Should I take English Lit A-level?

I am struggling with the decision to take English Lit A level. I got good marks when taking it for GCSE, but I don’t know if it’s good enough? I started to read the books we study in A level over the holidays but I am struggling to read them, and also find them quite tedious.
My teacher thinks I can do it, and I have been told it looks very good among university applications.
Another problem is I feel quite insecure about my studies - if I don’t take English Lit I’m probably going to take Sociology which it seems everyone views as ‘easy’. I know a lot of people that are taking English Lit, and I would feel inadequate compared to them if I don’t feel as clever - or don’t take English.
I’m really struggling with what to do. I really need some advice. 🙏

I am struggling with the decision to take English Lit A level. I got good marks when taking it for GCSE, but I don’t know if it’s good enough? I started to read the books we study in A level over the holidays but I am struggling to read them, and also find them quite tedious.
My teacher thinks I can do it, and I have been told it looks very good among university applications.
Another problem is I feel quite insecure about my studies - if I don’t take English Lit I’m probably going to take Sociology which it seems everyone views as ‘easy’. I know a lot of people that are taking English Lit, and I would feel inadequate compared to them if I don’t feel as clever - or don’t take English.
I’m really struggling with what to do. I really need some advice. 🙏

I am struggling with the decision to take English Lit A level. I got good marks when taking it for GCSE, but I don’t know if it’s good enough? I started to read the books we study in A level over the holidays but I am struggling to read them, and also find them quite tedious.
My teacher thinks I can do it, and I have been told it looks very good among university applications.
Another problem is I feel quite insecure about my studies - if I don’t take English Lit I’m probably going to take Sociology which it seems everyone views as ‘easy’. I know a lot of people that are taking English Lit, and I would feel inadequate compared to them if I don’t feel as clever - or don’t take English.
I’m really struggling with what to do. I really need some advice. 🙏

Hey @PattieB ,
If you don't have specific subject requirements to meet for any course you intend to do in the future, the best thing to do at A-Level is to study subjects you both enjoy and think you might do well in. I took English Literature for A-Level and I loved it; but I also loved the chosen texts and genuinely found them fascinating. Would you be okay spending two years studying texts you find tedious? Do you think with some guidance from teachers you could read them with less difficulty and achieve your best possible grade?
I wouldn't worry too much about comparing yourself to other people and what they're studying. Moreso than GCSEs (where certain subjects are mandatory), A-Levels are about studying what you want and exploring your own interests. If you think Sociology interests you and you could achieve a decent grade in it, it's worth studying it. 🙂
Hope this was helpful!
Eve (Kingston Rep).

Hey @PattieB how are you? 🤗
I chose Eng Lit at A-Level as I enjoyed it during GCSE and I love reading. I didn't really know what I wanted to do in the future, but for me it was important to choose courses that I loved and found interesting so I'd ensure I was motivated to do my best at them. It's great to hear that your teacher has total faith in you that you'll do well! 🙂 Ultimately, it's down to you though as you know yourself best. Don't worry what other people may think or say, if you want to take Sociology then that's a great choice. I chose to study Media at uni and I know some people class it as a 'Mickey Mouse' degree but I didn't ever worry about it or let it sway my decisions, I picked it because I loved it and knew I would do best in it! 🙂
Have you thought about what you might like to do in the future? (don't worry if not, I had no clue for agesssss!) If you do have an idea, would studying English Lit or Sociology be more beneficial?
Trust your gut for this decision, take some more time to really think about what you want to do. Maybe write up a pros and cons list. Speak to other teachers, maybe a career advisor at your school/college, loved ones can also offer advice, but ultimately it's your decision to make. I wish you the very best of luck, I'm sure you'll make the right choice for you.
Becky

Hey @PattieB 👋
Whether you choose to take English literature or sociology depends on what you are planning on doing after college/sixth form - what are you thinking of studying in university? do you have any future careers in mind?
I took both English literature and sociology for A-levels, and enjoyed them both for different reasons. It depends on what your interests are and what your future plans are.
Lauren
WrexhamUniReps