Maths A level
Hi ,
I’m considering taking A-level Maths because it’s a preferred subject for medicine at universities like Oxford, Cambridge, Cardiff, and Edinburgh. While it’s not compulsory, many successful applicants tend to have it.
Maths has never been my strongest subject—I usually achieve A/B grades, and with enough effort, I might scrape a low A*. In my numeracy exam (which I’m resitting), I got a B, just four marks off an A. However, I know this is partly because I don’t dedicate as much time to studying maths as I do for biology, chemistry, and physics, where I consistently score 90-100% (A*). It’s not that I dislike maths; I just lack confidence and sometimes feel like no matter how hard I try, I’ll never be “good enough” at it.
That said, I really want to take A-level Maths. If I commit to two hours of revision per day, three days a week, is an A achievable? My main concern is that if I end up with a B, it could disrupt my streak of A*–A grades. My other A-level options are biology, chemistry, and history, and I’m confident I can secure at least an A in all of them.
Would love some advice—do you think I can realistically reach an A in A-level Maths with enough effort?
Thanks
( has anyone been in a similar situation)
I’m considering taking A-level Maths because it’s a preferred subject for medicine at universities like Oxford, Cambridge, Cardiff, and Edinburgh. While it’s not compulsory, many successful applicants tend to have it.
Maths has never been my strongest subject—I usually achieve A/B grades, and with enough effort, I might scrape a low A*. In my numeracy exam (which I’m resitting), I got a B, just four marks off an A. However, I know this is partly because I don’t dedicate as much time to studying maths as I do for biology, chemistry, and physics, where I consistently score 90-100% (A*). It’s not that I dislike maths; I just lack confidence and sometimes feel like no matter how hard I try, I’ll never be “good enough” at it.
That said, I really want to take A-level Maths. If I commit to two hours of revision per day, three days a week, is an A achievable? My main concern is that if I end up with a B, it could disrupt my streak of A*–A grades. My other A-level options are biology, chemistry, and history, and I’m confident I can secure at least an A in all of them.
Would love some advice—do you think I can realistically reach an A in A-level Maths with enough effort?
Thanks
( has anyone been in a similar situation)
Reply 1
You can absolutely achieve an A with your grades - at least! I would strongly recommend taking maths alongside physics, chemistry and biology as it does strengthen your position going into medicine. I actually found A level maths the easiest to revise, as it is really structured and very easy to cover quickly (no essays, just a right or wrong answer). If you just go over the questions in the textbooks + some mock papers you’ll be more than fine. You’re clearly got a very high level of natural intelligence if you’re achieving those grades already so do not doubt yourself! 6 hours a week is plenty if you’re strategic, make sure you pay attention in your classes and don’t bother with easy questions in the textbooks unless you really don’t understand something. I know it’s nice to (1) be thorough and (2) have a nice little confidence boost when you’re flying through the easy questions, BUT it’s important to challenge yourself if you’re shorter on time. Like I said, it’s actually very convenient for you that maths is your toughest subject, as it is the quickest and easiest to revise. 90-100% in the rest, and you really believe you can’t get an A in maths? No way! Go for it and do yourself proud. You’ll kick yourself if you don’t get into the university you wanted knowing you could’ve done more, and you certainly can achieve it. 😁
Reply 2
Original post
by Ginger_KittenHi ,
I’m considering taking A-level Maths because it’s a preferred subject for medicine at universities like Oxford, Cambridge, Cardiff, and Edinburgh. While it’s not compulsory, many successful applicants tend to have it.
Maths has never been my strongest subject—I usually achieve A/B grades, and with enough effort, I might scrape a low A*. In my numeracy exam (which I’m resitting), I got a B, just four marks off an A. However, I know this is partly because I don’t dedicate as much time to studying maths as I do for biology, chemistry, and physics, where I consistently score 90-100% (A*). It’s not that I dislike maths; I just lack confidence and sometimes feel like no matter how hard I try, I’ll never be “good enough” at it.
That said, I really want to take A-level Maths. If I commit to two hours of revision per day, three days a week, is an A achievable? My main concern is that if I end up with a B, it could disrupt my streak of A*–A grades. My other A-level options are biology, chemistry, and history, and I’m confident I can secure at least an A in all of them.
Would love some advice—do you think I can realistically reach an A in A-level Maths with enough effort?
Thanks
( has anyone been in a similar situation)
I’m considering taking A-level Maths because it’s a preferred subject for medicine at universities like Oxford, Cambridge, Cardiff, and Edinburgh. While it’s not compulsory, many successful applicants tend to have it.
Maths has never been my strongest subject—I usually achieve A/B grades, and with enough effort, I might scrape a low A*. In my numeracy exam (which I’m resitting), I got a B, just four marks off an A. However, I know this is partly because I don’t dedicate as much time to studying maths as I do for biology, chemistry, and physics, where I consistently score 90-100% (A*). It’s not that I dislike maths; I just lack confidence and sometimes feel like no matter how hard I try, I’ll never be “good enough” at it.
That said, I really want to take A-level Maths. If I commit to two hours of revision per day, three days a week, is an A achievable? My main concern is that if I end up with a B, it could disrupt my streak of A*–A grades. My other A-level options are biology, chemistry, and history, and I’m confident I can secure at least an A in all of them.
Would love some advice—do you think I can realistically reach an A in A-level Maths with enough effort?
Thanks
( has anyone been in a similar situation)
Hiya!
Awesome to hear that you're interested in Cardiff!
And just for a bit of reassurance, it's definitely doable
I took non-STEM subjects, but I went from a C in year 12 to an A on results day. I think the key thing here is consistency, and seeking out support when you need it. If you find yourself stuck on the same grade for a while, definitely talk to your teacher, see where you're going wrong and where you need to improve. Confidence is definitely a massive thing - and its hard to get confident in something when you're practicing it a bit less. Best of luck - do update us on how you get on!
~ Fatiha, Cardiff University Student Rep
Reply 3
Original post
by Ginger_KittenHi ,
I’m considering taking A-level Maths because it’s a preferred subject for medicine at universities like Oxford, Cambridge, Cardiff, and Edinburgh. While it’s not compulsory, many successful applicants tend to have it.
Maths has never been my strongest subject—I usually achieve A/B grades, and with enough effort, I might scrape a low A*. In my numeracy exam (which I’m resitting), I got a B, just four marks off an A. However, I know this is partly because I don’t dedicate as much time to studying maths as I do for biology, chemistry, and physics, where I consistently score 90-100% (A*). It’s not that I dislike maths; I just lack confidence and sometimes feel like no matter how hard I try, I’ll never be “good enough” at it.
That said, I really want to take A-level Maths. If I commit to two hours of revision per day, three days a week, is an A achievable? My main concern is that if I end up with a B, it could disrupt my streak of A*–A grades. My other A-level options are biology, chemistry, and history, and I’m confident I can secure at least an A in all of them.
Would love some advice—do you think I can realistically reach an A in A-level Maths with enough effort?
Thanks
( has anyone been in a similar situation)
I’m considering taking A-level Maths because it’s a preferred subject for medicine at universities like Oxford, Cambridge, Cardiff, and Edinburgh. While it’s not compulsory, many successful applicants tend to have it.
Maths has never been my strongest subject—I usually achieve A/B grades, and with enough effort, I might scrape a low A*. In my numeracy exam (which I’m resitting), I got a B, just four marks off an A. However, I know this is partly because I don’t dedicate as much time to studying maths as I do for biology, chemistry, and physics, where I consistently score 90-100% (A*). It’s not that I dislike maths; I just lack confidence and sometimes feel like no matter how hard I try, I’ll never be “good enough” at it.
That said, I really want to take A-level Maths. If I commit to two hours of revision per day, three days a week, is an A achievable? My main concern is that if I end up with a B, it could disrupt my streak of A*–A grades. My other A-level options are biology, chemistry, and history, and I’m confident I can secure at least an A in all of them.
Would love some advice—do you think I can realistically reach an A in A-level Maths with enough effort?
Thanks
( has anyone been in a similar situation)
If you want to do maths then take it, it's nowhere near as hard as some people make it out to be. But if you're aiming for those unis for medicine, you'd realistically need mostly A*s not As (and definitely not a B) so thats something to think about. Maybe just stick to 3 A levels (chem + bio + one other) and for the 3rd choose a subject where you can secure an A*. Not a med applicant myself but I hear Oxford doesn't care much whether you do maths or not, whilst Cambridge does.
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