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Regret taking people’s advice

I feel really sad, and I regret taking the A-level I’ve taken. I do biology and chemistry, history and politics because I wanted to keep my options open to both stem and humanities. However, when I started I was really disliking the sciences, and really wanted to drop them for English. However, everyone told me that they would get better, and that I had no future as a humanities major, and because I didn’t want to be judged so I kept doing it.

But, now I hate biology and chemistry even more, and have 0 interest in actually doing any stem degree, because all the topics I thought I’d want to study at university I have hated. I regret so deeply listening to other people and not dropping for English. I keep crying everyday and dread every science lesson I have, and even if I drop one, I’m still have to do an A-level I’m gonna despise, and have 0 motivation to study for it.

I feel so miserable, and I’m honestly in denial about my life right now. I feel completely lost and hopeless, and I know this will be a decision I regret for the rest of my life…and I just cannot handle the stress. It’s completely paralysed me, and I’m completely unable to study or do homework without panicking. I have no idea what to do.

I just feel like an idiot.

Reply 1

You won't regret your decision for the rest of your life. In a few years time the A levels you took won't matter.

Drop chemistry and see if your school will let you swap biology for English. If not, do your best in biology, bearing in mind that a knowledge of the natural world is a useful accomplishment.

My daughter started the IB thinking of being a scientist, but changed her focus half way through and obtained a place at her dream university to study law. Your choice of A levels won't determine your path.

Reply 2

Original post
by Stiffy Byng
You won't regret your decision for the rest of your life. In a few years time the A levels you took won't matter.
Drop chemistry and see if your school will let you swap biology for English. If not, do your best in biology, bearing in mind that a knowledge of the natural world is a useful accomplishment.
My daughter started the IB thinking of being a scientist, but changed her focus half way through and obtained a place at her dream university to study law. Your choice of A levels won't determine your path.

Thank you, I should be having a meeting with my head of year to explain how this has been affecting me. I do agree that I will ask if I can drop to do history, politics and English. I’m worried that if I continue doing even just biology, it could risk jeopardising my predicted grades because I have been disliking it so much, and I would even assist me in the degree I actually want to do (being history) But, I’d understand that because it’s a bit late into the year, they might not be able to let me due to the catching up required.

I just feeling really awful about myself that I’ve put myself in this position. I’ve been hesitant about the sciences since I had taster days for my colleges during the summer. But, when I expressed this to parents and others, they kept telling me that I did want to do stem, and that I wanted to keep doing bio and chem, but deep down I really didn’t anymore. Now, after 2 months of trying to convince myself it’s what I want, I’m absolutely miserable and want nothing else but to do a history degree, which I knew deep down I always wanted to do since Year 9…I really regret in, because the subjects I wanted to take would’ve been such a good combo to prepare me for that, and I’ve wasted so much time just trying to please others at the expense of my own happiness. I just wish I could turn back time.

Reply 3

I feel really stupid too, I’m so scared people and my head of year are going to judge me. I feel like I’ve been so indecisive with my subjects, but deep down I’ve always known what I wanted, I was just scared.

Reply 4

Original post
by Stiffy Byng
You won't regret your decision for the rest of your life. In a few years time the A levels you took won't matter.
Drop chemistry and see if your school will let you swap biology for English. If not, do your best in biology, bearing in mind that a knowledge of the natural world is a useful accomplishment.
My daughter started the IB thinking of being a scientist, but changed her focus half way through and obtained a place at her dream university to study law. Your choice of A levels won't determine your path.


I’m just really nervous really, i don’t want to look like a fool. I really tried to enjoy the sciences, I really did. I enjoy them at GCSE but…they’ve changed so much and I just don’t think they are for me anymore.

Reply 5

Original post
by Anonymous
I’m just really nervous really, i don’t want to look like a fool. I really tried to enjoy the sciences, I really did. I enjoy them at GCSE but…they’ve changed so much and I just don’t think they are for me anymore.

Don't worry about what others think. Talk to your teachers. Explain your problem. See if you can join the English course and catch up on reading over Christmas.

Reply 6

Definitely talk to your teachers about how you feel. It is so difficult to decide on just three or four A Levels and lots of students worry that they have made the wrong choice. It is sensible to take biology with chemistry if you want STEM options at uni, so it was good advice to take both - just unfortunate that you now know that your gut instinct was right and you want to study History. The excellent news is that your sixth form allowed you to start four A Levels so you have the flexibility to drop one (no-one really needs four, unless you are doing further maths and need it for uni). It is going to be a lot of work to start English at this stage, so listen to what your teachers say as they know your ability. One thing to consider is that if you switch to English, history and politics, you will have three essay subjects and your coursework load could be quite heavy (again, ask the teachers about that). If you stick with biology, politics and history, you would still have everything you need for your history degree, but you would also have one subject with a different style of learning and exam questions. Also, if you did start to look at other degrees, quite a few (e.g. psychology) ask for one science A Level. Having biology could help to keep your options open and, don't forget, choosing your degree is a bit of a journey through lower sixth. You might find you hate biology a lot less once you are down to three A Levels and are a lot less stressed. Anyway, the great news is that you have found the confidence to say that the current situation isn't working. If you haven't already, make sure that you send emails to all the relevant members of staff today (to ask about coursework) and don't delay even one more day if you end up switching to English. Sixth form can be an amazing experience, but it is a stepping stone. It is the hardest two years of your life and you might not have much of a social life if you are serious about your grades, but keep your eyes on the prize - you will have a fabulous time at uni (and only medical students have to work hard in first year 😉)

Reply 7

Original post
by AHT2025
Definitely talk to your teachers about how you feel. It is so difficult to decide on just three or four A Levels and lots of students worry that they have made the wrong choice. It is sensible to take biology with chemistry if you want STEM options at uni, so it was good advice to take both - just unfortunate that you now know that your gut instinct was right and you want to study History. The excellent news is that your sixth form allowed you to start four A Levels so you have the flexibility to drop one (no-one really needs four, unless you are doing further maths and need it for uni). It is going to be a lot of work to start English at this stage, so listen to what your teachers say as they know your ability. One thing to consider is that if you switch to English, history and politics, you will have three essay subjects and your coursework load could be quite heavy (again, ask the teachers about that). If you stick with biology, politics and history, you would still have everything you need for your history degree, but you would also have one subject with a different style of learning and exam questions. Also, if you did start to look at other degrees, quite a few (e.g. psychology) ask for one science A Level. Having biology could help to keep your options open and, don't forget, choosing your degree is a bit of a journey through lower sixth. You might find you hate biology a lot less once you are down to three A Levels and are a lot less stressed. Anyway, the great news is that you have found the confidence to say that the current situation isn't working. If you haven't already, make sure that you send emails to all the relevant members of staff today (to ask about coursework) and don't delay even one more day if you end up switching to English. Sixth form can be an amazing experience, but it is a stepping stone. It is the hardest two years of your life and you might not have much of a social life if you are serious about your grades, but keep your eyes on the prize - you will have a fabulous time at uni (and only medical students have to work hard in first year 😉)

That’s my main concern though. I actually wish I was doing 3 essay subjects, since I was always better at them and preferred them. I really dislike the biology exams, and actually enjoy writing the essays, even though they are stressful. That’s why I’m so mad at myself. I made the switch based on my gut, but I let everyone get into my head. I sit in every science lesson wishing I was doing English. I’m so miserable in biology and I cannot revise for it at all because I have 0 motivation to do so. I wish I could go back so badly and tell myself I was making the right decision, and not to let fear get in the way, because now I just feel terrible.

It sounds ridiculous but I just want to drop out. I feel so exhausted and sad that i can’t bring myself to study, do homework, or even just do something simple like clean my room. I just feel so awful. It especially the case because I think now that I might be interested in doing a history and English degree, but for the most part I cannot do them without English…So, if anything in trying to keep my options open I’ve shut the door on one of the things I actually want to do.

Reply 8

Plus, one of my concern with biology is that all the content on disease and cancer makes me really uncomfortable, like sick to my stomach uncomfortable. Ever since I did the cancer lesson, I keep freaking myself out thinking that I have cancer. So, it’s not that the content is not interesting, it’s just that it actually just freaks me the hell out. Like, I don’t wanna know the rate I have of getting breast cancer, i don’t want to think about that because otherwise I’ll just freak myself out.

Reply 9

So, I’m not sure how I’m actually going to revise for it effectively. It’s would different if I liked the subjects and it didn’t make me ill. But, what’s the point of taking A-level bio as a third, when i don’t really like the content, and i can’t really use it to apply to most stem degrees (which I’ve already established I don’t want to do anyways). Plus, while I take your point about psychology, I’ll be honest I really don’t like psychology…I watched uni lectures on it before, and I found it kinda boring. Also, maybe it’s because I struggle with my mental health, but I found it triggering. I also have no interest in being a psychologist or anything like that, so i wouldn’t really see the point.

Reply 10

Original post
by Anonymous
So, I’m not sure how I’m actually going to revise for it effectively. It’s would different if I liked the subjects and it didn’t make me ill. But, what’s the point of taking A-level bio as a third, when i don’t really like the content, and i can’t really use it to apply to most stem degrees (which I’ve already established I don’t want to do anyways). Plus, while I take your point about psychology, I’ll be honest I really don’t like psychology…I watched uni lectures on it before, and I found it kinda boring. Also, maybe it’s because I struggle with my mental health, but I found it triggering. I also have no interest in being a psychologist or anything like that, so i wouldn’t really see the point.

So idk. Maybe I’d be ok with taking biology overtime, but I just feel like it’s kinda pointless for multiple reasons, and I’d be better off taking something more relevant.

I don’t feel like any situation is ideal, but I feel like I’d rather suffer in the short term to catch up on English if I’ll be happier in the long run, then to risk suffering in the long term because I continue to dislike and feel terrible in biology. I hope that makes sense?

Reply 11

Original post
by Anonymous
Plus, one of my concern with biology is that all the content on disease and cancer makes me really uncomfortable, like sick to my stomach uncomfortable. Ever since I did the cancer lesson, I keep freaking myself out thinking that I have cancer. So, it’s not that the content is not interesting, it’s just that it actually just freaks me the hell out. Like, I don’t wanna know the rate I have of getting breast cancer, i don’t want to think about that because otherwise I’ll just freak myself out.

It sounds like you may have generalised anxiety. Maybe talk to someone suitably skilled about that, or try meditation or exercise to assist with stress. A level essays should not be stressful, and if you are stressed out in sixth form you won't enjoy being an undergraduate, where the academic work is a big step up from sixth form.

The reality is that you will encounter cancer in your family or social circle at least once during your life, whether or not you get cancer. It's an unfortunate part of life, but science is advancing towards the elimination of cancer within the next century. The latest development is vaccines against some forms of cancer.
(edited 1 year ago)

Reply 12

Original post
by Stiffy Byng
It sounds like you may have generalised anxiety. Maybe talk to someone suitably skilled about that, or try mediation or exercise to assist with stress. A level essays should not be stressful, and if you are stressed out in sixth form you wont enjoy being an undergraduate, where the academic work is a big step up from sixth form.
The reality is that you will encounter cancer in your family or social circle at least once during your life, whether or not you get cancer. It's an unfortunate part of life, but science is advancing towards the elimination of cancer within the next century. The latest development is vaccines against some forms of cancer.


I know, I have talked with my my school counsellor about receiving support. I used to love school a lot more, and always wanted to go to uni, but now even though I still do, I just find it incredibly stressful and it’s difficult…I really want to go to uni, but I know I need some support to get to that point.

Reply 13

Original post
by Anonymous
I know, I have talked with my my school counsellor about receiving support. I used to love school a lot more, and always wanted to go to uni, but now even though I still do, I just find it incredibly stressful and it’s difficult…I really want to go to uni, but I know I need some support to get to that point.

Perhaps a gap year could help you to work on your anxiety. You could remove one stressor from your life, or at least reduce your stress level, by deciding to wait until after you have your sixth form results before applying to universities.

Reply 14

Update I guess for the sake of it. I spoke with my head of year and he said there is a possibility that I can drop both biology and chemistry since he trust me to catch up. But, he said there is a possibility I can’t, in which case I’ll drop chem and do history, politics, bio. :smile:

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