Difference between 4 or 3 a level?

Hello everyone

I’m currently studying a levels and i have 3 subjects which are maths, physics and computer science. I wish to study engineering in university but I haven’t decided which one.

We have a family friend who’s son is right now in year 13 and he has the same subjects + further maths. He wants to study stats in uni. But after talking to him I have started questioning if 3 a levels are enough. I don’t think I can handle 1 more a level and the university I’m thinking about dont require 4 a levels. But I’m scared that with 3 subjects my application won’t stand out.

Reply 1

nutz99

Original post by RosaDiaz05

Hello everyone
I’m currently studying a levels and i have 3 subjects which are maths, physics and computer science. I wish to study engineering in university but I haven’t decided which one.
We have a family friend who’s son is right now in year 13 and he has the same subjects + further maths. He wants to study stats in uni. But after talking to him I have started questioning if 3 a levels are enough. I don’t think I can handle 1 more a level and the university I’m thinking about dont require 4 a levels. But I’m scared that with 3 subjects my application won’t stand out.

There is this big misconception that 4 A levels give you a better chance of getting into uni than 3 - they don't. The entry requirements for all courses are shown in terms of 3 A levels and that is all they consider - do you have the required grades in the required 3 subjects.

A lot of students are pressurized into taking 4 by parents who don't know any better or students take 4 because they are misinformed by others that it will improve their chances, which it won't. The likelihood is that for most students the pressure of taking that extra A level will have an impact on their time which could then impact on their grades.

Stick with 3, try to get good grades and start working on your personal statement as soon as you can. It's your PS that will make you stand out.