A-level choices for Cambridge law

I am currently in year 11, and I am somewhat worried that my a-level choices could harm my application to Cambridge to study undergraduate law.

My school requires that we take 4 a-levels, and I will be doing Maths, German, Biology, and Geography. I chose these based on what I enjoy, and what I feel I can excel in. I understand that Cambridge don't require applicants to take any particular a-level subjects for a law degree, but I fear that not choosing an essay subject could harm my application. The only essay subject that I could take is english lit (because I am not doing history as a GCSE) but I feel as if I won't do as well in it, and I won't enjoy it.

My options now are to either swap a subject from the list above for english literature (probably biology) and just accept it, or to stick with what I enjoy. What would be the better option for me?

Reply 1

bibachu

Universities Forum Helper

Original post by Anonymous

I am currently in year 11, and I am somewhat worried that my a-level choices could harm my application to Cambridge to study undergraduate law.
My school requires that we take 4 a-levels, and I will be doing Maths, German, Biology, and Geography. I chose these based on what I enjoy, and what I feel I can excel in. I understand that Cambridge don't require applicants to take any particular a-level subjects for a law degree, but I fear that not choosing an essay subject could harm my application. The only essay subject that I could take is english lit (because I am not doing history as a GCSE) but I feel as if I won't do as well in it, and I won't enjoy it.
My options now are to either swap a subject from the list above for english literature (probably biology) and just accept it, or to stick with what I enjoy. What would be the better option for me?

I would refrain from putting all your eggs in one basket. Your A levels more often than not will give you a clearer idea of what you want to study at university, so I wouldn't get too fixated on law or Cambridge for now. Geography is a social science and usually is counted as an essay based subject. While German is a modern language, it can still be used to show that you have essay writing skills, if you make good use of it on your personal statement. If you ended up applying to a law degree with German, this would obviously benefit you massively. Universities don't have specific subject requirements for law anymore, so I would not worry about taking English or history, especially if you don't think you'd enjoy it. It's important to pick subjects that you have an interest in, but also feel you will do well in. Your subjects shouldn't disadvantage you if you were to apply to study law.

It's worth noting that while Cambridge encourages taking English, history or a language, its not a requirement, so not taking one or more of those options will not hold you back. This was taken directly from the Cambridge website for the Law, BA (Hons) course:

While we don't ask for any specific subjects to apply to Law, we would recommend certain subjects for a strong application:

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English (language or literature)

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History

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Languages (ancient or modern)

You can find more information about the subjects our typical entrants have studied below.

Most Law students (who had studied A levels and started at Cambridge in 2017-19) achieved at least A*A*A (62% of entrants).

Most had usually studied at least one of the subjects recommended above.
The rest had usually taken at least one of:

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Mathematics

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Ancient History, Classical Civilisation, Economics, Further Mathematics, Geography, Politics, History of Art, Law, Music, Philosophy, Psychology, Religious Studies, sciences (Biology, Chemistry or Physics) or Sociology.

Reply 2

lalexm

Original post by Anonymous

I am currently in year 11, and I am somewhat worried that my a-level choices could harm my application to Cambridge to study undergraduate law.
My school requires that we take 4 a-levels, and I will be doing Maths, German, Biology, and Geography. I chose these based on what I enjoy, and what I feel I can excel in. I understand that Cambridge don't require applicants to take any particular a-level subjects for a law degree, but I fear that not choosing an essay subject could harm my application. The only essay subject that I could take is english lit (because I am not doing history as a GCSE) but I feel as if I won't do as well in it, and I won't enjoy it.
My options now are to either swap a subject from the list above for english literature (probably biology) and just accept it, or to stick with what I enjoy. What would be the better option for me?

You do have essay subjects. German and Geography are both essay subjects. Your subject choices are fine. The success of your Cambridge application will be dependent on everything else like grades, LNAT, personal statement, super curriculars, teacher references etc.