Does taking a gap year to do another a level put me at a disadvantage?

So this is quite self explanatory but for some context I am in year 12 and I am currently taking maths,physics,geography and German as a levels but I also decided shortly that I wanted to do natural science or physics (at Oxford or ucl) however it’s a bit too late to change my subjects now so, I was wondering if doing chemistry or further maths in a gap year as a full a level (intensive year) after completing my other 4 a levels would put me at a disadvantage and make my application less competitive as it will mean I would take 3 years to complete all my a levels assuming I get the grades needed to go to Cambridge/oxford?
All the help is very much appreciated!!

Reply 1

lanky_giraffe

No, it does not put you at a disadvantage. I studied maths during my gap year and imperial offered me a place and they said it would not disadvantage me when I applied (I did not apply to oxbridge but ik someone who did and studied FM during their gap year and they said it would be fine).

The only problem is getting the predicted grade during your gap year. Most unis allow for no predicted grade but some don’t like UCL and you really want one anyways. You can ask your old school but they may be iffy about it as they don’t know how good you are or you get yourself a tutor who can give you one.

(edited 1 month ago)

Reply 2

Iqster

I know someone who studied further maths in their gap year (already had maths and physics) and got into cambridge for natsci. I think if you do well on your current a levels, you should be good because you would have proved you can handle 4 a level across 2 years