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Is AQA Economics A level a good subject to take?

I’m having doubts on whether I should take economics as an A level because of the exam board my school offers, which is AQA. I heard that the exam itself is really hard due to the mark scheme and how it requires specific wordings to get the mark. Is this true? I don’t know what I should do.

Reply 1

My advice is do it if you enjoy it. I've applied to Biology and Chemistry A-level next year and I started having doubts because sciences are so notoriously hard. But, I've come to the conclusion that I love science, so I know no matter how hard it gets I'll keep going because its something I enjoy, and I don't want to fail it. I don't see the point changing subjects just because you'll think it'll be 'easier', because you probably won't enjoy it and then you would work as hard. But, if you think you'll enjoy another subject over economics, do that instead. All A-levels are hard! So do something you'll be comfortable and even enjoy studying.

Hope this helps!
(edited 11 months ago)

Reply 2

Original post by Daisy._.7777
My advice is do it if you enjoy it. I've applied to Biology and Chemistry A-level next year and I started having doubts because sciences are so notoriously hard. But, I've come to the conclusion that I love science, so I know no matter how hard it gets I'll keep going because its something I enjoy, and I don't want to fail it. I don't see the point changing subjects just because you'll think it'll be 'easier', because you probably won't enjoy it and then you would work as hard. But, if you think you'll enjoy another subject over economics, do that instead. All A-levels are hard! So do something you'll be comfortable and even enjoy studying.
Hope this helps!

I haven’t started economics yet and I don’t know if I’ll enjoy it because I’ve never tried it

Reply 3

What other A level subjects are you planning to take?
What degree subject are you aiming at - any ideas yet?

Reply 4

Original post by Wearetwins
I haven’t started economics yet and I don’t know if I’ll enjoy it because I’ve never tried it

Maybe take a look at the specification for the exam board(s) that your colleges/sixth forms offer for economics? That would give you a good idea of what you’d be studying so you can determine if it’s for you or not. Also, maybe go onto YouTube and search up “Should I do A-level economics?” So you can hear about people’s experiences doing the subject to help you decide. Plus, like McGinger said, think about whether or not economics would help with the degree(s) or career(s) you are interested in.

Reply 5

Original post by McGinger
What other A level subjects are you planning to take?
What degree subject are you aiming at - any ideas yet?

I’m planning on taking maths, FM and Latin, and I wanna take accounting and finance at uni

Reply 6

Original post by Daisy._.7777
Maybe take a look at the specification for the exam board(s) that your colleges/sixth forms offer for economics? That would give you a good idea of what you’d be studying so you can determine if it’s for you or not. Also, maybe go onto YouTube and search up “Should I do A-level economics?” So you can hear about people’s experiences doing the subject to help you decide. Plus, like McGinger said, think about whether or not economics would help with the degree(s) or career(s) you are interested in.

I’ve looked at the spec and I think it’s fine, its just the exam board that’s making me have doubts, I’ve always though AQA is the hardest exam board due to its long questions. Also, I’ve never understood its mark scheme (eg for geography gcse or business gcse), so idk

Reply 7

Economics would probably help accounting and finance at Uni. And if you don’t want to do AQA, you can find a school that does a different exam board perhaps? If you struggle with the long questions I’m sure your teachers can help you excel them!

Reply 8

Original post by heavenly-home
Economics would probably help accounting and finance at Uni. And if you don’t want to do AQA, you can find a school that does a different exam board perhaps? If you struggle with the long questions I’m sure your teachers can help you excel them!
but I’m not sure if I want to change to another school just for one subject

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