Need Advice on Taking 5 A-Levels (Chem, Maths, Business, Spanish, Russian)
Hi!
I’m currently in Year 11 and planning to take 5 A-levels next year. My core subjects are Chemistry, Maths, and Business, as I’m aiming to study Chemistry at university.
I also really enjoyed Spanish at iGCSE, and my teacher has strongly encouraged me to take it at A-level as she believes I’ll do well. In addition, I speak Russian, and several people have suggested I take Russian A-level too, just in case it could help.
I know that 5 A-levels can be a lot, especially since all these subjects are quite content-heavy. But I am planning to take Russian as a private candidate in Year 12, which might make things a bit more manageable, therefore technically, I’d be doing 4 A-levels at school.
If anyone here has done 5 A-levels (or similar subjects), I’d really appreciate your advice! Are these subjects particularly hard at A-level? Would you recommend sticking to 4? Also, if you have any revision tips or resources for these subjects, I’d love to hear them.
Thank you in advance! 😊
I’m currently in Year 11 and planning to take 5 A-levels next year. My core subjects are Chemistry, Maths, and Business, as I’m aiming to study Chemistry at university.
I also really enjoyed Spanish at iGCSE, and my teacher has strongly encouraged me to take it at A-level as she believes I’ll do well. In addition, I speak Russian, and several people have suggested I take Russian A-level too, just in case it could help.
I know that 5 A-levels can be a lot, especially since all these subjects are quite content-heavy. But I am planning to take Russian as a private candidate in Year 12, which might make things a bit more manageable, therefore technically, I’d be doing 4 A-levels at school.
If anyone here has done 5 A-levels (or similar subjects), I’d really appreciate your advice! Are these subjects particularly hard at A-level? Would you recommend sticking to 4? Also, if you have any revision tips or resources for these subjects, I’d love to hear them.
Thank you in advance! 😊
Reply 1
I did 2 a-levels + 2 btecs and am currently to sit another 2 a levels (chem and bio alongside my global health degree), i'd recommend only going for russian in terms of language as it's a little more different from most european related languages, plus youll have to learn cyrillic too. this is assuming that you want at least an A in all of your subjects, but i would seriously consider swapping one of the languages and choosing something like philosophy instead if you really want to do 5 a levels
Reply 2
20
Taking the extra language A levels is totally pointless. It wont 'impress' - Unis will only look at the 3 relevant A levels and will just ignore anything else. Why are you taking Business - it would make far more sense to take one of those languages instead.
If you are keen to keep up with Russian and Spanish, you can do that as a hobby, and once you get to Uni, there will be extra-curricular language classes to take alongside your degree. - example Languages for All - Department of Language and Linguistic Science, University of York
If you are keen to keep up with Russian and Spanish, you can do that as a hobby, and once you get to Uni, there will be extra-curricular language classes to take alongside your degree. - example Languages for All - Department of Language and Linguistic Science, University of York
Reply 3
You might also find that competitive Chem courses discount subjects not taken in the same sitting.
I agree with the above, you need to focus on outstanding grades in 3 or 4 subjects at most. If you find that a breeze get involved with more super curriculars. Those will strengthen your application.
I agree with the above, you need to focus on outstanding grades in 3 or 4 subjects at most. If you find that a breeze get involved with more super curriculars. Those will strengthen your application.
Reply 4
Original post
by akartasovaaHi!
I’m currently in Year 11 and planning to take 5 A-levels next year. My core subjects are Chemistry, Maths, and Business, as I’m aiming to study Chemistry at university.
I also really enjoyed Spanish at iGCSE, and my teacher has strongly encouraged me to take it at A-level as she believes I’ll do well. In addition, I speak Russian, and several people have suggested I take Russian A-level too, just in case it could help.
I know that 5 A-levels can be a lot, especially since all these subjects are quite content-heavy. But I am planning to take Russian as a private candidate in Year 12, which might make things a bit more manageable, therefore technically, I’d be doing 4 A-levels at school.
If anyone here has done 5 A-levels (or similar subjects), I’d really appreciate your advice! Are these subjects particularly hard at A-level? Would you recommend sticking to 4? Also, if you have any revision tips or resources for these subjects, I’d love to hear them.
Thank you in advance! 😊
I’m currently in Year 11 and planning to take 5 A-levels next year. My core subjects are Chemistry, Maths, and Business, as I’m aiming to study Chemistry at university.
I also really enjoyed Spanish at iGCSE, and my teacher has strongly encouraged me to take it at A-level as she believes I’ll do well. In addition, I speak Russian, and several people have suggested I take Russian A-level too, just in case it could help.
I know that 5 A-levels can be a lot, especially since all these subjects are quite content-heavy. But I am planning to take Russian as a private candidate in Year 12, which might make things a bit more manageable, therefore technically, I’d be doing 4 A-levels at school.
If anyone here has done 5 A-levels (or similar subjects), I’d really appreciate your advice! Are these subjects particularly hard at A-level? Would you recommend sticking to 4? Also, if you have any revision tips or resources for these subjects, I’d love to hear them.
Thank you in advance! 😊
I think sticking to 4 is a better idea, take one in year 12 if you are determined to take 4 rather than 3 because unis wont consider your 4th subject anyway so you may as well take it earlier to reduce workload in year 13. The ‘weakest’ of these subjects is business btw, as some unis have it as non-preferred. However, if its a subject that you love then you should stick with it because its important to follow your passions 🙂
Reply 5
Original post
by DerDracologeI think sticking to 4 is a better idea, take one in year 12 if you are determined to take 4 rather than 3 because unis wont consider your 4th subject anyway so you may as well take it earlier to reduce workload in year 13. The ‘weakest’ of these subjects is business btw, as some unis have it as non-preferred. However, if its a subject that you love then you should stick with it because its important to follow your passions 🙂
Hello! Regarding the application format then… if I am applying to Oxford (just for example) and I applied with predicted grades for Chem, Maths and Business with their grade requirements A*A*A. However if on results day I will get Russian A*, can I change the application? If, for example, Business did not worked well for me? Regarding why I have chosed these subjects:
Maths and Chem - they are required
Business - because I enjoyed business GCSE and if Chemistry path won’t work I always can go somewhere else, as perhaps choosing Biology will stick me in “STEM” field
Russian - because I can speak Russian and I have a grade 9 in my GCSEs. I can already write/understand Russian so it would not be super hard for me to do an A-level
and Spanish - I loved it at iGCSE and I was strongly advised to do it so that’s pretty much all.
I have not done Physics or Further maths GCSE so I don’t think I can choose them for A-level. Biology, however,was not enjoyable in GCSE and I heard that it’s even harder at A-level. I hope that I make sense, as I am not “professional” in this area. However I don’t want my current choices to limit my future universities choice: )
Reply 6
9
My son is applying to Oxford for chemistry. The advice from Oxford and current students there is to concentrate on 3 A levels. My son was doing 4 and has dropped further maths. They want you to be immersed in chemistry so you would be better off doing chemistry related super curriculars rather than A levels you enjoy/are good at. Have a search for some old chemistry/Oxford threads on here. There is some really sound advice from people who have studied there.
Reply 7
Original post
by akartasovaaHello! Regarding the application format then… if I am applying to Oxford (just for example) and I applied with predicted grades for Chem, Maths and Business with their grade requirements A*A*A. However if on results day I will get Russian A*, can I change the application? If, for example, Business did not worked well for me? Regarding why I have chosed these subjects:
Maths and Chem - they are required
Business - because I enjoyed business GCSE and if Chemistry path won’t work I always can go somewhere else, as perhaps choosing Biology will stick me in “STEM” field
Russian - because I can speak Russian and I have a grade 9 in my GCSEs. I can already write/understand Russian so it would not be super hard for me to do an A-level
and Spanish - I loved it at iGCSE and I was strongly advised to do it so that’s pretty much all.
I have not done Physics or Further maths GCSE so I don’t think I can choose them for A-level. Biology, however,was not enjoyable in GCSE and I heard that it’s even harder at A-level. I hope that I make sense, as I am not “professional” in this area. However I don’t want my current choices to limit my future universities choice: )
Maths and Chem - they are required
Business - because I enjoyed business GCSE and if Chemistry path won’t work I always can go somewhere else, as perhaps choosing Biology will stick me in “STEM” field
Russian - because I can speak Russian and I have a grade 9 in my GCSEs. I can already write/understand Russian so it would not be super hard for me to do an A-level
and Spanish - I loved it at iGCSE and I was strongly advised to do it so that’s pretty much all.
I have not done Physics or Further maths GCSE so I don’t think I can choose them for A-level. Biology, however,was not enjoyable in GCSE and I heard that it’s even harder at A-level. I hope that I make sense, as I am not “professional” in this area. However I don’t want my current choices to limit my future universities choice: )
I am not sure on whether oxford would accept the third subject if taken earlier. Your best bet in that regard would be to contact their admissions team and ask them about that.
Dont take biology. It’s very content heavy and you need to spend a heck of a lot of time on it at a level so not worth it if you don’t enjoy it.
Business wont give you more opportunities for degrees outside of stem. Most degrees within that area will have no requirements or just ask for maths a level which you are already taking. Most humanities degrees dont have required subjects for the most part so if you changed your mind you could go into several humanities degrees with STEM a levels eg: law.
Given that you haven’t studied physics before, some of the a level maths content is going to be difficult for you, given that around 1/6 of the content is mechanics and that relies on gcse physics. I strongly suggest you learn some gcse physics forces content before you start a level maths. Given that some of maths will likely be a struggle for you, i would even more strongly suggest just sticking to 3 subjects.
My advice would be to take maths, chem and either business or Spanish. You can choose to take Russian a level privately in year 12 but it is unlikely to boost your application and taking it will reduce the time you can spend on super-curriculars which is what you need to get into oxford.
Reply 8
13
Original post
by akartasovaaHi!
I’m currently in Year 11 and planning to take 5 A-levels next year. My core subjects are Chemistry, Maths, and Business, as I’m aiming to study Chemistry at university.
I also really enjoyed Spanish at iGCSE, and my teacher has strongly encouraged me to take it at A-level as she believes I’ll do well. In addition, I speak Russian, and several people have suggested I take Russian A-level too, just in case it could help.
I know that 5 A-levels can be a lot, especially since all these subjects are quite content-heavy. But I am planning to take Russian as a private candidate in Year 12, which might make things a bit more manageable, therefore technically, I’d be doing 4 A-levels at school.
If anyone here has done 5 A-levels (or similar subjects), I’d really appreciate your advice! Are these subjects particularly hard at A-level? Would you recommend sticking to 4? Also, if you have any revision tips or resources for these subjects, I’d love to hear them.
Thank you in advance! 😊
I’m currently in Year 11 and planning to take 5 A-levels next year. My core subjects are Chemistry, Maths, and Business, as I’m aiming to study Chemistry at university.
I also really enjoyed Spanish at iGCSE, and my teacher has strongly encouraged me to take it at A-level as she believes I’ll do well. In addition, I speak Russian, and several people have suggested I take Russian A-level too, just in case it could help.
I know that 5 A-levels can be a lot, especially since all these subjects are quite content-heavy. But I am planning to take Russian as a private candidate in Year 12, which might make things a bit more manageable, therefore technically, I’d be doing 4 A-levels at school.
If anyone here has done 5 A-levels (or similar subjects), I’d really appreciate your advice! Are these subjects particularly hard at A-level? Would you recommend sticking to 4? Also, if you have any revision tips or resources for these subjects, I’d love to hear them.
Thank you in advance! 😊
Business isn't required for anything and is basically ignored by top universities, so if you're dropping any of the five drop that first of all.
I've heard language A-Levels are generally strong but they won't think much of it if it's your native language. If you enjoy Spanish/Russian literature and media you're fine taking one for A-Level but two is probably a bit much for someone going to study Chemistry.
Ideally you'd have three STEM A-Levels but it's not necessary, don't worry about picking up biology or physics if you aren't interested in them. Further Maths is great but if you aren't that into maths you probably shouldn't take it, although it's always an option assuming you did well enough on GCSE maths.
Reply 9
Original post
by akartasovaaHi!
I’m currently in Year 11 and planning to take 5 A-levels next year. My core subjects are Chemistry, Maths, and Business, as I’m aiming to study Chemistry at university.
I also really enjoyed Spanish at iGCSE, and my teacher has strongly encouraged me to take it at A-level as she believes I’ll do well. In addition, I speak Russian, and several people have suggested I take Russian A-level too, just in case it could help.
I know that 5 A-levels can be a lot, especially since all these subjects are quite content-heavy. But I am planning to take Russian as a private candidate in Year 12, which might make things a bit more manageable, therefore technically, I’d be doing 4 A-levels at school.
If anyone here has done 5 A-levels (or similar subjects), I’d really appreciate your advice! Are these subjects particularly hard at A-level? Would you recommend sticking to 4? Also, if you have any revision tips or resources for these subjects, I’d love to hear them.
Thank you in advance! 😊
I’m currently in Year 11 and planning to take 5 A-levels next year. My core subjects are Chemistry, Maths, and Business, as I’m aiming to study Chemistry at university.
I also really enjoyed Spanish at iGCSE, and my teacher has strongly encouraged me to take it at A-level as she believes I’ll do well. In addition, I speak Russian, and several people have suggested I take Russian A-level too, just in case it could help.
I know that 5 A-levels can be a lot, especially since all these subjects are quite content-heavy. But I am planning to take Russian as a private candidate in Year 12, which might make things a bit more manageable, therefore technically, I’d be doing 4 A-levels at school.
If anyone here has done 5 A-levels (or similar subjects), I’d really appreciate your advice! Are these subjects particularly hard at A-level? Would you recommend sticking to 4? Also, if you have any revision tips or resources for these subjects, I’d love to hear them.
Thank you in advance! 😊
Chemistry and Maths are both demanding and time-consuming, especially with the amount of practice they need. Business and Spanish add a lot of content, and even if Russian is taken privately, it’ll still need solid prep, especially for essay writing and grammar.
If you’re super organized and genuinely enjoy the subjects, it’s doable, but make sure you're not burning out. Unis usually make offers based on 3 A-levels, so doing 4 strong ones is often more than enough. I'd say keep Russian in your back pocket if it won’t add too much stress, and focus on quality over quantity.
Good luck—sounds like you’re on a great path!
Reply 10
Hiya, I’m due to start Chem @ Oxford this autumn!
I took Chemistry, Biology & Maths A Levels and that was enough to receive an offer; I have friends who took different combinations including FM or Physics, (another science or FM is typically advised for Chem @ Oxf).
I think doing 5 A Levels would be redundant; taking business in particular wouldn’t necessary strengthen (or weaken) your application!
If you’re certainly passionate then go for it, and I wish you all the best, but I think it’s more in your best interests to take 3/4 that you’re super passionate about and focus on supercurricular activities and wider reading!
Good luck
)
I took Chemistry, Biology & Maths A Levels and that was enough to receive an offer; I have friends who took different combinations including FM or Physics, (another science or FM is typically advised for Chem @ Oxf).
I think doing 5 A Levels would be redundant; taking business in particular wouldn’t necessary strengthen (or weaken) your application!
If you’re certainly passionate then go for it, and I wish you all the best, but I think it’s more in your best interests to take 3/4 that you’re super passionate about and focus on supercurricular activities and wider reading!
Good luck
)Reply 11
Original post
by akartasovaaHi!
I’m currently in Year 11 and planning to take 5 A-levels next year. My core subjects are Chemistry, Maths, and Business, as I’m aiming to study Chemistry at university.
I also really enjoyed Spanish at iGCSE, and my teacher has strongly encouraged me to take it at A-level as she believes I’ll do well. In addition, I speak Russian, and several people have suggested I take Russian A-level too, just in case it could help.
I know that 5 A-levels can be a lot, especially since all these subjects are quite content-heavy. But I am planning to take Russian as a private candidate in Year 12, which might make things a bit more manageable, therefore technically, I’d be doing 4 A-levels at school.
If anyone here has done 5 A-levels (or similar subjects), I’d really appreciate your advice! Are these subjects particularly hard at A-level? Would you recommend sticking to 4? Also, if you have any revision tips or resources for these subjects, I’d love to hear them.
Thank you in advance! 😊
I’m currently in Year 11 and planning to take 5 A-levels next year. My core subjects are Chemistry, Maths, and Business, as I’m aiming to study Chemistry at university.
I also really enjoyed Spanish at iGCSE, and my teacher has strongly encouraged me to take it at A-level as she believes I’ll do well. In addition, I speak Russian, and several people have suggested I take Russian A-level too, just in case it could help.
I know that 5 A-levels can be a lot, especially since all these subjects are quite content-heavy. But I am planning to take Russian as a private candidate in Year 12, which might make things a bit more manageable, therefore technically, I’d be doing 4 A-levels at school.
If anyone here has done 5 A-levels (or similar subjects), I’d really appreciate your advice! Are these subjects particularly hard at A-level? Would you recommend sticking to 4? Also, if you have any revision tips or resources for these subjects, I’d love to hear them.
Thank you in advance! 😊
Your school is not advising you well - is it a Private school?
DO NOT take 5 A levels and certainly not like you plan with taking one in Year 12.
Oxford want three good A levels - Chem, Maths + 1 and I woud not suggest Business as the third.
Have you looked at the MFL A level spec? It's very different to GCSE/iGCSE ...
Reply 12
Original post
by akartasovaaHi!
I’m currently in Year 11 and planning to take 5 A-levels next year. My core subjects are Chemistry, Maths, and Business, as I’m aiming to study Chemistry at university.
I also really enjoyed Spanish at iGCSE, and my teacher has strongly encouraged me to take it at A-level as she believes I’ll do well. In addition, I speak Russian, and several people have suggested I take Russian A-level too, just in case it could help.
I know that 5 A-levels can be a lot, especially since all these subjects are quite content-heavy. But I am planning to take Russian as a private candidate in Year 12, which might make things a bit more manageable, therefore technically, I’d be doing 4 A-levels at school.
If anyone here has done 5 A-levels (or similar subjects), I’d really appreciate your advice! Are these subjects particularly hard at A-level? Would you recommend sticking to 4? Also, if you have any revision tips or resources for these subjects, I’d love to hear them.
Thank you in advance! 😊
I’m currently in Year 11 and planning to take 5 A-levels next year. My core subjects are Chemistry, Maths, and Business, as I’m aiming to study Chemistry at university.
I also really enjoyed Spanish at iGCSE, and my teacher has strongly encouraged me to take it at A-level as she believes I’ll do well. In addition, I speak Russian, and several people have suggested I take Russian A-level too, just in case it could help.
I know that 5 A-levels can be a lot, especially since all these subjects are quite content-heavy. But I am planning to take Russian as a private candidate in Year 12, which might make things a bit more manageable, therefore technically, I’d be doing 4 A-levels at school.
If anyone here has done 5 A-levels (or similar subjects), I’d really appreciate your advice! Are these subjects particularly hard at A-level? Would you recommend sticking to 4? Also, if you have any revision tips or resources for these subjects, I’d love to hear them.
Thank you in advance! 😊
Hi there!
While I did not take 5 A-Levels myself, I have a friend who did art history at Cambridge. Her A-levels were History, Art, French, Russian (she was Russian and spoke it fluently, and dropped this after year 12) and textiles.
My first question would be, what sort of universities are you interested in? Universities would rather see you focus on one specific area - you have mentioned wanting to do chemistry at university. I would focus on maths, chemsitry and business. Chemistry related extra-cirriculars will help over 2 language A-Levels. I knew a boy that did A-Level Chemistry, Maths and Physics, obtained oustanding grades and is doing a chemistry BSc with an integrated MSc (not sure if this is the right terminology for this!) at imperial.
Secondly, quality over quantity. universities would much rather see AAA over BBBBB.
Also, when my friend did 5 A-levels she was very stressed out. I would proceed with caution over taking 5. Be aware that a Russian A-level will include wider reading as well (I remember my friend having to study russian literature). I did my A-Levels from 2018 to 2020, so this may be wrong (memory might be fuzzy!) or have changed.
Overall, proceed with caution over doing 5 A-Levels. It is better to focus on 3 or 4, at a maximum.
Kind regards, Jenifer (Kingston rep)
Quick Reply
Related discussions
- Official Year 10 Chat Thread 2024-25
- Year 11 Study Buddy!
- Official Year 13 Chat Thread 2024-25
- trash gcse results
- gcse 2025
- Year 11!! Grade predictions💋
- The GREAT GCSE Lock-in!!
- Should I do 4 a levels, and how much chances do I have to get into top uni for Econ
- The Accountability Club
- How important are GCSE’s when it comes to Uni Applications ?
- the gyg of a y9 + resisting bigfoot herself (@Averixe)
- Warwick anxiety
- Greenhead application
- come drown in languages with mee ⋆˚꩜｡ alarkchism's y11 gyg
- Official Uni of Manchester Offer Holders Thread 2025 entry
- Maths or Spanish A level?
- Post your GCSE results 2025!
- My GYG for year 11!!
- A level choices: english lit, biology, chemistry or drama (+ spanish)
- Official Year 13 Chat Thread 2025-26 🥳
Latest
Trending
Last reply 6 months ago
UCAT in 6 weeks..but my father wants me to learn ALL year 13 content!?!?!?Last reply 7 months ago
A Level+ Results Day 2025 Countdown thread - UCAS Hub is open #BeResultsProudLast reply 8 months ago
Further Maths Edexcel Grade Boundaries 2025 - CP1 CP2 FM1 FS1Last reply 8 months ago
LNAT Warning – Don’t Waste Your Time (or Money) on Arbitio!!!Last reply 8 months ago
Will I be predicted A*??? BIOLOGY plsss replyLast reply 8 months ago
How do I convince my teacher to let me take A-levels
How The Student Room is moderated
To keep The Student Room safe for everyone, we moderate posts that are added to the site.
