A-level choices

1

I want to work in the medical field so i'm definitely taking chemistry and biology, but i'm not sure what to pick as my third choice. currently i'm down to take psychology but i'm not sure if it's a good pick, i'm considering taking art but i don't think it would help me at all and although it's an area i'm talented in i found GCSE art coursework intense. I know it would help to take maths but i don't enjoy and don't want to risk a bad grade, i also am required to pick between taking core maths and EPQ and don't know which would be more beneficial? Any advice on other A levels which would be good or what option to take?

(edited 1 year ago)

Reply 1

Luqmlam

11

Original post

by Maisieewell

I want to work in the medical field so i'm definitely taking chemistry and biology, but i'm not sure what to pick as my third choice. currently i'm down to take psychology but i'm not sure if it's a good pick, i'm considering taking art but i don't think it would help me at all and although it's an area i'm talented in i found GCSE art coursework intense. I know it would help to take maths but i don't enjoy and don't want to risk a bad grade, i also am required to pick between taking core maths and EPQ and don't know which would be more beneficial? Any advice on other A levels which would be good or what option to take?

Whilst I agree maths would be good - don’t do maths. To do maths especially I suggest you are interested and good at the subject but as you don’t enjoy you wouldn’t do well so that’s out of the question.

Psychology is a good option for you if you enjoy it. It has biology in so it would solidify concepts you learn in Biology.

Regarding Art it would work too - if your confident you will get a good grade then go for it.

Since you already know your taking Biology & Chemistry your 3rd subject can be absolutely anything you want - I.E. ideally the subject you enjoy the most, are the most confident in and are most likely to get the best grade.

Reply 2

DerDracologe

Study Forum Helper

20

If you dont like maths then dont take it but core maths would likely be a good option because it emphasises the maths skills you need for stem careers. However if you’d rather get the skills to research in a way which helps you prep for uni style work opt for that.
Psychology is a great third for med but make sure that you know what the subject entails etc as many students dont fully understand this (not saying that’s you) so maybe watch some videos on it from former students to get a feel of the subject.
Art is heavy for coursework from what I’ve heard but I think there would be less content and the exams are different so might be a welcome break. Don’t take it if you dont think you can get a high grade though because you need really high grades for med.
For your third if you’re looking for options other than psych, art and maths basically just go for a subject which you are interested in and are confident you can excel in. This will make it easier to get a high grades and make the workload seem less which is important considering you’ll have to spend time prepping for admissions tests and interviews as well as working for your high grades.

Reply 3

Wired_1800

20

Original post

by Maisieewell

I want to work in the medical field so i'm definitely taking chemistry and biology, but i'm not sure what to pick as my third choice. currently i'm down to take psychology but i'm not sure if it's a good pick, i'm considering taking art but i don't think it would help me at all and although it's an area i'm talented in i found GCSE art coursework intense. I know it would help to take maths but i don't enjoy and don't want to risk a bad grade, i also am required to pick between taking core maths and EPQ and don't know which would be more beneficial? Any advice on other A levels which would be good or what option to take?

I’d suggest Psychology and an EPQ.

Reply 4

McGinger

20

For Medicine, most Unis do not specify the 3rd subject - all they are interested in is the A grade.
So it makes sense to pick something you are interested in - something you will enjoy studying and where you feel confident of a high grade. Do not focus just on what you think 'looks good'.

Also worth considering:
Roles in the allied health professions | Health Careers
Choosing between Pharmacy and Pharmacology (bath.ac.uk)

A-level choices

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