Compsci: 3AHs + 1H or 2AHs + 2Hs?

Hiya!!!

So I'm currently in S5 and am going into S6. I've done my course choices and have submitted the form already, in which I put down Maths, Computing and Physics as AHs and Admin & IT as an extra H for a total of 4 subjects next year - right now I'm predicted 5As at Higher (Maths, English, CS, Phys, Chem).

The problem is though - I don't really wanna do 3 AHs? (especially w/ all STEM subjects since that's what I've been doing for the last x years lol.) It's not like I'm super opposed to it (which is why I have it put down for now), but I'd definitely prefer taking 2 + 2 due to the level of work and amount of work, as long as it doesn't pretty much screw me over before I can even apply xP - I'm only thinking about applying within Scotland so not having 3 AHs isn't a concern at surface level, but I'm concerned that AHs ARE actually "quasi-required" for better unis like Edinburgh...

My first choice uni is Edinburgh and that'd the dream - but would having 2 AHs only decimate my chances of getting in lol? How about for other unis like Glasgow/Dundee or (pushing it here I know lol) St Andrews? I know every uni in Scotland uses Highers as their only official proper entry requirements, but with a high competition uni + course would I need more, and if so, by how much? I've heard "unis prefer breadth over depth" a lot, but how true is that for competitive courses like Compsci @ UofE?

Sorry for the lil ramble there - thanks in advance! ^-^

Reply 1

Aboudi1911

3 AH + H is way too much work. I just got into Edin for Compsci, and in my S6 I'm studying AH maths, AH comp, H graphics, H photography. Last year I got 5As (Business, Comp, Maths, Phys, English).

I spoke to Edinburgh and they say they like to only look at your best year, so even if you fail S6, you can get in with S5 grades alone. In my school, we can only do 3AH max, and all my friends that do 3 are stressing even with their unconditionals.

IMO if you do well in exams, take S6 as a year to relax, and develop other skills. definitely try to branch out and put yourself forward for roles like house captain or whatever, because I spoke about them in my personal statement.

Also, if you do 2AH 2H, then if you get 4As 1B this year, they can only ask you for an A in higher rather than a B in advanced, which might be easier to achieve.

I do recommend you keep AH maths and AH comp, however, as that may have boosted my chances of entry. Good luck and have fun in your final year of school.

Reply 2

maths30

Original post

by holy_bingle

Hiya!!!
So I'm currently in S5 and am going into S6. I've done my course choices and have submitted the form already, in which I put down Maths, Computing and Physics as AHs and Admin & IT as an extra H for a total of 4 subjects next year - right now I'm predicted 5As at Higher (Maths, English, CS, Phys, Chem).
The problem is though - I don't really wanna do 3 AHs? (especially w/ all STEM subjects since that's what I've been doing for the last x years lol.) It's not like I'm super opposed to it (which is why I have it put down for now), but I'd definitely prefer taking 2 + 2 due to the level of work and amount of work, as long as it doesn't pretty much screw me over before I can even apply xP - I'm only thinking about applying within Scotland so not having 3 AHs isn't a concern at surface level, but I'm concerned that AHs ARE actually "quasi-required" for better unis like Edinburgh...
My first choice uni is Edinburgh and that'd the dream - but would having 2 AHs only decimate my chances of getting in lol? How about for other unis like Glasgow/Dundee or (pushing it here I know lol) St Andrews? I know every uni in Scotland uses Highers as their only official proper entry requirements, but with a high competition uni + course would I need more, and if so, by how much? I've heard "unis prefer breadth over depth" a lot, but how true is that for competitive courses like Compsci @ UofE?
Sorry for the lil ramble there - thanks in advance! ^-^

Hey just adding to what someone else said, I agree that 3AH + 1 H is too much work as someone currently doing it, I would advise you take maths & cs since it’s relevant to what you wanna do and avoid physics. I currently do physics maths chem and the physics project is very difficult and time consuming and honestly so boring as well, use your other 2 highers as something your gonna be genuinely interested and won’t get the chance to study again when you go to uni, or take something that your friends are doing to enjoy your final year!

Reply 3

HabibTheHelper

Hey! 😊

First of all, massive well done on those predicted 5As at Higher — that's already a super strong position to be in
You're absolutely right that Scottish unis (including Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee, and even St Andrews) base standard entry mainly on Highers, not Advanced Highers. For most courses, especially straight CompSci, having 2 AHs is completely fine — they don’t “require” 3 AHs, and you won’t be disadvantaged for choosing 2 + an extra Higher (like Admin & IT). In fact, many applicants do just that.
Unis like Edinburgh might favour applicants with stronger AHs for very competitive courses, but it’s more about performance and subject choice than sheer number. If you’ve got:

•

Strong Highers (which you already do )

•

2 relevant AHs (like Maths + Physics or Computing)

•

A solid personal statement

Then you’re absolutely in the game.
And yes — you’re also right about "breadth over depth" being valid. Unis often value variety, and your Admin & IT can even be a plus for showcasing broader skills.
If you feel 3 AHs will burn you out or affect quality, it’s totally OK to stick with 2 AHs + 1 Higher. Prioritise what lets you shine best!
Good luck with S6 and your uni apps — you’re smashing it already!