The Student Room Group

A-Level Options: Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Economics?

Hi guys, I've chosen these 4 options as my A-Level subjects but I'm beginning to consider whether I should have taken Further Maths. Predicted a 9 in GCSE Maths and an 8 in GCSE FM, but not exactly passionate about it. Not gonna lie, but I like Maths purely because I'm good at it. I'm hesitant of dropping FM as it's so useful for Engineering (I plan on doing Engineering) at top universities but I don't know whether the workload is right for me, nor do I know whether I'd enjoy it. I'd say I would get a sense of FOMO if I didn't take Further Maths because all of my friends are taking it, but would taking 4 STEM subjects close doors for me if I decided not to take an essay-based subject like Economics? I believe unis want candidates who have a wide-variety of academic skills so I'd say in this regard, Economics sure is useful. I'm also predicted a 9 in Economics and my teacher says he reckons I could get a B right now in Year 11 without learning A-Level content as the GCSE and A-Level specs overlap so much. What do you guys think? Should I take Further Maths or Economics?
(edited 1 month ago)

Reply 1

I'm y11 and planning on taking maths, fm, economics and geography next year. Personally I'd suggest taking economics especially as you're doing the gcse (which most people haven't done) so you will have a massive advantage, whilst in comparison everyone does maths gcse and many do further maths and fsmq (additional maths) and get 9s. Also although every A-level is a lot of work further maths is very hard especially if you're not completely passionate about the subject.. I'd stick with your current options if it were me but gl deciding :smile:

Reply 2

Original post by VaBook7
I'm y11 and planning on taking maths, fm, economics and geography next year. Personally I'd suggest taking economics especially as you're doing the gcse (which most people haven't done) so you will have a massive advantage, whilst in comparison everyone does maths gcse and many do further maths and fsmq (additional maths) and get 9s. Also although every A-level is a lot of work further maths is very hard especially if you're not completely passionate about the subject.. I'd stick with your current options if it were me but gl deciding :smile:

Thanks! Would you say I'd be at a disadvantage if I didn't take FM tho? I've heard to get into Cambridge, Imperial or Oxford, FM is almost always required? It's between my passion and career tbh and I'm not getting very far icl
(edited 1 month ago)

Reply 3

Original post by ambitious_tiger
Hi guys, I've chosen these 4 options as my A-Level subjects but I'm beginning to consider whether I should have taken Further Maths. Predicted a 9 in GCSE Maths and an 8 in GCSE FM, but not exactly passionate about it. Not gonna lie, but I like Maths purely because I'm good at it. I'm hesitant of dropping FM as it's so useful for Engineering (I plan on doing Engineering) at top universities but I don't know whether the workload is right for me, nor do I know whether I'd enjoy it. I'd say I would get a sense of FOMO if I didn't take Further Maths because all of my friends are taking it, but would taking 4 STEM subjects close doors for me if I decided not to take an essay-based subject like Economics? I believe unis want candidates who have a wide-variety of academic skills so I'd say in this regard, Economics sure is useful. I'm also predicted a 9 in Economics and my teacher says he reckons I could get a B right now in Year 11 without learning A-Level content as the GCSE and A-Level specs overlap so much. What do you guys think? Should I take Further Maths or Economics?

I would suggest Further Maths. If you are planning on going into Engineering at a top university, they will care a lot more about FM than about Economics. From my experience applying to universities for STEM, they do not seem to care that much if you can write essays or not, and so taking 4 STEM subjects shouldn't close any doors for you here. As long as you have GCSE English, this seems to be sufficient evidence that you can write essays for most unis if you are doing STEM.

I also picked Maths and Further Maths mainly because I was good at them and not because of passion, however they quickly became my favorite subjects at A-Level. I found that the content got a lot more interesting, particularly in FM.

Reply 4

Original post by arrogant-climber
I would suggest Further Maths. If you are planning on going into Engineering at a top university, they will care a lot more about FM than about Economics. From my experience applying to universities for STEM, they do not seem to care that much if you can write essays or not, and so taking 4 STEM subjects shouldn't close any doors for you here. As long as you have GCSE English, this seems to be sufficient evidence that you can write essays for most unis if you are doing STEM.
I also picked Maths and Further Maths mainly because I was good at them and not because of passion, however they quickly became my favorite subjects at A-Level. I found that the content got a lot more interesting, particularly in FM.

Oh great, thanks for the advice!
Original post by ambitious_tiger
Hi guys, I've chosen these 4 options as my A-Level subjects but I'm beginning to consider whether I should have taken Further Maths. Predicted a 9 in GCSE Maths and an 8 in GCSE FM, but not exactly passionate about it. Not gonna lie, but I like Maths purely because I'm good at it. I'm hesitant of dropping FM as it's so useful for Engineering (I plan on doing Engineering) at top universities but I don't know whether the workload is right for me, nor do I know whether I'd enjoy it. I'd say I would get a sense of FOMO if I didn't take Further Maths because all of my friends are taking it, but would taking 4 STEM subjects close doors for me if I decided not to take an essay-based subject like Economics? I believe unis want candidates who have a wide-variety of academic skills so I'd say in this regard, Economics sure is useful. I'm also predicted a 9 in Economics and my teacher says he reckons I could get a B right now in Year 11 without learning A-Level content as the GCSE and A-Level specs overlap so much. What do you guys think? Should I take Further Maths or Economics?

If you’re set on engineering then you should take further maths (along with maths and physics). If you dont like maths that much then maybe consider if engineering is right for you, its very maths heavy.
Dont take a subject just because all your friends are doing it, youre an individual and need to consider your own strengths and interests.
Economics does show you have a range of skills and clearly your teacher believes that you can excel in it so it could be a viable and sensible option for you 🙂
Doing 4 subjects where one is further maths should be more manageable than 4 distinct subjects however further maths is very difficult so only take it if you are passionate about it (which it seems youre not.)
My advice would be to explore whether engineering is right for you and then consider which subjects youre more driven toward.
Original post by ambitious_tiger
Thanks! Would you say I'd be at a disadvantage if I didn't take FM tho? I've heard to get into Cambridge, Imperial or Oxford, FM is almost always required? It's between my passion and career tbh and I'm not getting very far icl

Id double check the course you are thinking of on unis websites to see what they say about subject requirements before making any decisions. But if you arent 100% sure about further maths then i wouldnt do it for the sake of it. A better grade in economics is surely better than an average grade in further maths.

Reply 7

Appreciate it guys 🙂

Quick Reply