A levels

I want to do biology and chemistry privately l. Do I have to do the practicals or can I leave it because it I'm doing it privately

Reply 1

DataVenia

Volunteer Team, Clearing and Applications Advisor

Original post by Mimosns

I want to do biology and chemistry privately l. Do I have to do the practicals or can I leave it because it I'm doing it privately

Check the entry requirements for your target unis / courses. Many will mandate that your science A level is accompanied by the practical endorsement (although not all do).

Reply 2

McGinger

As above, some Unis will insist on the practical endorsement, others may not.

What degree subject will you be applying for?

Veterinary medicine

Original post by Mimosns

Veterinary medicine

Then you need to email each of your intended Unis and ask - before you apply.

Reply 5

Mimosns

Original post by McGinger

Then you need to email each of your intended Unis and ask - before you apply.

The universities Im going to apply for say that private students dont need to do it so I'm fine

Reply 6

DataVenia

Volunteer Team, Clearing and Applications Advisor

Original post by Mimosns

The universities Im going to apply for say that private students dont need to do it so I'm fine

Even for vet med? If so, then you're sorted. :smile:

Reply 7

Mimosns

Original post by DataVenia

Even for vet med? If so, then you're sorted. :smile:

Im also thinking of doing dentistry and kings college London said that there is an exception for private students. I emailed Cambridge university to check but I'm sure on their website it says that private students don't have to do it

Reply 8

Muttley79

Original post by Mimosns

I want to do biology and chemistry privately l. Do I have to do the practicals or can I leave it because it I'm doing it privately

Are you doing other A levels in school because that might make a difference.

Reply 9

Mimosns

Original post by Muttley79

Are you doing other A levels in school because that might make a difference.

Spanish,English lit,film studies

Reply 10

Muttley79

Original post by Mimosns

Spanish,English lit,film studies

So the question will be why aren't you taking them in school.? This seems very odd to me and will do to your unis. Why 5 A levels? Make no sense

@McGinger @DataVenia

Reply 11

Mimosns

Original post by Muttley79

So the question will be why aren't you taking them in school.? This seems very odd to me and will do to your unis. Why 5 A levels? Make no sense
@McGinger @DataVenia

Depending on if I get the GCSE grade to do it in my sixth form. Normally I get 8s and 9s but due to mental health issues during GCSEs I'm sure I got a 5 as I've seen a lot of unofficial mark schemes. I want to do veterinary medicine and I need chemistry.

Reply 12

Muttley79

Original post by Mimosns

You haven't seen the grade boundaries - move schools then so you can do the A levels you need. Trying 5 A levels is just crazy.

Reply 13

Mimosns

Original post by Muttley79

You haven't seen the grade boundaries - move schools then so you can do the A levels you need. Trying 5 A levels is just crazy.

Dw, ik its crazy

Reply 14

Muttley79

Original post by Mimosns

Dw, ik its crazy

Also if you are in school they may well insist you have the practical endorsement ..

Reply 15

Mimosns

I'm not 100% sure on this idea cos I might change my a level options. I'm just trying to keep my future options open

Reply 16

DataVenia

Volunteer Team, Clearing and Applications Advisor

Original post by Mimosns

How did your mental health issues impact your GCSEs? Did they prevent you learning / studying effectively? Or did they only impact the exams themselves? I assume the latter given that you say that, "Normally I get 8s and 9s". Have you given any thought as to how those same mental health issues might impact your A levels? Have you any reason to suspect that these issues with reduce over the next couple of years?

With regards to the effort required to do 5 A levels, give some thought to the fact that in terms of "guided learning hours" an A level is nominally three times the size of a GCSE. So someone taking 3 A levels is likely to have to study for about the same length of time as someone studying 9 GCSEs. If you were to study 5 A levels, that's be the equivalent study effort as 15 GCSEs. Is that level of effort viable?

Have you considered doing just three A levels, all privately? (This is on the assumption that your school don't allow you to study the subjects you want / need based upon your GCSE results.)

Have you considered a BTEC route? You'd need to check the vet met entry requirements carefully, but I wouldn't be surprised if you can gain entry somewhere with a BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Applied Science. BTECs have far fewer exams than A levels (although they have a lot of coursework). Might that suit you better?