Should I rethink my alevels?

Not long ago I got back my GCSE results and fortunately passed all of them, some much better than others. Which made me start to rethink my options. I originally wanted to take physics (which I achieved a high B in, and is my best science), art (my best subject, an A*) and biology (a b). I didn’t think of switching my alevels originally as I didn’t think too much of it, I was just going to take subjects I enjoy the most, but then I was speaking to my mother who thinks I’d do better in re (I had an A*) and English literature (A) instead of my science options. Which I then ended up looking into university courses, originally I wanted to go into astrophysics or physics but without math, I can’t go into it. So that became a dead end. My biology is the same, as without math or chemistry (which I hate), I can’t do a medical career. I don’t know what to do for the best, I have thought about doing a level math but in order to do that I’ll have to resit part of my math gcse and I’m not sure I’d even be able to do well in it anyway.Does anybody have any advice ?

Original post by ThomasE21

Not long ago I got back my GCSE results and fortunately passed all of them, some much better than others. Which made me start to rethink my options. I originally wanted to take physics (which I achieved a high B in, and is my best science), art (my best subject, an A*) and biology (a b). I didn’t think of switching my alevels originally as I didn’t think too much of it, I was just going to take subjects I enjoy the most, but then I was speaking to my mother who thinks I’d do better in re (I had an A*) and English literature (A) instead of my science options. Which I then ended up looking into university courses, originally I wanted to go into astrophysics or physics but without math, I can’t go into it. So that became a dead end. My biology is the same, as without math or chemistry (which I hate), I can’t do a medical career. I don’t know what to do for the best, I have thought about doing a level math but in order to do that I’ll have to resit part of my math gcse and I’m not sure I’d even be able to do well in it anyway.Does anybody have any advice ?

Hi @ThomasE21

Congrats on your GCSE grades!

I can understand your situation and it's not easy to make a decision straight away.

I always advise people to choose subjects they enjoy, as this will help keep you motivated and interested in your subjects while you study. So start here, and think about which subjects you enjoy, which keep you interested in lessons, and which you would like to know more about.

I would also say choosing subjects you're good at can be a real help. Choosing English, for example, could keep your options for university courses more open and broad, as its such a diverse subject. It's not essential that you choose your highest grade subjects, but I personally found a positive correlation between subjects I did well in and subjects I enjoyed.

I would say now is the time invest in yourself if you do want to continue into medicine. You could move on to Maths A Level, with the potential to re-sit your GCSE - but consider how you will feel to potentially re-sit, and how you will feel studying Maths for another two years at a higher level. It can certainly be achievable, but also consider how you'll feel to choose this route, as your mindset towards a subject can impact how well you do in the subject.

Have you had a look at any other uni courses you're interested in? Maybe there are some courses you haven't considered before that could impact your decision.

My overall advice would be to choose your most enjoyed subjects and to make sure you have some variety in your choices (e.g. humanities, creative, STEM subjects) so that you have some range and options when you start applying to university.

Is there anyone at your school/college who can advise you too? Maybe they have some input as to what options could be best for your future uni prospects.

I hope you get your options worked out. :smile:

Emily
Student Rep at BCU

Reply 2

Bean_cat

15

Original post by ThomasE21

Not long ago I got back my GCSE results and fortunately passed all of them, some much better than others. Which made me start to rethink my options. I originally wanted to take physics (which I achieved a high B in, and is my best science), art (my best subject, an A*) and biology (a b). I didn’t think of switching my alevels originally as I didn’t think too much of it, I was just going to take subjects I enjoy the most, but then I was speaking to my mother who thinks I’d do better in re (I had an A*) and English literature (A) instead of my science options. Which I then ended up looking into university courses, originally I wanted to go into astrophysics or physics but without math, I can’t go into it. So that became a dead end. My biology is the same, as without math or chemistry (which I hate), I can’t do a medical career. I don’t know what to do for the best, I have thought about doing a level math but in order to do that I’ll have to resit part of my math gcse and I’m not sure I’d even be able to do well in it anyway.Does anybody have any advice ?

Just because your main road has been blocked off, that doesn't mean you can't do it - you can do it and you'll just need to find an alternative side path to get where you want to be.

I think you should go for:

•

English Lit

•

Biology

•

Physics

All the subjects listed above are facilitating subjects and will be very useful for whatever you consider studying. I would pursue art as a side hobby and not go through with studying RE further because it has no relevance to the courses you're interested in. A math A level would have been brilliant for the courses you're interested in and it is worth reconsidering where you want to study/options - but that is only if you really want to do maths at A Level - I've done it myself and it is very very difficult - if you do choose to do it then swap it out with the English option for the options I've written above. To help clear things further do take a look into the courses you're interested in at unis and see what they ask for in terms of requirements - you could even call/email admissions departments to ask about this further - it's a bit much I know, but at least you will feel more at ease and have a better understanding of things.

I would advise against studying humanitarian subjects especially if you're interested in more STEM-based courses, you will only make things more difficult for yourself - it's what I went through and it's really not fun.

I hope this helps and if you have any further particular questions - feel free to ask 🙂

(edited 4 months ago)

Reply 3

nj001

5

i say retake maths in summer and start six form next year

Original post by ThomasE21

Not long ago I got back my GCSE results and fortunately passed all of them, some much better than others. Which made me start to rethink my options. I originally wanted to take physics (which I achieved a high B in, and is my best science), art (my best subject, an A*) and biology (a b). I didn’t think of switching my alevels originally as I didn’t think too much of it, I was just going to take subjects I enjoy the most, but then I was speaking to my mother who thinks I’d do better in re (I had an A*) and English literature (A) instead of my science options. Which I then ended up looking into university courses, originally I wanted to go into astrophysics or physics but without math, I can’t go into it. So that became a dead end. My biology is the same, as without math or chemistry (which I hate), I can’t do a medical career. I don’t know what to do for the best, I have thought about doing a level math but in order to do that I’ll have to resit part of my math gcse and I’m not sure I’d even be able to do well in it anyway.Does anybody have any advice ?

Id you’re unsure what degree you want to do at the moment Id suggest sticking with taking subjects that you enjoy the most. Look through the specs and see if they fit your interests.
For physics without maths, pursuing it at uni or something related would be difficult but that’s not to say you cant take it for a level.
For Biology, there are options in biosciences where you do not need chem or maths. For health related options, there are degrees which require 2 sciences including biology, or biology or chem so there are still options but for this you would have to also take another stem subject so that means sticking with physics and biology is you want to pursue stem subjects.
For art, it’s time consuming i am told but if you enjoy it could be a great subject. It could help lead to something like architecture at uni which also fits well with physics. If you’re not especially academic (not saying that’s true but just stating all your options really) it could also be a good option which is less essay or stem based.
English lit and re seem to be strengths of yours but I wouldn’t suggest taking them if you dont like them so have a look at the spec and reflect on your experience at gcse with them to see if they appeal at a level.
Just to give you an example, I plan to take a levels in Maths, Bio and Physics but I did better in English lit than I did in my sciences at GCSE. However, I looked at the specs and looked into degrees i am considering (ecology related) and decided that I wanted to pursue what i love rather than what i am good that :smile:

Best of luck with your decision!

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