Maths (and potentially FM) are the only critical subjects for CS. You dont need Physics, and you dont actually need CS. And no Uni requires or prefers 4 A levels.
Hi, I started college a few days ago, I take physics, computer science, maths and further maths, and will potentially do an EPQ. I want to go to a top university to study computer science (currently looking at imperial, UCL, warwick, bristol and others of that level). Im not really enjoying the workload and intensity of studying 4 A levels, and from what im seeing online, most people are saying you arent more likely to get into uni by doing 4 A levels either, so im thinking of dropping one. Id also rather get 3A*s than 4 As of course. it would have to be between physics and computer science, and maths and further maths are requirements for top unis. I am enjoying the computer science course and its probably my favourite A level so far, and was my favourite GCSE. Meanwhile Im not enjoying physics so much and already sort of dreading it. However, I am very reluctant to drop it as Ive heard Maths, further maths and physics is a much stronger combination than Maths, further maths and computer science. So what should I do? Would I be disadvantaged and/or be less likely to get into the uni I want by doing 3 A levels over 4? Or should I just stick it out and suffer and do both if its worth it, id appreciate any advice. Thanks
Having physics instead of computer science won't make your combination stronger for a computer science application. The two combinations should be equal, given neither physics nor computer science are required A levels. The maths and further maths combination is what will tick the subjects boxes, so it's good that you are continuing with those.
I think you should drop physics. A2 gets harder, and if you are dreading it then you'll find it tough to be motivated to revise for it and this could be reflected in your final grade. Continue doing what you like, your subject combination with Computer Science, Maths, and Further maths, will be perfectly suitable for applications to top universities.
Having physics instead of computer science won't make your combination stronger for a computer science application. The two combinations should be equal, given neither physics nor computer science are required A levels. The maths and further maths combination is what will tick the subjects boxes, so it's good that you are continuing with those. I think you should drop physics. A2 gets harder, and if you are dreading it then you'll find it tough to be motivated to revise for it and this could be reflected in your final grade. Continue doing what you like, your subject combination with Computer Science, Maths, and Further maths, will be perfectly suitable for applications to top universities.
thank you for the advice, i’m going to talk with the tutors at my college to get their opinion, looks like i will drop physics and continue with maths, further maths and computer science. I just hope it doesn’t affect my uni application