A levels struggle

I am in yr 12 and really really really want to study dentistry in the future. I am doing maths, biology and chemistry. And have just started an epq. It’s getting hard. I don’t know what to do or where to start. It’s so fast paced and the past paper questions are much harder. I feel like I have lost my passion/dedication. It’s hard to enjoy the journey. :/

Reply 1

MindMax2000

Universities Forum Helper

22

Original post by eb-1

I am in yr 12 and really really really want to study dentistry in the future. I am doing maths, biology and chemistry. And have just started an epq. It’s getting hard. I don’t know what to do or where to start. It’s so fast paced and the past paper questions are much harder. I feel like I have lost my passion/dedication. It’s hard to enjoy the journey. :/

Reply 2

Divinebandit

11

Original post by eb-1

I am in yr 12 and really really really want to study dentistry in the future. I am doing maths, biology and chemistry. And have just started an epq. It’s getting hard. I don’t know what to do or where to start. It’s so fast paced and the past paper questions are much harder. I feel like I have lost my passion/dedication. It’s hard to enjoy the journey. :/

I wish I could tell you it'll get easier but I wouldn't be telling you the truth. A Levels are really hard, especially the ones you are doing.

At times you may lose your passion or a specific topic you may be weaker in or lack interest in, might make you feel like is this the right path for you. But keep on going, it is easier said than done.

Also, when I'm revising and I'm not fully understanding something or making silly mistakes in past paper questions, I take a step back then come back to it later. Sometimes the stress of not getting something can hinder you from actually understanding it. It seems a bit generic or simple but giving your brain a break is important.

I wish you the best. Good luck.

Reply 3

University of Bath

Official Rep

13

Original post by eb-1

I am in yr 12 and really really really want to study dentistry in the future. I am doing maths, biology and chemistry. And have just started an epq. It’s getting hard. I don’t know what to do or where to start. It’s so fast paced and the past paper questions are much harder. I feel like I have lost my passion/dedication. It’s hard to enjoy the journey. :/

Hi there,

Its completely understandable to feel overwhelmed at this stage as A Levels, particular your choices, are a big step up from GCSEs. I would say that when you establish a routine of how you like to revise and when you like to do your independent work things will get more more familiar. I would also say that its normal for past paper questions to be difficult at this stage because you're only year 12 and you've got a whole year and a half's worth of your A levels still to go - you'll get more used to the wording and how they like the answers to be written with more practice.

My top tips would be:

•

As above, defo make the most of youtube tutorials. I've heard good things about Physics and Maths Tutor on here, and I also liked the Organic Chemistry Tutor.

•

Keep up with your content as you go - stay after school for an hour or so if you can (or do an hour or so at home) - read over the textbook pages for the topics as you learn them, make sure your notes are full and clear and you don't miss anything. Make flashcards out of past paper questions with the markscheme answers on the back so you'll have a collection of exemplars to revise from.

•

Use your teachers - don't leave class with unanswered questions, ask them for feedback and tips on how you can improve.

•

Give yourself a break - don't allow yourself to get burnt out by trying to spend every spare hour you have working. Take some time out each week to go outside, watch a film, see friends, get coffee in a local cafe, read etc. Taking a break is a good way to consolidate what you're revising.

Please don't worry because its normal to feel things getting on top of you at times and to feel dips in your motivation - it happens to everyone. Just keep going, do what you can and ask for help if ever you need it. I hope some of this helped!

Holly
University of Bath

Reply 4

Jam.123

15

Original post by eb-1

I am in yr 12 and really really really want to study dentistry in the future. I am doing maths, biology and chemistry. And have just started an epq. It’s getting hard. I don’t know what to do or where to start. It’s so fast paced and the past paper questions are much harder. I feel like I have lost my passion/dedication. It’s hard to enjoy the journey. :/

It will never get easier. Accept this and just keep working. Optimise your studying methods first.

A levels struggle

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