SQA Failing Advanced Higher Maths but doing a Physics Degree

Hi,
I got
A Higher Physics
A Higher Mathematics
A Higher Computing Science
B Higher English
And an A in all of my previous grades.
I’m in S6 now doing Adv H Maths, Adv Physics, H Human Bio, Adv H Mechanics
And I’m doing well in Adv Physics but miserably failing Mathematics from going through a burnout after my mum left our family, I’m doing okay in Human Bio but I’m worried on whether or not I should choose lower grade Unis for Physics cause I hear Maths is incredibly important and I’m worried I’ll not get in to areas like Glasgow, Stath, Herriot Watt etc, I just need help, I don’t know if everything’s going to be okay.

Hii, what I’ve discovered from emailing unis is that the majority of them don’t care that much about advanced highers! Obviously it’s nice to have them and looks good but most of your first year at uni will be the advanced higher course. Let’s say you get a C in your Advanced Higher maths, the unis will take the higher grade - that being your A at higher. A lot of unis prefer you to have ADV Higher maths but it’s more so you don’t get overwhelmed with it in your first year when it gets taught. Glasgow did prefer to have good advanced highers but I doubt they wouldn’t let you in as your other two and past years had been good!
I also had a sudden decline in my grades due to personal reasons, sorry to hear about your mum btw hope you’re all doing okay!!, I spoke to admissions about my own decline and how I was affected. It’ll be quite obvious to unis seeing a student who got a good A the year before take a sudden drop, in your reference your guidance teacher (or whatever happens at your school) writes about you they can mention this and it gives an understanding to the unis as to why this has happened, you don’t have to go into much detail either!!
Don’t lower your expectations, you can do this!! Hope this helped and good luck with applying :33

Hi,
I got
A Higher Physics
A Higher Mathematics
A Higher Computing Science
B Higher English
And an A in all of my previous grades.
I’m in S6 now doing Adv H Maths, Adv Physics, H Human Bio, Adv H Mechanics
And I’m doing well in Adv Physics but miserably failing Mathematics from going through a burnout after my mum left our family, I’m doing okay in Human Bio but I’m worried on whether or not I should choose lower grade Unis for Physics cause I hear Maths is incredibly important and I’m worried I’ll not get in to areas like Glasgow, Stath, Herriot Watt etc, I just need help, I don’t know if everything’s going to be okay.

Hey @RaptorGuy 🙂 My advice would be to apply to the universities you want to apply to, and pick a few safer options with lower requirements to keep your options open. Even if you pick the three you've named here you'll still have space for two back ups.
Those are some great grades from S5. We normally look for AABB/ ABBBB (Physics B, Mathematics B) as standard - which you've already exceeded with your S5. We recommend that you're taking AH Physics and AH Maths in S6 as you'll gain lots of relevant knowledge from the subject areas, but it's not likely we'd set a condition on them as you've already met the entry requirements.
It sounds like S6 is a challenge with the Maths but I hope I can offer a bit of reassurance in saying we'd be able to consider you for our course, and I'd definitely encourage you to apply this year if you're interested in it. The Maths is important - but if you just use the AH this year to keep engaging with the content, and challenge yourself with the classes then that will help you in preparation for university. You're doing lots of relevant study in S6 which will help when you get to uni no matter where you decide to go.
Take it one class and one day at a time 🤗 You're already doing great!
Caitlin 🎓️
Official University of Strathclyde