S6 Subjects for Chem at Uni

Ok so I want to do chemistry at uni, preferably at strathclyde or glasgow.

My current subjects are chem, maths, french, psychology, and english highers, hoping to get all As.

For next year I'm doing AH chem and maths, but other than that I'm worried because I'm not doing any other sciences at higher and I've had some teachers tell me this is a mistake. I did physics nat5, but because of the way the timetable works I can't do it next year at higher. So my only option would be to crash higher bio, which tbh I don't really want to do.

My school makes us take 5 subjects so I'm concerned about the workload of 2 AHs, crash higher bio, along with 2 other random subjects. My friend told me higher bio relies quite heavily on existing knowledge from n5 which I won't have and I'm not really sure how much I would actually enjoy it as well.

I know obviously it would be helpful to have a second higher science. But would not having it put me at a disadvantage and make me less likely to get into uni or make me really struggle when I'm there??

Any advice is appreciated, I'm lowkey freaking out abt this

Reply 1

Cristal10

hey! I wouldn’t say it would put you at a disadvantage. Taking other sciences is helpful, but if you don’t enjoy them and don’t feel like taking them, chemistry and math alone is more than enough already and are both really strong choices! I recommend to check the entry requirements for any unis you’re thinking abt applying to for chem just to be sure :smile:

Reply 2

University of Strathclyde Student Ambassador

Official Rep

Original post

by thisisbatcountry

Ok so I want to do chemistry at uni, preferably at strathclyde or glasgow.
My current subjects are chem, maths, french, psychology, and english highers, hoping to get all As.
For next year I'm doing AH chem and maths, but other than that I'm worried because I'm not doing any other sciences at higher and I've had some teachers tell me this is a mistake. I did physics nat5, but because of the way the timetable works I can't do it next year at higher. So my only option would be to crash higher bio, which tbh I don't really want to do.
My school makes us take 5 subjects so I'm concerned about the workload of 2 AHs, crash higher bio, along with 2 other random subjects. My friend told me higher bio relies quite heavily on existing knowledge from n5 which I won't have and I'm not really sure how much I would actually enjoy it as well.
I know obviously it would be helpful to have a second higher science. But would not having it put me at a disadvantage and make me less likely to get into uni or make me really struggle when I'm there??
Any advice is appreciated, I'm lowkey freaking out abt this

Hi there,
First of all try not to panic -it sounds like you’re already on a really solid path! (: You’ve picked strong subjects and are aiming for great results, and that already puts you in a good position.

When I applied to Strath for chemistry, the required subjects were Higher Chemistry and Maths, with Advanced Highers in both recommended/required (depending on the course) -so you're already on track with those. That said, definitely double-check the current entry requirements on the Strath and Glasgow uni websites just in case anything’s changed since I applied!!

In terms of not having a second science -it’s not always a dealbreaker, especially if you’ve got strong predicted grades and a personal statement that really shows your passion for chemistry. If your school has science clubs or if there are chemistry-related extracurriculars (eg; helping in science classes) that can honestly be a better and more enjoyable use of your time than forcing a crash Higher you’re not into. You’ll be able to talk about those experiences in your personal statement, which unis really value.

Totally relate to the S6 pressure -my school also made us take a certain number of subjects so I did AH Chem, + 3 Highers I kind of had to crash lol🙃. It was a lot, and honestly, if your results in S5 are strong, there’s no real need to overload yourself. Two AHs plus more lighter subjects your more comfortable with is a great mix, and will give you more breathing room without hurting your application.

Just wanted to also note please make sure to check if Glasgow or any other unis you’re considering require a second science - I know some will have different reuqirements depending on the course structure!! (mainly medicinal chem courses but would still check incase!!) - you can always reach out to the university if your unsure.

You’re clearly thinking ahead and doing everything right -focus on subjects you enjoy and do well in, and remember you’ve got options!!💜 - if you've got anymore questions, anything about studying chemistry, personal statement, general uni life etc just let me know (:

Good Luck!!

Emily
Year 2, Chemistry
Official University Of Strathclyde Rep

(edited 9 months ago)

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