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Does taking gap year & doing FM A-Level benefit CS degree?

Simply, does if I took a gap year, worked on TMUA for Cambrige & Imperial, and took FM A-Level in that gap year, with 3 A* from last year benefit my application next year? I have heard that it is seen less of interest since you are doing what people do in 2 years, in 3 years? Thanks.
Reply 1
Original post by vxcvzxcvzx
Simply, does if I took a gap year, worked on TMUA for Cambrige & Imperial, and took FM A-Level in that gap year, with 3 A* from last year benefit my application next year? I have heard that it is seen less of interest since you are doing what people do in 2 years, in 3 years? Thanks.

Taking a gap year to focus on TMUA preparation and an additional Further Maths A-Level, along with your 3 A*s from last year, can benefit your application to Cambridge and Imperial. However, it's true that some admissions committees might view completing A-Levels over three years, rather than the usual two, as less competitive compared to candidates who achieve the same results in a shorter time frame.
That said, if you use your gap year effectively to strengthen your academic profile and show clear reasons for the extra year (like excelling in TMUA and Further Maths), it can still make your application strong. It’s important to clearly explain your decision and how the gap year has prepared you better for the course you’re applying to.
Reply 2
Original post by JF ZAK
Taking a gap year to focus on TMUA preparation and an additional Further Maths A-Level, along with your 3 A*s from last year, can benefit your application to Cambridge and Imperial. However, it's true that some admissions committees might view completing A-Levels over three years, rather than the usual two, as less competitive compared to candidates who achieve the same results in a shorter time frame.
That said, if you use your gap year effectively to strengthen your academic profile and show clear reasons for the extra year (like excelling in TMUA and Further Maths), it can still make your application strong. It’s important to clearly explain your decision and how the gap year has prepared you better for the course you’re applying to.

Thank you very much, I know there are quite a few people that re apply to Oxbridge and get in after the gap year, so I'm hoping it wont matter too much.
Reply 3
Original post by vxcvzxcvzx
Thank you very much, I know there are quite a few people that re apply to Oxbridge and get in after the gap year, so I'm hoping it wont matter too much.

im sure it doesnt
dont worry about it
You basically need FM for CS at Oxbridge/Imperial. However, those courses are extremely competitive as I'm sure you're aware, so I wouldn't advise taking a gap year if it's solely for a shot at them (if you plan to get other additional uses out of that gap year, it would make sense though). There are plenty of other good unis.
(edited 1 month ago)

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