Should I do 3 or 4 A levels?

9

So I’m starting sixth form in September 2024, and I am dd stating whether to do 3 or 4 A Levels. This is the subjects I plan to do, in order of preference :
1) French
2) Spanish
3) Sociology
4) English Lit
I think this is a good and strong combo for Law as I am aiming for Cambridge (ofc no guarantee but it’s good for me to have this goal in my mind). I know it’s a huge work load but tbh I’m ready for it. I love languages and essay writing . Do GCSEs matter for 4 a levels? As I don’t think I did too good in maths (I think I got a 5) but if I get anything below a 6 I will retake maths, so do you think sixth form would let me take 4? I should be getting 6,7,8,9 for my other subjects

Reply 1

Orange Blossom

22

Original post by moultonivy

So I’m starting sixth form in September 2024, and I am dd stating whether to do 3 or 4 A Levels. This is the subjects I plan to do, in order of preference :
1) French
2) Spanish
3) Sociology
4) English Lit
I think this is a good and strong combo for Law as I am aiming for Cambridge (ofc no guarantee but it’s good for me to have this goal in my mind). I know it’s a huge work load but tbh I’m ready for it. I love languages and essay writing . Do GCSEs matter for 4 a levels? As I don’t think I did too good in maths (I think I got a 5) but if I get anything below a 6 I will retake maths, so do you think sixth form would let me take 4? I should be getting 6,7,8,9 for my other subjects

Don't do four. Do three and get really good grades for them. Alevels are very different from GCSEs and I wouldn't advise doing 4 for essay-based subjects.

Reply 2

totallyfine

12

Only do 4 if you are trying them out and plan to drop one by half term.
You are far, far better concentrating on quality not quantity. Cambridge won't require 4 A levels.

Reply 3

RevisionisKey1

15

Work smarter not harder. Don’t take up 4 for no reason, even top uni’s only want 3 grades

Reply 4

moultonivy

OP

9

Original post by Hannahblossom

Don't do four. Do three and get really good grades for them. Alevels are very different from GCSEs and I wouldn't advise doing 4 for essay-based subjects.

Thank you for reading my post and replying. I also agree with you. I think I will wait till results day to make my final decision and continue to think very carefully about my options

Reply 5

Emma:-)

Entertainment Forum Helper, Careers Forum Helper

19

Original post by moultonivy

So I’m starting sixth form in September 2024, and I am dd stating whether to do 3 or 4 A Levels. This is the subjects I plan to do, in order of preference :
1) French
2) Spanish
3) Sociology
4) English Lit
I think this is a good and strong combo for Law as I am aiming for Cambridge (ofc no guarantee but it’s good for me to have this goal in my mind). I know it’s a huge work load but tbh I’m ready for it. I love languages and essay writing . Do GCSEs matter for 4 a levels? As I don’t think I did too good in maths (I think I got a 5) but if I get anything below a 6 I will retake maths, so do you think sixth form would let me take 4? I should be getting 6,7,8,9 for my other subjects

You could start with 4 to see what you think of your subjects and see how you get on in the first few weeks. Then drop whichever subject is your weakest.

Reply 6

Orange Blossom

22

Original post by moultonivy

Thank you for reading my post and replying. I also agree with you. I think I will wait till results day to make my final decision and continue to think very carefully about my options

No problem and choice 👍😁

Reply 7

dilllydilly

7

do 4 if you want - i did and it was only minorly irritating. but you'd probs be better off doing 3 and using the spare time for extracurriculars and reading and just having a life. also i feel like cambridge won't case about sociology (ik they don't openly admit that). you can kind of cover the content by just doing your own reading and thinking and discussing

Reply 8

moultonivy

OP

9

Original post by dilllydilly

do 4 if you want - i did and it was only minorly irritating. but you'd probs be better off doing 3 and using the spare time for extracurriculars and reading and just having a life. also i feel like cambridge won't case about sociology (ik they don't openly admit that). you can kind of cover the content by just doing your own reading and thinking and discussing

Thank you this was useful to know - I think another factor in whether I should do 4 is my gcses. I’m going to a new sixth form and they don’t have any information on their website on the grade requirement to take 4 a levels. I’ll let you know come results day my final choice!

Should I do 3 or 4 A levels?

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