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idk what to do

I currently switched my subjects from maths bio chem (since i don’t directly want to go into medicine) into maths english lit and sociology. Mind u i have never taken sociology ever and am having seconds thoughts on whether i should continue with sociology or go switch back to chemistry cus i lowk enjoy it but idk if ill be able to handle it later on with 2 other heavy subjects. Lmk what u guys think i know its pretty dumb☹️
Original post
by zuzuzupa
I currently switched my subjects from maths bio chem (since i don’t directly want to go into medicine) into maths english lit and sociology. Mind u i have never taken sociology ever and am having seconds thoughts on whether i should continue with sociology or go switch back to chemistry cus i lowk enjoy it but idk if ill be able to handle it later on with 2 other heavy subjects. Lmk what u guys think i know its pretty dumb☹️

Heya!! (:

Not at all dumb, totally get it must feel daunting picking up an entirely new subject, in my 6th year (scottish highschool, guessing equivilant to year 13 lol😅), i picked up higher psycology! - no prior experience but was was super interested to learn about it!

I found at times the experience to feel a bit confusing without the prior knowledge from the N5 (equivilant to GCSE's), but it was manageable, i'd reccomend having a wee chat to your teachers about the workload, any sort of study support/recourses that would be availble to help the transition and also just generally making sure anything your unsure off that you ask!! - your teachers are there to help and they shouldnt be fussed explaining something a different way or just clarifiying some stuff😊

If you feel you'd enjoy it more than chem - thats definitly the main thing!! - you dont want to be stuck doing something you dont enjoy and just generally makes it feel a bit more interesting to revise, but if you still feel you'd enjoy chem, it is worth thinking about - i know this isnt the most helpful (sorry!😭) - but it is a personal decision on what you take!! - neither is wrong by any means, just more so what you think you'd get the most enjoyment out of and what you feel would be beneifical to know more about (:

Also worth having a think about what you'd like to do with your a-level's once you finish up school - totally get that at this time it probably feels pretty overwhemling to have to think about! - but defintly worth asking around to see what options you'd have for after school - whether thats uni, college, job etc with both sets, seeing wich sounds more interesting to you as that will probably help a bit with the decision! 😊

hope this helps a bit!, best of luck with your a-levels <33

Emily
Year 3, Chemistry
Official University Of Strathclyde Rep
(edited 1 month ago)

Reply 2

Original post
by University of Strathclyde Student Ambassador
Heya!! (:
Not at all dumb, totally get it must feel daunting picking up an entirely new subject, in my 6th year (scottish highschool, guessing equivilant to year 13 lol😅), i picked up higher psycology! - no prior experience but was was super interested to learn about it!
I found at times the experience to feel a bit confusing without the prior knowledge from the N5 (equivilant to GCSE's), but it was manageable, i'd reccomend having a wee chat to your teachers about the workload, any sort of study support/recourses that would be availble to help the transition and also just generally making sure anything your unsure off that you ask!! - your teachers are there to help and they shouldnt be fussed explaining something a different way or just clarifiying some stuff😊
If you feel you'd enjoy it more than chem - thats definitly the main thing!! - you dont want to be stuck doing something you dont enjoy and just generally makes it feel a bit more interesting to revise, but if you still feel you'd enjoy chem, it is worth thinking about - i know this isnt the most helpful (sorry!😭) - but it is a personal decision on what you take!! - neither is wrong by any means, just more so what you think you'd get the most enjoyment out of and what you feel would be beneifical to know more about (:
Also worth having a think about what you'd like to do with your a-level's once you finish up school - totally get that at this time it probably feels pretty overwhemling to have to think about! - but defintly worth asking around to see what options you'd have for after school - whether thats uni, college, job etc with both sets, seeing wich sounds more interesting to you as that will probably help a bit with the decision! 😊
hope this helps a bit!, best of luck with your a-levels <33
Emily
Year 3, Chemistry
Official University Of Strathclyde Rep


Thank you much for the advice!!! I literally have no idea on what im gonna do for the future so i think I’ll just stick with chemistry since i do enjoy it and it keeps my options very open so I’ll make do with what I have. I guess I’ll have to work hella hard for the next two years😭😭 but really thank you ive been in this dilemma for so long! :smile:))

Reply 3

Original post
by zuzuzupa
I currently switched my subjects from maths bio chem (since i don’t directly want to go into medicine) into maths english lit and sociology. Mind u i have never taken sociology ever and am having seconds thoughts on whether i should continue with sociology or go switch back to chemistry cus i lowk enjoy it but idk if ill be able to handle it later on with 2 other heavy subjects. Lmk what u guys think i know its pretty dumb☹️


Hi,

It’s not dumb at all to feel unsure about your subjects. Many people rethink their choices early on, and it’s wise that you’re taking the time to reflect on what will suit you best.

Since you already enjoy chemistry, it can help to consider what you’d like to do after sixth form, as that can guide your decision. Chemistry is often required for healthcare, biomedical sciences, and other STEM-related degrees, so keeping it along with maths could give you more options later on. English literature and sociology are both great subjects too, and they can lead to different pathways depending on your interests and future plans.

In terms of workload, chemistry can feel demanding, but enjoying the subject usually makes it easier to manage. Regularly practicing questions and using active recall techniques, like flashcards and mind maps, can make a big difference.

I’ve studied both sociology and chemistry and found them very different but equally interesting. Sociology also has a lot of content to remember, such as theorists and key ideas, but in terms of understanding the concepts it can feel more straightforward than chemistry.

If you’re still unsure, it could be really helpful to discuss your options with your teachers or a careers advisor. They can give advice based on your strengths, interests, and future plans.

Ultimately, the best choice is one that balances what you enjoy with keeping as many opportunities open for the future.

Hope this helps, good luck with your studies!

Tayba
Student Rep

Reply 4

since i don’t directly want to go into medicine
I'm not certain what you mean by this, but just be aware that entry to GEM (Graduate Entry Medicine) is very competitive, far more than the usual 5-year entry, and usually requires as bioscience undergrad degree.

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