The Student Room Group

Will three A-levels prepare me for university enough?

Hi, apologies if this is a stupid question but I'm overthinking a bit so I thought I'd ask.

I take A-Level French, Econ and Maths and AS further maths, but really struggle with the AS and have noticed more struggles with my other three, which I was previously comfortable with, as a result. However, I'm worried this could be a sign that the workload of PPE at one of my uni choices (Ox, LSE, Warwick) may not be for me?

If anyone has any reassurance or advice I'd appreciate that - I can definitely get A*s if I drop the AS and I know it won't be part of my offer, it just feels a bit like giving up.
Original post by lucasbenjamin
Hi, apologies if this is a stupid question but I'm overthinking a bit so I thought I'd ask.
I take A-Level French, Econ and Maths and AS further maths, but really struggle with the AS and have noticed more struggles with my other three, which I was previously comfortable with, as a result. However, I'm worried this could be a sign that the workload of PPE at one of my uni choices (Ox, LSE, Warwick) may not be for me?
If anyone has any reassurance or advice I'd appreciate that - I can definitely get A*s if I drop the AS and I know it won't be part of my offer, it just feels a bit like giving up.


I had a similar situation last year, I planned to do the full A Level in Further Maths and felt dropping it to just do the AS was giving up. At the end I chose to focus on my main three A Levels in Maths, Economics and English as it is not worth sacrificing my grades in those to feel like I don't give up. At the end of the day, I just saw it as not giving up but going down the path which ensured the best grades possible for me. So if you believe the AS is putting too much pressure on, drop it, it doesn't make you any less hardworking or determined.
Original post by lucasbenjamin
Hi, apologies if this is a stupid question but I'm overthinking a bit so I thought I'd ask.
I take A-Level French, Econ and Maths and AS further maths, but really struggle with the AS and have noticed more struggles with my other three, which I was previously comfortable with, as a result. However, I'm worried this could be a sign that the workload of PPE at one of my uni choices (Ox, LSE, Warwick) may not be for me?
If anyone has any reassurance or advice I'd appreciate that - I can definitely get A*s if I drop the AS and I know it won't be part of my offer, it just feels a bit like giving up.


3 should be fine, most unis only look at your top 3 grades anyway. I'm in y13 rn and only ever bothered with 3, I don't think I would be able to handle 4. I'm not in uni yet but I don't think the number of A levels you do is any indication of whether you can manage the workload of a PPE degree (uni and A level is so different anyway).

I don't think any unis require or prefer further maths to study PPE (except possibly LSE, you should check) so I think you could drop the AS. I know a girl in my year who got an interview for Oxford PPE this year with just 3 A levels (Maths, Econ, History) and no AS/EPQ, so you should be fine :smile:
Reply 3
You do not need it and the only thing it indicates is you might struggle if you planned to do a maths degree.
Original post by pagan-scimitar
3 should be fine, most unis only look at your top 3 grades anyway. I'm in y13 rn and only ever bothered with 3, I don't think I would be able to handle 4. I'm not in uni yet but I don't think the number of A levels you do is any indication of whether you can manage the workload of a PPE degree (uni and A level is so different anyway).
I don't think any unis require or prefer further maths to study PPE (except possibly LSE, you should check) so I think you could drop the AS. I know a girl in my year who got an interview for Oxford PPE this year with just 3 A levels (Maths, Econ, History) and no AS/EPQ, so you should be fine :smile:


Thank you all for your words! I am already y13 and have already applied to Ox (Got interview , now waiting) LSE, Warwick, Notts (offer), Warwick Econ and French (insurance + offer)

If I drop it, will I have to alert universities that have already given me an offer, and do you think it would affect Warwick/LSEs decision making (I'll wait until I hear back from Oxford).
Original post by Scotney
You do not need it and the only thing it indicates is you might struggle if you planned to do a maths degree.


Yeah my maths is definitely okay, I think I just underestimated FM and didn't put enough time in early on. Given that only Oxford and LSE really need maths for PPE, I'm hoping an A* in maths will be sufficient prep given I can get it. I'm more than willing to work hard at university anyway, and I will hopefully be working less then as I've been doing 30 hours a week as a chef for most of my college life and only recently wuitm
Original post by lucasbenjamin
Thank you all for your words! I am already y13 and have already applied to Ox (Got interview , now waiting) LSE, Warwick, Notts (offer), Warwick Econ and French (insurance + offer)
If I drop it, will I have to alert universities that have already given me an offer, and do you think it would affect Warwick/LSEs decision making (I'll wait until I hear back from Oxford).


Pretty sure yould would have to alert them yes, but AS levels rarely form part of the offer so it should be fine. Just email and ask first
Original post by lucasbenjamin
Thank you all for your words! I am already y13 and have already applied to Ox (Got interview , now waiting) LSE, Warwick, Notts (offer), Warwick Econ and French (insurance + offer)

If I drop it, will I have to alert universities that have already given me an offer, and do you think it would affect Warwick/LSEs decision making (I'll wait until I hear back from Oxford).


Yes you need to notify your choices of any changes to the quals on your application.
Original post by lucasbenjamin
Hi, apologies if this is a stupid question but I'm overthinking a bit so I thought I'd ask.
I take A-Level French, Econ and Maths and AS further maths, but really struggle with the AS and have noticed more struggles with my other three, which I was previously comfortable with, as a result. However, I'm worried this could be a sign that the workload of PPE at one of my uni choices (Ox, LSE, Warwick) may not be for me?
If anyone has any reassurance or advice I'd appreciate that - I can definitely get A*s if I drop the AS and I know it won't be part of my offer, it just feels a bit like giving up.

Hi @lucasbenjamin ,

I understand this can be a difficult decision, but hopefully my advice can help you out!

Some universities will prefer you to have taken further maths, however this heavily depends on the course. I see your interested in studying at oxford which is excellent, however depending on the course they do recommend taking further maths in preparation.

However more importantly that AS is reaching the minimum grade requirements for the course with your A-levels. If AS is majorly impacting your ability to reach high grades on your A-levels, I would recommend looking for extra support or dropping it. I would also recommend talking with staff at your sixth form so they can guide you along for your decision.

I hope this helps, please feel free to ask me any questions,
-Sophia (Business and Management)
Reply 9
Original post by lucasbenjamin
Thank you all for your words! I am already y13 and have already applied to Ox (Got interview , now waiting) LSE, Warwick, Notts (offer), Warwick Econ and French (insurance + offer)
If I drop it, will I have to alert universities that have already given me an offer, and do you think it would affect Warwick/LSEs decision making (I'll wait until I hear back from Oxford).

I would advise emailing and asking before dropping it as others have said Do not imagine it will make any difference for PPE but better safe than sorry .
Thank you all! I'll update once it's all sorted. None of my course requirements are that bothered about FM so should be fine (LSE application was for Politics with Economics which is less mathematical). Thanks for all your support

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