Is it better to do 3 AHs and get 3As or Do 4 AHs and risk getting AAAB

The fourth one is mechanics but ill have to self study it although it's complementary to my other options which are maths physics computer science

Reply 1

University of Strathclyde Student Ambassador

Official Rep

Original post

by StephenUjunwa

The fourth one is mechanics but ill have to self study it although it's complementary to my other options which are maths physics computer science

Hey Stephen,

Great that you're thinking ahead! Adv Highers are a great stepping stone for lots of courses in higher education, but they’re not usually a requirement for most courses. Most students do 1-2 Advanced Highers alongside some Higher subjects, and that’s often plenty to achieve what they need prior to uni. 🙂

With 4, just keep in mind it’s a lot of work, especially with the self-study aspect. It’s definitely doable!, but it’s a big commitment. It’s worth thinking about why you want to take four- if it’s because you're passionate about it and it aligns with your university goals, that’s great!😀 But if it’s mainly about adding extra qualifications, remember that universities often care more about your results and balance rather than the sheer number of Adv Highers!

If there’s a particular course/uni you’re interested in, it might be a good idea to check the specific entry requirements, as some courses may have a preference for certain subjects. Weigh up your options and consider if adding a fourth AH is the best decision for you in terms of workload, time, and energy.
Best of luck!!

Emily (:
Official University of Strathclyde Rep

Reply 2

StephenUjunwa

Original post

by University of Strathclyde Student Ambassador

Hey Stephen,

Great that you're thinking ahead! Adv Highers are a great stepping stone for lots of courses in higher education, but they’re not usually a requirement for most courses. Most students do 1-2 Advanced Highers alongside some Higher subjects, and that’s often plenty to achieve what they need prior to uni. 🙂
With 4, just keep in mind it’s a lot of work, especially with the self-study aspect. It’s definitely doable!, but it’s a big commitment. It’s worth thinking about why you want to take four- if it’s because you're passionate about it and it aligns with your university goals, that’s great!😀 But if it’s mainly about adding extra qualifications, remember that universities often care more about your results and balance rather than the sheer number of Adv Highers!
If there’s a particular course/uni you’re interested in, it might be a good idea to check the specific entry requirements, as some courses may have a preference for certain subjects. Weigh up your options and consider if adding a fourth AH is the best decision for you in terms of workload, time, and energy.
Best of luck!!
Emily (:
Official University of Strathclyde Rep

Imperial college London recommends it the same way unis recommend further maths in England and everyone I know applying to it or in a similar situation are doing it and also self studying it

Reply 3

jasmineva3128

If you think you could get 3As regardless of whether or not you study 3 or 4 ADVHs, then surely you're just adding an additional ADVH qualification at a B into the mix. I think if you can cope with the workload that it sounds like a good idea - an extra qualification at a high grade.

Reply 4

University of Strathclyde Student Ambassador

Official Rep

Original post

by StephenUjunwa

Imperial college London recommends it the same way unis recommend further maths in England and everyone I know applying to it or in a similar situation are doing it and also self studying it

what other Advanced Highers are you taking? If Mechanics isn’t a requirement but recommended, and a different adv isn't a requirement, it might be worth considering dropping one of your other subjects to focus on getting 3 Advanced Highers (including Mechanics) (:

Also just wanted to note as @jasmineva3128 mentioned, a B is still a great grade, if you feel you could cope with the workload that would be a great achievement!
In short, really is a personal decision, best to think of your goals, the overall workload and how necessary it is for the course your applying for (can always contact the university if your unsure!)

Best of luck with your decision! (:

Emily
Official University Of Strathclyde Rep

Reply 5

StephenUjunwa

Original post

by University of Strathclyde Student Ambassador

what other Advanced Highers are you taking? If Mechanics isn’t a requirement but recommended, and a different adv isn't a requirement, it might be worth considering dropping one of your other subjects to focus on getting 3 Advanced Highers (including Mechanics) (:
Also just wanted to note as @jasmineva3128 mentioned, a B is still a great grade, if you feel you could cope with the workload that would be a great achievement!
In short, really is a personal decision, best to think of your goals, the overall workload and how necessary it is for the course your applying for (can always contact the university if your unsure!)
Best of luck with your decision! (:
Emily
Official University Of Strathclyde Rep

I'm doing maths physics and computer science and mechanics is practically maths and physics so I feel like it's just gonna be a complementary repeat for a new advanced higher qualification

Reply 6

BestStudent1874

My school normally do mechanics but have not offered it this year due to only 4 people taking it. I put forward the idea of self study but the head of choices was unsure and kind of shut me down. What resources were you planning on using to self study?

Reply 7

cantdomathlikefr

Original post

by StephenUjunwa

The fourth one is mechanics but ill have to self study it although it's complementary to my other options which are maths physics computer science

Hi, if you are going to do engineering or physics or applied maths / applied cs, do mechanics I 100% recommend doing it.
Right now I am in 2nd year engineering at The University of Glasgow, knowing mechanics gave me a massive head start and made life at uni more bearable.

If you aren’t doing anything like that at uni it’s unnecessary but, if you like a challenge I’d go for it. Knowing to manage more workload will give you a more similar experience to uni.

Also I also self taught it getting A in final exam. (2023)

Reply 8

StephenUjunwa

Original post

by cantdomathlikefr

Hi, if you are going to do engineering or physics or applied maths / applied cs, do mechanics I 100% recommend doing it.
Right now I am in 2nd year engineering at The University of Glasgow, knowing mechanics gave me a massive head start and made life at uni more bearable.
If you aren’t doing anything like that at uni it’s unnecessary but, if you like a challenge I’d go for it. Knowing to manage more workload will give you a more similar experience to uni.
Also I also self taught it getting A in final exam. (2023)

Hi can you pleas guide me as to how you did it what resources and did you do a lesson every week? Like how did you move on correct pace did you fit it with ur timetable

Reply 9

lzzylynn

Original post

by StephenUjunwa

The fourth one is mechanics but ill have to self study it although it's complementary to my other options which are maths physics computer science

If you are confident you will achieve 3As despite the additional subject there is no reason not to try but I think you may have underestimated the workload associated with all of the taught subjects nevermind mechanics. I’d say with better planning mechanics could be okay however it’s so hard to balance with others that I ended up having to drop it. If you don’t absolutely need it for uni I see no reason to add it, but the worst thing that happens is you start out taking it and drop it if it’s too much.