The Student Room Group

a levels are feeling a bit too easy..

for context, i do biology, chemistry and maths. Im in year 12 and so far havent gotten lower than a grade A (in one biology exam). Its just a levels seem a bit too easy as of right now. Maths is extremely easy to the point where ive already completed all of A2 content aswell as all of the pure past papers for practise where i average about 90. Chemistry ive finished AS and the exam questions are all so repetitive it lowkey gets boring doing it repeatedly. Biology i will say has been the most challenging out of the three only because the exam questions and mark schemes is quite specific but i get around it by doing alot of different questions. I just wanna know though, mainly for chemistry and biology, how much harder does it get during a2 chemistry and a2 biology (i do aqa btw).

Scroll to see replies

Have you spoken to your college about taking A level or AS level further maths as a way to stretch yourself?
Be happy that you manage A levels so good as you described. There are a lot students who are struggling at this grade.

If it is possible and you have enough time and the pleasure to it, visit a course at a university of your choice as guest and see for yourself what comes as next, use your time wisely.
(edited 2 months ago)
Reply 3
It’s really good that you understand the AS content since it’ll pay off in year 13. AQA biology has a 25-mark essay question, you could always start looking at that and looking at exemplars. You could participate in an Olympiad or offer tuition for other students, you could even do it for free. I hope your studies go well
Original post by guhho
for context, i do biology, chemistry and maths. Im in year 12 and so far havent gotten lower than a grade A (in one biology exam). Its just a levels seem a bit too easy as of right now. Maths is extremely easy to the point where ive already completed all of A2 content aswell as all of the pure past papers for practise where i average about 90. Chemistry ive finished AS and the exam questions are all so repetitive it lowkey gets boring doing it repeatedly. Biology i will say has been the most challenging out of the three only because the exam questions and mark schemes is quite specific but i get around it by doing alot of different questions. I just wanna know though, mainly for chemistry and biology, how much harder does it get during a2 chemistry and a2 biology (i do aqa btw).


Okay do you want a medal mate, I have gold or bronze
Original post by guhho
for context, i do biology, chemistry and maths. Im in year 12 and so far havent gotten lower than a grade A (in one biology exam). Its just a levels seem a bit too easy as of right now. Maths is extremely easy to the point where ive already completed all of A2 content aswell as all of the pure past papers for practise where i average about 90. Chemistry ive finished AS and the exam questions are all so repetitive it lowkey gets boring doing it repeatedly. Biology i will say has been the most challenging out of the three only because the exam questions and mark schemes is quite specific but i get around it by doing alot of different questions. I just wanna know though, mainly for chemistry and biology, how much harder does it get during a2 chemistry and a2 biology (i do aqa btw).

Hi there,

Its really good to hear you're finding your content manageable at the moment - this is a very fortunate position to be in. Naturally as you get to A2 the content will get more difficult (in chem it builds on and extends year 12 content so understanding it now will be a great help).

Have you considered taking an EPQ? I took mine in year 13 when I was in sixth form and found it was both a manageable task and a fun way to do something that I'd chosen to focus on rather than my subjects. These are also well looked upon by universities and can be a great thing to talk about in your personal statement.

Something else you may find helpful is starting a study group to support friends doing the same subjects as you. One of the best ways to consolidate what you're learning more is to teach it to other people.

I would also consider starting to think about what you might want to do after sixth form. If you end up with high grades then you will likely be eligible for a top university, and so its worth thinking about what kind of course you might want to study, and visiting uni open days come the summer so you can get a feel for a few different places.

I hope some of this helped, best wishes and keep up the good work!

Holly
University of Bath
Reply 6
How do you manage your time???
Original post by guhho
for context, i do biology, chemistry and maths. Im in year 12 and so far havent gotten lower than a grade A (in one biology exam). Its just a levels seem a bit too easy as of right now. Maths is extremely easy to the point where ive already completed all of A2 content aswell as all of the pure past papers for practise where i average about 90. Chemistry ive finished AS and the exam questions are all so repetitive it lowkey gets boring doing it repeatedly. Biology i will say has been the most challenging out of the three only because the exam questions and mark schemes is quite specific but i get around it by doing alot of different questions. I just wanna know though, mainly for chemistry and biology, how much harder does it get during a2 chemistry and a2 biology (i do aqa btw).


Y’know if you find A-level too easy you can potentially like help the gcse students with their subjects because like I’m a gcse student myself and I find it more easier when the senior student teaches me something compared to a teacher yk what I mean..
If you want I can give you some degree questions if you want a challange. 😂

Biomedical Science (IBMS accredited).
Original post by Scienceisgood
If you want I can give you some degree questions if you want a challange. 😂
Biomedical Science (IBMS accredited).


LMAO…
But it’s crazyyy that some people find A level easy cuz here I am dying in gcse..
Original post by Urgurl0907
LMAO…
But it’s crazyyy that some people find A level easy cuz here I am dying in gcse..

I wouldn’t say it’s crazy- imo A level is easier than GCSE simply because you don’t have to divide your time between 10 or so subjects (of which most you couldn’t care less about) and instead you get to focus on 3 or 4 subjects you are much more interested in.

I think also by the time you get to A level, you’ve had a fair bit of time to find revision strategies that work for you and to perfect them, which many of the more successful students manage to do.
Original post by TypicalNerd
I wouldn’t say it’s crazy- imo A level is easier than GCSE simply because you don’t have to divide your time between 10 or so subjects (of which most you couldn’t care less about) and instead you get to focus on 3 or 4 subjects you are much more interested in.
I think also by the time you get to A level, you’ve had a fair bit of time to find revision strategies that work for you and to perfect them, which many of the more successful students manage to do.


That’s true I’m like really stressed rn cuz I’m doing like gcse rn I have like a lot to do and so less time kinda excited for A level but like kinda scared lowkey ngl..
Im really kinda confused on what to pick especially for A level tho
Original post by QUOTE=TypicalNerd
I wouldn’t say it’s crazy- imo A level is easier than GCSE simply because you don’t have to divide your time between 10 or so subjects (of which most you couldn’t care less about) and instead you get to focus on 3 or 4 subjects you are much more interested in.

I think also by the time you get to A level, you’ve had a fair bit of time to find revision strategies that work for you and to perfect them, which many of the more successful students manage to do.


IMO, not to sound pompous, I found the difficulty from hardest to easiest the following;

1. A Level
2. GCSE
3. Bachelors Degree
4. Masters Degree

Reasoning below;

GCSEs weren’t particularly difficult but weren’t particularly easy, that being said, I didn’t take my education seriously then.

A Levels were just HORRIBLE for me. I couldn’t grasp exam technique AT ALL and came out with only one A Level (a D in Biology).

When I got to my degree, I found it easier as I wasn’t doing unnecessary maths or chemistry (I also found it more interesting but absolutely hated medical microbiology, absolutely no interest at all).

Masters degree I loved to a degree, however, the sheer volume of work I hated (by March, I just wanted it to be over and missed working… I was working for five years between my bachelors and masters and missed leaving work and just chilling when I got home instead of constant work afterwards). However, where it was my masters, I got to choose my specialism, so I enjoyed it far more as it was only clinical biochemistry and nothing else! 😊
(edited 1 month ago)
Original post by Scienceisgood
IMO, not to sound pompous, I found the difficulty from hardest to easiest the following;
1. A Level
2. GCSE
3. Bachelors Degree
4. Masters Degree
Reasoning below;
GCSEs weren’t particularly difficult but weren’t particularly easy, that being said, I don’t take my education seriously then.
A Levels were just HORRIBLE for me. I couldn’t grasp exam technique AT ALL and came out with only one A Level (a D in Biology).
When I got to my degree, I found it easier as I wasn’t doing necessary maths or chemistry (I also found it more interesting but absolutely hated medical microbiology, absolutely no interest at all).
Masters degree I loved to a degree, however, the sheer volume of work I hated (by March, I just wanted it to be over and missed working… I was working for five years between my bachelors and masters and missed leaving work and just chilling when I got home instead of constant work afterwards). However, where it was my masters, I got to choose my specialism, so I enjoyed it far more as it was only clinical biochemistry and nothing else! 😊


Damn you’re doing masters!! That’s soo cool cuz I was planning to do so myself in the future but wasn’t really sure..
Original post by QUOTE=Urgurl0907
Damn you’re doing masters!! That’s soo cool cuz I was planning to do so myself in the future but wasn’t really sure..


Graduated in November 24, so finished it but it’s a lot of time management and juggling, so make sure you know how to prioritise your workload and don’t get too involved in things which aren’t related (but do remember when to enjoy time off).

I was effectively glued to my desk the whole year (and put on a significant amount of weight I’m working to lose) however, my housemates basically smoked weed, played games and sports the whole year and every single one of them failed their final year in bachelors. So if you chose to do it, you’re there to work. 🙂
(edited 1 month ago)
Original post by Scienceisgood
IMO, not to sound pompous, I found the difficulty from hardest to easiest the following;
1. A Level
2. GCSE
3. Bachelors Degree
4. Masters Degree
Reasoning below;
GCSEs weren’t particularly difficult but weren’t particularly easy, that being said, I didn’t take my education seriously then.
A Levels were just HORRIBLE for me. I couldn’t grasp exam technique AT ALL and came out with only one A Level (a D in Biology).
When I got to my degree, I found it easier as I wasn’t doing necessary maths or chemistry (I also found it more interesting but absolutely hated medical microbiology, absolutely no interest at all).
Masters degree I loved to a degree, however, the sheer volume of work I hated (by March, I just wanted it to be over and missed working… I was working for five years between my bachelors and masters and missed leaving work and just chilling when I got home instead of constant work afterwards). However, where it was my masters, I got to choose my specialism, so I enjoyed it far more as it was only clinical biochemistry and nothing else! 😊

That’s completely fair and I can’t fault your reasoning in any way.

I’m currently doing an integrated masters degree (MChem chemistry), though I’m not yet at the masters bit of the course. Honestly the volume of work is pretty mad, but I would argue it is much harder than A level ever was as the emphasis is far more on understanding than memorisation. I have heard the masters part of the course is the best bit and what most people find the easiest, so I guess I have something to look forward to.
Original post by Scienceisgood
Graduated in November 24, so finished it but it’s a lot of time management and juggling, so make sure you know how to prioritise your workload and don’t get too involved in things which aren’t related (but do remember when to enjoy time off).
I was effectively glued to my desk the whole year (and put on a significant amount of weight I’m working to lose) however, my housemates basically smoked week, played games and sports the whole year and every single one of them failed their final year in bachelors. So if you chose to do it, you’re there to work. 🙂


Honestly that’s really cool congrats!!! 🥳
Yea I’ll make note of that thanks!! 💗
Original post by Urgurl0907
That’s true I’m like really stressed rn cuz I’m doing like gcse rn I have like a lot to do and so less time kinda excited for A level but like kinda scared lowkey ngl..
Im really kinda confused on what to pick especially for A level tho

Fair. Many people find themselves struggling to pick subjects at A level for a multitude of reasons.

I’d generally start by thinking in terms of what sort of jobs I could see myself in and what sorts of qualifications you’d need to get in order to access said career path. In my case, that was relatively straightforward as I am interested in going on to do research in chemistry, so a chemistry degree was the logical choice.

Next, I thought about subjects that I’d need. If in doubt, search up “{insert subject choice} degree entry requirements” and see what Google churns out.

Many people disagree with picking A levels on the above basis (entirely fairly) and suggest just picking subjects you enjoy or are doing the best at at GCSE level. However this is something to be careful about doing as you may end up picking entirely unrelated subjects, which might actually do you a disservice when applying for post-A level qualifications (again, because most subjects have specific entry requirements).
Original post by TypicalNerd
Fair. Many people find themselves struggling to pick subjects at A level for a multitude of reasons.
I’d generally start by thinking in terms of what sort of jobs I could see myself in and what sorts of qualifications you’d need to get in order to access said career path. In my case, that was relatively straightforward as I am interested in going on to do research in chemistry, so a chemistry degree was the logical choice.
Next, I thought about subjects that I’d need. If in doubt, search up “{insert subject choice} degree entry requirements” and see what Google churns out.
Many people disagree with picking A levels on the above basis (entirely fairly) and suggest just picking subjects you enjoy or are doing the best at at GCSE level. However this is something to be careful about doing as you may end up picking entirely unrelated subjects, which might actually do you a disservice when applying for post-A level qualifications (again, because most subjects have specific entry requirements).


Thanks for the advice really..
Yea I’m looking towards it but like the thing is that I’m not really sure what job I want to well do this point like I want to be in the business field that’s all I know for now but I have been searching and looking around for what specific job in business I should do but not really sure..
I’ve done some like quiz like yk and like I’m looking and exploring around..but yea I understand what you’re trying to say thanks for the advice I’ll make sure I’ll do it..
Thanks..💗💗
Do further maths, lmao!
Further maths is for people like you😂

Quick Reply