A level subject choices help

A level options help

I think I would like to work in STEM in the future, but have no idea in which jobs/fields.

Now I am thinking about taking Maths, two sciences(Bio/Chem/Phy) and a fourth subject(CS or Latin)

CS:
- I enjoy programming
- The teachers don’t know how to teach but they are nice people
- (I may need further maths, I am afraid that it will be too difficult)

Latin:
- I enjoy the class, such a vibe
- Could be harsh for me as an international student
- (Could stand out?)

I think I will get grade 8s on GCSE CS and Latin but this depends on the grade boundaries.

In year 12, I am doing GCSE Ancient Greek and A level on my native language. Will this be too much?

Could anyone please help me with some A level options combinations and suggestions? Thank you so much!

Reply 1

I.M.R.

So from my understanding, you are thinking of taking 5 Alevels and an extra gcse?

It’s completely up to you what you do, it’s important you enjoy what you choose as you will need it especially with the higher work load, however 4 or especially 5 might be quite challenging so I’d think about it thoroughly beforehand if it’s worth it and manageable.

In terms of future options, I was torn between two subjects until pretty close to the Uni deadline, so I wouldn’t stress too hard if you have a rough idea of where you want to end up, but it’s worth thinking about and not leaving last minute.

I’ll keep it blunt, maths or further maths will be hard, any science will be hard, and I’m sure the other subjects I’ve never taken too. Having good teachers whilst it shouldn’t choose your subjects is an important factor to your learning and will make the subject a lot easier.

Most importantly make sure to factor in closer to exams because it does ramp up at Alevel from experience.

I hope that helps!

Reply 2

cbush6016

Hi,
I'm taking: physics, maths and engineering which is quite the handful ik but seeing as they overlap with one another so much its hard work but I'm managing it quite well. They are all maths related so its not difficult, but imo taking a level maths is a good idea if you have the grades for it becuase it can support many other a levels as well like chemistry, physics or biology sice there is so much of a maths prescence.

Reply 3

AlexTheIdiot

Generally it’s better to do 3 A-levels rather than 4 unless two of them are Maths and Further Maths. Most unis (including Oxbridge) don’t care if you do 4 subjects and basically treat the 4th as an extracurricular; you’d be much better off doing only 3 which would make it much easier to get good grades (unis will always take three good grades over four mid grades) and then doing an extracurricular or supercurricular. Absolutely do not do Latin as a 4th subject if you’re planning on STEM.

If you’re thinking of doing 4 subjects because you haven’t narrowed down your options enough yet, I recommend picking either Maths, two sciences, and CS - or Maths and three sciences - then dropping your least favourite subject after your first half-term