4 vs 3 A levels

Hi, thank-you so much for reading.

I am currently in year 12 and am taking 4 subjects for A level (Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Maths) and I am deciding whether or not I should drop a subject.

I am thinking of studying medicine, but I am not sure yet. I have just had my first test for all my subjects and I got an A* in biology A in maths and chemistry but an E in physics. I have received all 9’s in GCSEs for all the subjects I am taking right now and I have to admit that I didn’t study as hard for physics compared to other subjects and do understand how to get the correct answers after the teacher has explained them. But I realised if I were to pursue medicine I would need more time to do volunteering and prepare for my UCAT this upcoming summer so it might be best to drop a subject.

The reasons I am scared to drop was because all my friends are doing 4 subjects and I feel like if I were to drop it means I am less capable and it might affect my application to top universities. From what I’ve heard most people who are studying in Oxbridge takes 4 A levels or more. I am still enjoying my physics lesson and my teachers are amazing but looking at all my possible courses I would like to pursue physics is not a required subject at all.

Please advise and thank-you so so much for all your help!

Hi, thank-you so much for reading.
I am currently in year 12 and am taking 4 subjects for A level (Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Maths) and I am deciding whether or not I should drop a subject.
I am thinking of studying medicine, but I am not sure yet. I have just had my first test for all my subjects and I got an A* in biology A in maths and chemistry but an E in physics. I have received all 9’s in GCSEs for all the subjects I am taking right now and I have to admit that I didn’t study as hard for physics compared to other subjects and do understand how to get the correct answers after the teacher has explained them. But I realised if I were to pursue medicine I would need more time to do volunteering and prepare for my UCAT this upcoming summer so it might be best to drop a subject.
The reasons I am scared to drop was because all my friends are doing 4 subjects and I feel like if I were to drop it means I am less capable and it might affect my application to top universities. From what I’ve heard most people who are studying in Oxbridge takes 4 A levels or more. I am still enjoying my physics lesson and my teachers are amazing but looking at all my possible courses I would like to pursue physics is not a required subject at all.
Please advise and thank-you so so much for all your help!

I think you should drop physics if medicine is your main career. Don’t be afraid to drop a subject just because you’re friends aren’t you’ll probably all go to different universities anyway so you’ll make new friends. If you really think you can bump up your physics grade then you could stick with it as four a levels is impressive however you have to ask is it worth it. You also need to make sure you have enough time for your volunteering. Also double check entry requirements as most unis don’t require 4 a levels, they prefer 3 good a levels. If you enjoy physics but don’t want a career in it you could just confide learning about it as a hobby. Good luck deciding.