Best way forward?

Currently in Year 13 with 3 A-Levels (Physics, Maths, and Business) and planning on taking a gap year, I am likely only doing Business and Maths this year due to diagnosed mental health issues causing issues and a low school attendance (about 50%). Predicted A*A for Maths and Business, however, have fallen far behind in Physics due to the aforementioned problems and am realising it is unlikely if I take all 3 I will manage to reach my predicted. Basically, just wondering if I go ahead with taking Physics in Year 14, Universities generally will see this as not being able to handle the workload, or if the circumstances would reduce that. Another caveat, but I'm also considering self-studying further Maths in the gap year alongside revising Physics (realised halfway through A-Levels I want to pursue a Maths degree) and am wondering if this may also help offset the issue of only taking two A-Levels in Year 13. A lot of information I know, so any advice or info for any parts of this really appreciated.

Reply 1

bibachu

Universities Forum Helper

14

Original post by jrjr1010

Currently in Year 13 with 3 A-Levels (Physics, Maths, and Business) and planning on taking a gap year, I am likely only doing Business and Maths this year due to diagnosed mental health issues causing issues and a low school attendance (about 50%). Predicted A*A for Maths and Business, however, have fallen far behind in Physics due to the aforementioned problems and am realising it is unlikely if I take all 3 I will manage to reach my predicted. Basically, just wondering if I go ahead with taking Physics in Year 14, Universities generally will see this as not being able to handle the workload, or if the circumstances would reduce that. Another caveat, but I'm also considering self-studying further Maths in the gap year alongside revising Physics (realised halfway through A-Levels I want to pursue a Maths degree) and am wondering if this may also help offset the issue of only taking two A-Levels in Year 13. A lot of information I know, so any advice or info for any parts of this really appreciated.

The answer to your question is really dependent on each individual university. I believe Oxford and Cambridge for example ask for applicants to have taken all three A levels in the same year to show that they can cope with a demanding workload. Other universities are more lenient and acknowledge the impact of extenuating circumstances more. If you want to study maths, one of the concerns that universities may have about gap years is that you’d lose your maths skills, but by taking physics and further maths in your gap year, you could mitigate the effects of this. You’ll need to contact the specific universities you’re interested in and explain your situation so that they can best advise you, but be aware that most admissions offices have closed now for the winter break.

Reply 2

McGinger

20

Original post by jrjr1010

Currently in Year 13 with 3 A-Levels (Physics, Maths, and Business) and planning on taking a gap year, I am likely only doing Business and Maths this year due to diagnosed mental health issues causing issues and a low school attendance (about 50%). Predicted A*A for Maths and Business, however, have fallen far behind in Physics due to the aforementioned problems and am realising it is unlikely if I take all 3 I will manage to reach my predicted. Basically, just wondering if I go ahead with taking Physics in Year 14, Universities generally will see this as not being able to handle the workload, or if the circumstances would reduce that. Another caveat, but I'm also considering self-studying further Maths in the gap year alongside revising Physics (realised halfway through A-Levels I want to pursue a Maths degree) and am wondering if this may also help offset the issue of only taking two A-Levels in Year 13. A lot of information I know, so any advice or info for any parts of this really appreciated.

Usually - if a Uni is strict about this and many now are not - a Uni will accept 'mitigating circumstances' to explain any extra year. Your school would need to mention this in their reference and each Uni may want a separate form completed.

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