at M&A / IB type roles although they pay **** loads of money as I know I’m not cut for them.

Reply 5

Robin8

OP

4

I am a reasonably competent python programmer btw.

Reply 6

yzven

12

Original post by Robin8

Im in Y11, doing my sixth form applications. I have to pick my subjects (4). That really. My parents think I should take further maths and slog it out because it opens a lot of options.

My first choice is degree apprenticeships (Digital /Tech). I’ll be applying to as many as I can, I’d love to get into one of these : GS/JPMC/UBS/AMAZON/BLOOMBERG.
Back up is Uni. I aim to study computer science.

TBH, I don’t enjoy maths much. Predicted an 8 right now, but putting in hard work to get to 9. I want A*s in all my A levels. If I take FM, I know I’ll be totally buried under maths books for full 2yrs. Is it worth it?

I’ll definitely take CS and Maths. That’s all I can handle with reasonable effort I guess. Does it make sense to take Physics + Economics as the other two? Do I have to take so many stem subjects?

Keen to hear what subjects people in this TSR sub-group are taking. Grateful for any relevant advice.

For the university option, I think it makes the most sense to take maths, FM, CS and either physics or economics in your case so you don't limit your uni options especially if you aim for A*s. As you do more maths, it can get more enjoyable (it did for me, anyway) and FM and normal maths complement each other really well. Plus , there's not actually that much content in FM, its more about understanding and developing problem solving skills, and just doing lots of practise, whereas economics and physics will have lots of raw content, which will be a pain to revise alongside CS and maths as well.

Also FM isn't that scary, I think people make it sound harder than it really is

(edited 5 months ago)

Reply 7

Smddkc

8

Original post by Robin8

Im in Y11, doing my sixth form applications. I have to pick my subjects (4). That really. My parents think I should take further maths and slog it out because it opens a lot of options.
My first choice is degree apprenticeships (Digital /Tech). I’ll be applying to as many as I can, I’d love to get into one of these : GS/JPMC/UBS/AMAZON/BLOOMBERG.
Back up is Uni. I aim to study computer science.
TBH, I don’t enjoy maths much. Predicted an 8 right now, but putting in hard work to get to 9. I want A*s in all my A levels. If I take FM, I know I’ll be totally buried under maths books for full 2yrs. Is it worth it?
I’ll definitely take CS and Maths. That’s all I can handle with reasonable effort I guess. Does it make sense to take Physics + Economics as the other two? Do I have to take so many stem subjects?
Keen to hear what subjects people in this TSR sub-group are taking. Grateful for any relevant advice.

Taking further maths is not necessary its just a bonus

Reply 8

Smddkc

8

Original post by Robin8

Im in Y11, doing my sixth form applications. I have to pick my subjects (4). That really. My parents think I should take further maths and slog it out because it opens a lot of options.
My first choice is degree apprenticeships (Digital /Tech). I’ll be applying to as many as I can, I’d love to get into one of these : GS/JPMC/UBS/AMAZON/BLOOMBERG.
Back up is Uni. I aim to study computer science.
TBH, I don’t enjoy maths much. Predicted an 8 right now, but putting in hard work to get to 9. I want A*s in all my A levels. If I take FM, I know I’ll be totally buried under maths books for full 2yrs. Is it worth it?
I’ll definitely take CS and Maths. That’s all I can handle with reasonable effort I guess. Does it make sense to take Physics + Economics as the other two? Do I have to take so many stem subjects?
Keen to hear what subjects people in this TSR sub-group are taking. Grateful for any relevant advice.

If i were you id do cs maths fm

Do A level subjects matter (for degree apprenticeships) ?

Quick Reply

Related discussions

Latest

Trending

Trending

Articles for you