Three a-levels versus four

7

Hello, I am a y12 student and currently i do maths, further maths, chemistry and econ, and I plan to do economics in uni, aspiring for LSE, Cambridge, UCl. Im currently deciding whether i should just drop chemistry and do the other three, coz further maths is a really hard subject so the time i spend studying chem, i could spend on getting an A star or A in further maths, and i dont want to risk the A star or A as chem is unrelated to my degree. The only thing is i am quite good at chem, i got A in the mocks which is the highest grade the school gave, and so I want to do it, because i am good at it, and i enjoy it. So im not really sure what to do, coz further maths is not my strong suit, so i definitely need to give it more time, but then chemistry is very enjoyable.

Reply 1

artful_lounger

Universities Forum Helper

21

If you enjoy chemistry and don't do as well in FM, why are you focusing on an economics degree and why not a chemistry degree?

Reply 2

ggggred

OP

7

because i enjoy economics and maths much more, i do like chemistry but not as much

Reply 3

BCU Student Rep

Official Rep

17

Original post by ggggred

Hello, I am a y12 student and currently i do maths, further maths, chemistry and econ, and I plan to do economics in uni, aspiring for LSE, Cambridge, UCl. Im currently deciding whether i should just drop chemistry and do the other three, coz further maths is a really hard subject so the time i spend studying chem, i could spend on getting an A star or A in further maths, and i dont want to risk the A star or A as chem is unrelated to my degree. The only thing is i am quite good at chem, i got A in the mocks which is the highest grade the school gave, and so I want to do it, because i am good at it, and i enjoy it. So im not really sure what to do, coz further maths is not my strong suit, so i definitely need to give it more time, but then chemistry is very enjoyable.

Hi @ggggred,

You're in a strong position already with your subject choices, aiming for unis like LSE and Cambridge for Economics is great.

Here are a few points to consider that might help you decide:
1. Economics entry requirements: Most top unis for Economics (like LSE, Cambridge, UCL) don’t require Chemistry. What they really value is Maths and Further Maths, and usually Economics if your school offers it. For Cambridge in particular, Further Maths is very helpful, and for LSE it’s pretty much essential. So focusing on doing well in Further Maths makes sense.
2. Dropping Chemistry could free up time: Since you’ve said Further Maths isn’t your strongest and takes more time, dropping Chemistry could reduce pressure and help you push for the A*/A that will really count for your application. This could be especially important if you're aiming for 3 As or AA*A.
3. On the flip side, you’re good at and enjoy Chemistry: That’s not nothing. If you're naturally strong in it and enjoy it, that motivation could help balance the stress of Further Maths. If you're managing well now and still getting top grades, you might not need to drop it yet. You could wait until after your Y12 exams and see how your grades are looking, then make a more informed decision.
4. Consider workload and mental energy, not just grades: Even if you’re doing well in Chemistry, doing 4 A-levels is a lot, especially when one is Further Maths. Think about whether you can realistically maintain high performance and still have time to do extra curricular, read around Economics, and prep for things like the TMUA or interviews.

If you're confident you can keep up with all 4 and it doesn’t impact your Further Maths, go for it — it’s great to do a subject you enjoy. But if it’s going to risk your performance in the core subjects needed for your degree, then it may be smarter to drop Chemistry and secure the grades that matter most.

Hope this helps,
Danish
BCU Student Rep

Reply 4

ggggred

OP

7

Thank you so much for the advice, i feel like the smartest decision i could make is dropping chemistry as i usually struggle with time management, and therefore i am quite certain especially near a-level time, i will be very stressed if i continue with the four, and so, i am now thinking of dropping it maybe in the start of y13 around september.

Reply 5

DerDracologe

Study Forum Helper

20

Original post by ggggred

Hello, I am a y12 student and currently i do maths, further maths, chemistry and econ, and I plan to do economics in uni, aspiring for LSE, Cambridge, UCl. Im currently deciding whether i should just drop chemistry and do the other three, coz further maths is a really hard subject so the time i spend studying chem, i could spend on getting an A star or A in further maths, and i dont want to risk the A star or A as chem is unrelated to my degree. The only thing is i am quite good at chem, i got A in the mocks which is the highest grade the school gave, and so I want to do it, because i am good at it, and i enjoy it. So im not really sure what to do, coz further maths is not my strong suit, so i definitely need to give it more time, but then chemistry is very enjoyable.

If further maths is not your strong suit then maybe a maths-heavy degree like econ is not for you? I obviously have limited information, if it is just that you run out of time to study everything then maybe dropping chem is sensible but if you struggle with fm that might nto change no matter whether you drop chem. as you enjoy chem, you might decide you want to pursue it later for uni and you may regret dropping it then.

Reply 6

Reality Check

22

Original post by ggggred

Hello, I am a y12 student and currently i do maths, further maths, chemistry and econ, and I plan to do economics in uni, aspiring for LSE, Cambridge, UCl. Im currently deciding whether i should just drop chemistry and do the other three, coz further maths is a really hard subject so the time i spend studying chem, i could spend on getting an A star or A in further maths, and i dont want to risk the A star or A as chem is unrelated to my degree. The only thing is i am quite good at chem, i got A in the mocks which is the highest grade the school gave, and so I want to do it, because i am good at it, and i enjoy it. So im not really sure what to do, coz further maths is not my strong suit, so i definitely need to give it more time, but then chemistry is very enjoyable.

If FM is difficult for you, then I'd rethink whether Cambridge is going to be the right choice. The economics tripos is notoriously mathematically rigorous, and I'd be wary of starting it if you're finding FM a challenge.

Reply 7

Flower2007!

12

Original post by ggggred

Hello, I am a y12 student and currently i do maths, further maths, chemistry and econ, and I plan to do economics in uni, aspiring for LSE, Cambridge, UCl. Im currently deciding whether i should just drop chemistry and do the other three, coz further maths is a really hard subject so the time i spend studying chem, i could spend on getting an A star or A in further maths, and i dont want to risk the A star or A as chem is unrelated to my degree. The only thing is i am quite good at chem, i got A in the mocks which is the highest grade the school gave, and so I want to do it, because i am good at it, and i enjoy it. So im not really sure what to do, coz further maths is not my strong suit, so i definitely need to give it more time, but then chemistry is very enjoyable.

hi

you seem rly capable, but if chem is not needed, even if you’re good at it, drop now. chem a level sucks a** and is long and difficult. defo not smth to just do for the sake of it. i got nearly full marks in drama and english gcse. doesn’t mean i’ll take them for a level bc it’s rly unnecessary when i wanna do dentistry and i hate them.
best of luck

Reply 8

Flower2007!

12

Original post by ggggred

Thank you so much for the advice, i feel like the smartest decision i could make is dropping chemistry as i usually struggle with time management, and therefore i am quite certain especially near a-level time, i will be very stressed if i continue with the four, and so, i am now thinking of dropping it maybe in the start of y13 around september.

great idea man! also dont listen to ppl tellimg you to jist switch your whole degree or uni because fm isn’t your strongest suit. you can defo improve esp if you have the passion for it and your degree. don’t be discouraged. it just means you gotta put in a little more work. :smile:

Reply 9

ggggred

OP

7

Original post by Flower2007!

great idea man! also dont listen to ppl tellimg you to jist switch your whole degree or uni because fm isn’t your strongest suit. you can defo improve esp if you have the passion for it and your degree. don’t be discouraged. it just means you gotta put in a little more work. :smile:

yes thank you so much!! I am now really set on dropping chem. i feel like people misunderstood when i said fm isnt my strong suit, i just meant that i sometimes find it hard, but i still did well in my mocks. Its just a very hard subject so i have to put in the work, regardless of whether im naturally good or bad, and the more work i put, the more likely i am to getting an A star. Good luck for your applications for denistry!! 🙂

Reply 10

Flamingo10

12

Original post by ggggred

Hello, I am a y12 student and currently i do maths, further maths, chemistry and econ, and I plan to do economics in uni, aspiring for LSE, Cambridge, UCl. Im currently deciding whether i should just drop chemistry and do the other three, coz further maths is a really hard subject so the time i spend studying chem, i could spend on getting an A star or A in further maths, and i dont want to risk the A star or A as chem is unrelated to my degree. The only thing is i am quite good at chem, i got A in the mocks which is the highest grade the school gave, and so I want to do it, because i am good at it, and i enjoy it. So im not really sure what to do, coz further maths is not my strong suit, so i definitely need to give it more time, but then chemistry is very enjoyable.

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Three a-levels versus four

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