Messed up my a level choices not sure what to do.....

For the Cambridge natsci course you need to do A level maths and 2 other science / maths A levels and Chemistry would be really useful because you could do courses like chemistry, materials, earth sciences, etc. in the first year. (See here for more detailed explanations https://www.undergraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/courses/natural-sciences-ba-hons-msci).
Alternatively, you could apply for a foundation year at Oxford. https://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/courses/course-listing/fycems

Hi thanks for responding.
What would do you think the best course of action would be, somehow fast track chem in a gap year after A2? Would it be possible to fast track chem in an online course while I do my A2 exams.
I think even the foundation year at oxford requires chem by the looks of it - could be wrong tho.

you’d have to sit a level chemistry in your gap year.
It would be possible to learn it all in one year and probably teach yourself but you would need to go back to your school/elsewhere to do the lab work so You can pass in that bc they usually require that.
It wont impact your chances at oxbridge as long as you get the required grades in the first siting I.e. A*A*A+ and then you get the A* in A level chemistry the year after.
You shouldn’t self teach yourself chemistry in the next academic year. That would be self-sabotage.
There’s also no way you are eligible for the foundation year; the foundation year has very specific requirements. Ignore that suggestion

I agree with you, but bear in mind, Chemistry is a very hard A-level. It does build up on the GCSE knowledge but you will still need to work diligently in the gap year.

Currently about to finish my first year in college doing maths, further maths, economics and computer science.
Problem is I loved chemistry at GCSE and wish I stuck with it for a level but chose not to due to advice from others...
I am predicted 4 As for AS level and am hoping to aim for Oxford or Cambridge after college and am looking at possibly doing natural sciences/chemical engineering in uni.
I'm really worried that I'm going to have to take another year before uni to take chemistry which may affect my application to Oxbridge, or so I've heard.
What should I do, is it worth sticking with these for A2 then going back and doing chemistry, or possibly doing chemistry externally in one year.
Bit stuck lol any advice would be very much appreciated....

Hey, first off—you're doing really well already. Predicted 4 As in seriously tough subjects? That's impressive, and shows you’ve got the work ethic and brains for Oxbridge. So don't panic—you're not out of the game at all.
Let’s break this down:
🚨 The Chemistry Situation:
You’re aiming for Natural Sciences or Chemical Engineering, both of which typically expect Chemistry A-level. At Cambridge for NatSci, Chemistry is pretty much essential for anything chemistry/biology/chemical engineering related. Oxford’s Chemical Engineering (through Engineering Science or via NatSci) also usually expects Chemistry.
So yeah—not having Chemistry A-level is a problem, but not necessarily a dealbreaker if you take action now.
🎯 Your Options:
1. Start Chemistry A-Level now (Year 13) alongside your current A2s
Can you self-study? Yes, but you’ll need to register somewhere for the practicals (most unis want the practical endorsement).
2. Take a 3rd Year (Gap Year) to do Chemistry
If you're okay with a year out, this is actually quite common—many students take an extra year for the right subject.
3. Apply for something else now, or at different unis
If you’re not dead-set on chemical subjects, you could apply to courses that don't need Chemistry. For example, some Economics, Maths, or Computer Science degrees don’t require it—and you’d be very competitive there.
But it sounds like your heart’s with Chemistry/NatSci, so probably not ideal.
👀 What I’d suggest:
Also: Oxford and Cambridge do accept students who take a third year, especially if it's to pick up a required subject. You’ll just need to be clear and honest in your application about why.

No-one should be encoraging 5 A levels ...

No-one should be encoraging 5 A levels ...