5 A-Levels + STEP

Currently I am studying 4 A Levels + an EPQ. I started A Level maths in year 11 but am not taking it until year 13 due to unforeseen circumstances. Likewise with Further maths.

I have completed my EPQ, and the content for Further Maths and Maths.

I have been offered to take an additional maths A Level in a separate GCE A Level Statistics course, as well as STEP maths.

I am looking to apply to a physics degree, like mathematical/theoretical physics, with my core 2 choices being Imperial and Oxford.

Although I realise they will not offer on 5 + STEP + EPQ, let alone 4 sometimes, would anyone say if this is beneficial at all for my application in terms of preparedness and proof of academia?

Reply 1

Ileri.468

Original post by willgeorge

Currently I am studying 4 A Levels + an EPQ. I started A Level maths in year 11 but am not taking it until year 13 due to unforeseen circumstances. Likewise with Further maths.
I have completed my EPQ, and the content for Further Maths and Maths.
I have been offered to take an additional maths A Level in a separate GCE A Level Statistics course, as well as STEP maths.
I am looking to apply to a physics degree, like mathematical/theoretical physics, with my core 2 choices being Imperial and Oxford.
Although I realise they will not offer on 5 + STEP + EPQ, let alone 4 sometimes, would anyone say if this is beneficial at all for my application in terms of preparedness and proof of academia?

Hi, your case sounds unique. Can you please clarify what year you are in and what current A levels you are studying? (Also your predicted/target grades would be helpful.)

Reply 2

Admit-One

Universities Forum Helper

As someone involved in admissions for years, and having dealt with very competitive Maths programmes, I can’t really envisage a situation where this would be of any admissions benefit.

Can’t speak for everywhere obvs.

Reply 3

melancollege

Universities Forum Helper

Original post by willgeorge

Currently I am studying 4 A Levels + an EPQ. I started A Level maths in year 11 but am not taking it until year 13 due to unforeseen circumstances. Likewise with Further maths.
I have completed my EPQ, and the content for Further Maths and Maths.
I have been offered to take an additional maths A Level in a separate GCE A Level Statistics course, as well as STEP maths.
I am looking to apply to a physics degree, like mathematical/theoretical physics, with my core 2 choices being Imperial and Oxford.
Although I realise they will not offer on 5 + STEP + EPQ, let alone 4 sometimes, would anyone say if this is beneficial at all for my application in terms of preparedness and proof of academia?

I was actually heading to a situation somewhat similar to yours but couldn't due to timetabling. I would advise not to underestimate the amount of time and effort that STEP takes, it's often more comparable to another AS or A-Level than it is to another supercurricular.

In terms of whether it would actually provide any benefit to admissions, the short answer is no, not at all. The admissions directors will not care about your fifth A-Level but it will take time and effort away from things that they will care about.

One thing specific to Statistics A-Level is the distribution of grades. My old college used to offer it also, and when I went back to get some teaching experience, I spoke with the head of Statistics and I remember her saying that the proportion of A*s is actually very low for an A-Level, with many mathematically-minded students finding the style of questions difficult. I'm not certain of the details but this is a consideration. Saying that, the first year / AS has a lot of overlap with A-Level Maths' Statistics.

If you wanted to do something academic that would provide some actual benefit, I would advise focusing on STEP or other maths challenges, or other supercurriculars that more directly relate to your degree.

If you are studying for Edexcel Further Maths, you are also able to take additional modules. This is less of a risk since if it doesn't work out, they still only take your two best ones. This is what I was planning to do (COVID year meant I didn't sit the exams) by studying Further Mechanics 1 independently.

On a separate note, if you're thinking towards Theoretical Physics and you're already working towards STEP, have you considered the Cambridge Maths (optionally Maths with Physics) course? I know a lot of my cohort who are aiming towards theoretical physics. I'm happy to answer any questions you have but I'd say it's worth considering.