The Student Room Group

Choosing A Levels

Hi I'm starting 6th Form next week and I still need to confirm my A levels. I'm choosing 4 A levels and I've decided on 3 so far: Maths, Further Maths and physics. I'm looking at studying maths or maybe engineering in uni and am thinking about Oxbridge (very much hoping about it bc Ik how competitive it is). I don't know if uni would prefer me to choose my final subject as one that's similar to my other three (so looking at chemistry or another STEM one) or if they would prefer a range - that's why I've been thinking about English litlang, history or drama. I took all the ones I'm thinking about for GCSEs so I do have some idea what they're like.
I got all A*s in my GCSEs so all subjects are kind of at an equal playing field.
Has anyone got any advice?
Original post by Suggs'bestmate
Hi I'm starting 6th Form next week and I still need to confirm my A levels. I'm choosing 4 A levels and I've decided on 3 so far: Maths, Further Maths and physics. I'm looking at studying maths or maybe engineering in uni and am thinking about Oxbridge (very much hoping about it bc Ik how competitive it is). I don't know if uni would prefer me to choose my final subject as one that's similar to my other three (so looking at chemistry or another STEM one) or if they would prefer a range - that's why I've been thinking about English litlang, history or drama. I took all the ones I'm thinking about for GCSEs so I do have some idea what they're like.
I got all A*s in my GCSEs so all subjects are kind of at an equal playing field.
Has anyone got any advice?

I think taking an essay based subject could help show universities you’re a well rounded student who has multiple interests and skills. It may also be helpful if you get bored studying stem subjects, so you can use History, English or Drama as a break, stopping you from burning out quicker. So, if you pick one of these pick the one you’d find the most interesting! This is my opinion though, and if you want to do another stem subject I’d say chemistry cause it links well with physics.

Hope this helps!

:smile:
(edited 4 months ago)
Original post by Suggs'bestmate
Hi I'm starting 6th Form next week and I still need to confirm my A levels. I'm choosing 4 A levels and I've decided on 3 so far: Maths, Further Maths and physics. I'm looking at studying maths or maybe engineering in uni and am thinking about Oxbridge (very much hoping about it bc Ik how competitive it is). I don't know if uni would prefer me to choose my final subject as one that's similar to my other three (so looking at chemistry or another STEM one) or if they would prefer a range - that's why I've been thinking about English litlang, history or drama. I took all the ones I'm thinking about for GCSEs so I do have some idea what they're like.
I got all A*s in my GCSEs so all subjects are kind of at an equal playing field.
Has anyone got any advice?


Id double check the courses on unis websites to see what they specify subject wise. Just to check if they specify any subjects that you arent already taking.
But id go for one of the subjects you were on about (e.g. history, english or drama). It will be a change from maths/science subjects, so you dont get bored. And will be a bit of a break from your other subjects.
Original post by Daisy._.7777
I think taking an essay based subject could help show universities you’re a well rounded student who has multiple interests and skills. It may also be helpful if you get bored studying stem subjects, so you can use History, English or Drama as a break, stopping you from burning out quicker. So, if you pick one of these pick the one you’d find the most interesting! This is my opinion though, and if you want to do another stem subject I’d say chemistry cause it links well with physics.
Hope this helps!
:smile:

Awesome! Thank you so much! Yeah I was thinking the same thing about taking a bit of a stem break. Thanks a lot- it's really helpful to see someone else was thinking along the same lines 😁😁
Original post by Emma:-)
Id double check the courses on unis websites to see what they specify subject wise. Just to check if they specify any subjects that you arent already taking.
But id go for one of the subjects you were on about (e.g. history, english or drama). It will be a change from maths/science subjects, so you dont get bored. And will be a bit of a break from your other subjects.

Just had a look at entry requirements and I seem to be all good. Thanks so much! ☺️
Original post by Suggs'bestmate
Awesome! Thank you so much! Yeah I was thinking the same thing about taking a bit of a stem break. Thanks a lot- it's really helpful to see someone else was thinking along the same lines 😁😁

Don’t worry I totally get you. I’ve applied to do biology, chemistry, history and politics to keep my options open for uni since I’m not sure what I want to study. Good luck with your A-levels!

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