The Student Room Group

I don't know what I want to do in the future

I know there are probably countless threads like this, but I wanted to make mine's a little more personal to my situation.

I'm doing my GCSEs, and I have to make up my mind about a-levels now. My parents want me to do triple science and math, and I really don't mind it.

But I don't feel like I have an interest in any of those things. Neither do I have an interest in any other subject. I guess I chose that combination because it could open a lot of doors for me, a lot of different pathways. My parents would like for me to do something medicine related, and again, the thought doesn't thrill me but it doesn't fill me with dread either. I guess though, I'm a little scared on how I will do with biology considering all the memorisation and content (although I'm not bad at bio right now, I'm just scared I will procrastinate and leave everything last minute. This is something I am working on.)

My plans for the future are sixth form -> undergrad -> post grad, no gap years.

I also do not want to have to transfer uni courses or risk anything (e.g. dropping/retaking a-levels) because as an international student the cost of all of this would be ridiculously expensive. My parents would have to give up everything just for me to transfer courses. While I don't qualify for financial aid, please try to understand that there are some situations where it is not possible to be spending this much.

I don't know what to do at all. I do hate essay subjects, and that's really all I know right now. I used to have a passion for computer science but even pursuing a degree in that just seems jaded to me now.

Reply 1

Original post
by Anonymous
I know there are probably countless threads like this, but I wanted to make mine's a little more personal to my situation.
I'm doing my GCSEs, and I have to make up my mind about a-levels now. My parents want me to do triple science and math, and I really don't mind it.
But I don't feel like I have an interest in any of those things. Neither do I have an interest in any other subject. I guess I chose that combination because it could open a lot of doors for me, a lot of different pathways. My parents would like for me to do something medicine related, and again, the thought doesn't thrill me but it doesn't fill me with dread either. I guess though, I'm a little scared on how I will do with biology considering all the memorisation and content (although I'm not bad at bio right now, I'm just scared I will procrastinate and leave everything last minute. This is something I am working on.)
My plans for the future are sixth form -> undergrad -> post grad, no gap years.
I also do not want to have to transfer uni courses or risk anything (e.g. dropping/retaking a-levels) because as an international student the cost of all of this would be ridiculously expensive. My parents would have to give up everything just for me to transfer courses. While I don't qualify for financial aid, please try to understand that there are some situations where it is not possible to be spending this much.
I don't know what to do at all. I do hate essay subjects, and that's really all I know right now. I used to have a passion for computer science but even pursuing a degree in that just seems jaded to me now.

Hi there,

I'm sorry to hear that you are struggling to decide however, you will figure it all out and find what your passion is. Have you attended any open days? If not, that is something that I would recommend as open days are great to explore different courses and find what interests you. You can ask questions about the course, get some information from the sixth form/university and get a feel for the courses and campus. We have a handy page with tips how to get the most out of your open day, which you can access here: Attending a university Open Day

I would also have a look at researching into different courses that may interest you. YouTube was something I used to get a bit more of an insight into the course. I also wouldn't put as much pressure on yourself and maybe even have a break without thinking about what you want to study or be when you are older. Putting too much pressure on yourself or others doing so, can take the fun and excitement out of it.

Are there any courses that incorporate computer science within the modules of the subject? Maybe you'd prefer course work based courses, which is something you want to look at if you don't like essay based subjects. There are many course work based courses including those in the humanities, social sciences, and arts. Some examples include degrees in Literature, Philosophy, Psychology, and various artistic fields

Feel free to let me know if you have any questions.

Hope this helps,
^Zac 🙂

Reply 2

If you don't have an interest in the subjects, don't do them. A level is very work-level demanding and you'll most likely struggle with the workload if you don't like the vibe and don't like the subjects. Maybe you could choose Psychology? I'm doing Psychology A level rn and I'm not the best at memorising or writing essays, but I did decent (like a high B) on my Yr12 end of years. Also, Psychology is basically (I would say ''biology but easier'') and i feel like the content is so much easier to learn than actual science subjects. I've heard that most universities consider Psychology as a science, so maybe that'll kind of fulfill your parents wishes of you doing science subjects?

Reply 3

Original post
by UCLan Ambassador
Hi there,
I'm sorry to hear that you are struggling to decide however, you will figure it all out and find what your passion is. Have you attended any open days? If not, that is something that I would recommend as open days are great to explore different courses and find what interests you. You can ask questions about the course, get some information from the sixth form/university and get a feel for the courses and campus. We have a handy page with tips how to get the most out of your open day, which you can access here: Attending a university Open Day
I would also have a look at researching into different courses that may interest you. YouTube was something I used to get a bit more of an insight into the course. I also wouldn't put as much pressure on yourself and maybe even have a break without thinking about what you want to study or be when you are older. Putting too much pressure on yourself or others doing so, can take the fun and excitement out of it.
Are there any courses that incorporate computer science within the modules of the subject? Maybe you'd prefer course work based courses, which is something you want to look at if you don't like essay based subjects. There are many course work based courses including those in the humanities, social sciences, and arts. Some examples include degrees in Literature, Philosophy, Psychology, and various artistic fields
Feel free to let me know if you have any questions.
Hope this helps,
^Zac 🙂

Thank you for your reply. I actually have not done this yet, I was planning on going to a few university fairs and potentially some open days, but they clashed with my exams - however, I'll definitely take a look into this after my exams :smile:

I didn't know coursework based courses existed! That's incredible. I'm genuinely interested now.

I'll do my best to not be so harsh on myself <333

Thank you again!

Reply 4

Original post
by anxious&paranoid
If you don't have an interest in the subjects, don't do them. A level is very work-level demanding and you'll most likely struggle with the workload if you don't like the vibe and don't like the subjects. Maybe you could choose Psychology? I'm doing Psychology A level rn and I'm not the best at memorising or writing essays, but I did decent (like a high B) on my Yr12 end of years. Also, Psychology is basically (I would say ''biology but easier'') and i feel like the content is so much easier to learn than actual science subjects. I've heard that most universities consider Psychology as a science, so maybe that'll kind of fulfill your parents wishes of you doing science subjects?

Mm, I see what you mean. I might rethink some of my sciences in that case - although I actually don't mind doing the subjects (as in, I do like them) I have many friends who do psychology and they've shown me the work and the essays that they do in class and to be honest...it's not my cup of tea :frown: But thank you for the suggestion anyways! :heart:

Reply 5

Original post
by Anonymous
Thank you for your reply. I actually have not done this yet, I was planning on going to a few university fairs and potentially some open days, but they clashed with my exams - however, I'll definitely take a look into this after my exams :smile:
I didn't know coursework based courses existed! That's incredible. I'm genuinely interested now.
I'll do my best to not be so harsh on myself <333
Thank you again!

Hi there, it's great to know that more course based courses have caught your attention. I'm glad I could help!

Universities often have campus tours which you can book onto which are great alternative to open days. You can find out more information here: Campus tours We do also have an open day on 21 June if you were interested in studying with us 🙂

Let me know if you need any further help.

Best wishes, ^Zac

Reply 6

I want to say that it is quite normal not to know what to do or who to be in the future. Our lives are so unpredictable that you may actually be there or doing something you couldn't even think of a while ago.
Hello there!

It’s completely valid to feel uncertain about your future.

Choosing triple science and maths for A-levels is a smart move if you are unsure, because, it keeps your options open.
These subjects are highly respected and offer a broad foundation for many university courses.
You don’t have to be in love with a subject to do well in it, especially if you are willing to put in the work.

Try to explore the subjects a bit further through work experience, or talking to students in the field. It might help you understand whether it’s something you could grow to enjoy.

You can start building study habits now that will support you through A-levels and beyond, like short, consistent study sessions. Small changes really do add up.

You don’t need to have your whole future figured out at your age. Most people don’t.
Focus on building a strong foundation with your A-levels, keeping your options open, and staying honest with yourself about what feels manageable and what doesn’t.

You're doing your best in a complex situation, and that’s something to be proud of.
Try to take things one step at a time.

I hope this helps!

Kind regards,
Reka - Coventry University Student Ambassador

Reply 8

Original post
by Anonymous
I know there are probably countless threads like this, but I wanted to make mine's a little more personal to my situation.
I'm doing my GCSEs, and I have to make up my mind about a-levels now. My parents want me to do triple science and math, and I really don't mind it.
But I don't feel like I have an interest in any of those things. Neither do I have an interest in any other subject. I guess I chose that combination because it could open a lot of doors for me, a lot of different pathways. My parents would like for me to do something medicine related, and again, the thought doesn't thrill me but it doesn't fill me with dread either. I guess though, I'm a little scared on how I will do with biology considering all the memorisation and content (although I'm not bad at bio right now, I'm just scared I will procrastinate and leave everything last minute. This is something I am working on.)
My plans for the future are sixth form -> undergrad -> post grad, no gap years.
I also do not want to have to transfer uni courses or risk anything (e.g. dropping/retaking a-levels) because as an international student the cost of all of this would be ridiculously expensive. My parents would have to give up everything just for me to transfer courses. While I don't qualify for financial aid, please try to understand that there are some situations where it is not possible to be spending this much.
I don't know what to do at all. I do hate essay subjects, and that's really all I know right now. I used to have a passion for computer science but even pursuing a degree in that just seems jaded to me now.

I expect that your parents mean well but to be honest they are not the ones who have to do the work. I would suggest that you don't let them influence what you do because if you don't like doing what they suggest it will lead to resentment and I don't think you would want that?

Have a think about what you would like to do and then do that.

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