French or History?

3

I’m two weeks into A-levels and still unsure about my subjects. Right now I’m taking:
• Maths (non-negotiable)
• Economics
• Politics (switched from Physics)
• French

I’ve thought about taking History instead, but at my school the option blocks mean I can’t combine History with either Economics or French.

Dropping French would be a shame since languages are valuable, but if I had to choose I’d drop it over Economics. My long-term goal is PPE or a related course at a top university.

Does anyone have advice on whether History is worth sacrificing French, or if my current set is already strong enough?

Reply 1

DerDracologe

Study Forum Helper

20

Do you need to take 4?
Youre clearly having doubts about your fourth subject and it adds nothing to your application if you take 4 over 3. Unless its compulsory at your school to do 4 i think you should drop to 3 and do an epq if possible.

Reply 2

threeportdrift

Careers Forum Helper

20

Original post

by Benjamin_Ward

I’m two weeks into A-levels and still unsure about my subjects. Right now I’m taking:
• Maths (non-negotiable)
• Economics
• Politics (switched from Physics)
• French

I’ve thought about taking History instead, but at my school the option blocks mean I can’t combine History with either Economics or French.

Dropping French would be a shame since languages are valuable, but if I had to choose I’d drop it over Economics. My long-term goal is PPE or a related course at a top university.

Does anyone have advice on whether History is worth sacrificing French, or if my current set is already strong enough?

If you want to do PPE and Maths is non-negotiable, then History is likely to be much more useful than French. 'Languages are valuable' is too simplistic an approach. You can learn a language at any point, the types of analysis and thought processes you learn through History are far more relevant and useful for PPE. In terms of PPE at a top uni, Economics, Politics and History would probably be the best foundation.

Reply 3

mariokart943

9

A language is going to be harder and it's not as related, if you are just doing it because you heard its valuable don't bother because you won't have the motivation for a good grade (I do history and spanish)

Reply 4

Emma:-)

Entertainment Forum Helper, Careers Forum Helper

19

Original post

by Benjamin_Ward

I’m two weeks into A-levels and still unsure about my subjects. Right now I’m taking:
• Maths (non-negotiable)
• Economics
• Politics (switched from Physics)
• French
I’ve thought about taking History instead, but at my school the option blocks mean I can’t combine History with either Economics or French.
Dropping French would be a shame since languages are valuable, but if I had to choose I’d drop it over Economics. My long-term goal is PPE or a related course at a top university.
Does anyone have advice on whether History is worth sacrificing French, or if my current set is already strong enough?

Out of the 2, which do you think you will enjoy most and get the best grade in?

Reply 5

Benjamin_Ward

OP

3

Original post

by Benjamin_Ward

I’m two weeks into A-levels and still unsure about my subjects. Right now I’m taking:
• Maths (non-negotiable)
• Economics
• Politics (switched from Physics)
• French
I’ve thought about taking History instead, but at my school the option blocks mean I can’t combine History with either Economics or French.
Dropping French would be a shame since languages are valuable, but if I had to choose I’d drop it over Economics. My long-term goal is PPE or a related course at a top university.
Does anyone have advice on whether History is worth sacrificing French, or if my current set is already strong enough?

Update: I’ve decided to swap French for History. Thanks for all the help.

French or History?

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