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College or Sixth form for my A-Levels

I'm thinking of doing something in science (specifically physics in astronomy or biochemistry) with programming as a backup.

I want to get into a good university with a good science program if I'm able to. I'm not sure which one has better qualifications but I do want to do A-levels.

I'm quite independent but I get stressed and overstimulated easily due to my autism so I need time to regulate

Due to that issue, I'm not sure whether I'd do better at a college or a sixth form as I know they have pros and cons which come with both.
Original post by Sherlock_Holmes4
I'm thinking of doing something in science (specifically physics in astronomy or biochemistry) with programming as a backup.

I want to get into a good university with a good science program if I'm able to. I'm not sure which one has better qualifications but I do want to do A-levels.

I'm quite independent but I get stressed and overstimulated easily due to my autism so I need time to regulate

Due to that issue, I'm not sure whether I'd do better at a college or a sixth form as I know they have pros and cons which come with both.

In terms of quality of teaching, I would stick to sixth form since they are more specialised for A Levels. In terms of support for autism, I am guessing the college environment would provide you with more support but I generally am not clear on this.

Just for the heads up, if you intend to do A Levels to be open yourself to both biochem and astronomy, I would pick Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Maths as a minimum. If for any random reason your college refuses you to do 4 A Levels, I would pick all 3 sciences and then do Maths outside of college - doing any science outside of college will cost an arm and a leg in terms of practical assessments, and top end unis tend to expect you to have done practical assessments as part of any science A Level.

I would also recommend Further Maths on top of Maths if you want to go into physics or anything related to astronomy. It's ridiculously competitive and those applying to top unis for anything quantitative tend to ask for further maths on top if it's available to you (at the very least Maths is a requirement).
(edited 3 months ago)
Original post by Sherlock_Holmes4
I'm thinking of doing something in science (specifically physics in astronomy or biochemistry) with programming as a backup.

I want to get into a good university with a good science program if I'm able to. I'm not sure which one has better qualifications but I do want to do A-levels.

I'm quite independent but I get stressed and overstimulated easily due to my autism so I need time to regulate

Due to that issue, I'm not sure whether I'd do better at a college or a sixth form as I know they have pros and cons which come with both.

As long as you’re able to do the A levels u want each is fine. Stay away from BTECs to be competitive for science programs in uni - I feel like most colleges are doing BTECs. Other than that I’m going to a sixth form at the moment but regret it quite a bit. I struggled to find one close to me doing A levels. I’d rather go to college which does my A levels.

The sixth form I go to wastes time a lot with things that aren’t related to my A levels. Mandatory assemblies and form time wastes 1h each day. Always really uptight with the rules which inherently benefit nobody other than power hungry sixth form receptionists who get to tell people off for silly things. You’d get more freedom in college, they’d treat you more like adults. My sixth form is good teaching wise, although I’m quite independent myself and for science subjects all the information is all online already.

That’s just my experience. Either way, as long as you get to do the A levels you want, everything’s okay.
Original post by Sherlock_Holmes4
I'm thinking of doing something in science (specifically physics in astronomy or biochemistry) with programming as a backup.

I want to get into a good university with a good science program if I'm able to. I'm not sure which one has better qualifications but I do want to do A-levels.

I'm quite independent but I get stressed and overstimulated easily due to my autism so I need time to regulate

Due to that issue, I'm not sure whether I'd do better at a college or a sixth form as I know they have pros and cons which come with both.


I went to both 6th form (for a-levels) and college (for a level 3 diploma). I liked college better, but that was just my personal opinion and experience at the 6th form and college i went to.
Id look around your local 6th forms and colleges and see which you like best. Have a look around, get talking to the tutors, students etc and see what you think of them. Then see which of them you can see yourself going to/doing well at.
Original post by MindMax2000
In terms of quality of teaching, I would stick to sixth form since they are more specialised for A Levels. In terms of support for autism, I am guessing the college environment would provide you with more support but I generally am not clear on this.

Just for the heads up, if you intend to do A Levels to be open yourself to both biochem and astronomy, I would pick Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Maths as a minimum. If for any random reason your college refuses you to do 4 A Levels, I would pick all 3 sciences and then do Maths outside of college - doing any science outside of college will cost an arm and a leg in terms of practical assessments, and top end unis tend to expect you to have done practical assessments as part of any science A Level.

I would also recommend Further Maths on top of Maths if you want to go into physics or anything related to astronomy. It's ridiculously competitive and those applying to top unis for anything quantitative tend to ask for further maths on top if it's available to you (at the very least Maths is a requirement).

Thank you so much :smile:)

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