Taking A level Maths in year 12?

2

Hi I’m currently taking Maths Physics Chemistry and Biology at Alevel and want to apply to Natural Sciences at Cambridge. I did OCR Additional Maths in Year 11 and got an A (highest grade you can get) and because you cover quite a bit of alevel content in that I’m currently finding all my alevel maths lessons really easy and I was considering taking it a year early and teaching the rest of the content to myself. If I do this and get a A/A* would it put me at an advantage for applying to Cambridge. If I did this I’d do an EPQ as well over year 12 summer.

Reply 1

mycalsuite

10

Original post

by RosaUni

Hi I’m currently taking Maths Physics Chemistry and Biology at Alevel and want to apply to Natural Sciences at Cambridge. I did OCR Additional Maths in Year 11 and got an A (highest grade you can get) and because you cover quite a bit of alevel content in that I’m currently finding all my alevel maths lessons really easy and I was considering taking it a year early and teaching the rest of the content to myself. If I do this and get a A/A* would it put me at an advantage for applying to Cambridge. If I did this I’d do an EPQ as well over year 12 summer.

“An A* in Maths early could look good, but Cambridge mainly cares about strong grades across all your A-levels. If you find Maths easy and can manage the workload without hurting other subjects, go for it — but don’t spread yourself too thin.”

Reply 2

ConfusedPenguin1

13

Original post

by RosaUni

Hi I’m currently taking Maths Physics Chemistry and Biology at Alevel and want to apply to Natural Sciences at Cambridge. I did OCR Additional Maths in Year 11 and got an A (highest grade you can get) and because you cover quite a bit of alevel content in that I’m currently finding all my alevel maths lessons really easy and I was considering taking it a year early and teaching the rest of the content to myself. If I do this and get a A/A* would it put me at an advantage for applying to Cambridge. If I did this I’d do an EPQ as well over year 12 summer.

As someone who also self studied the syllabus to take alevel maths early, I don't think Cambridge cares much to be honest. It does show you have good independent study skills, which would be helpful for any uni, but besides that I'm not sure.

Aside from Cambridge though, I would personally recommend you try to take it in year 12, assuming you're confident you can achieve a good grade. If worst comes to worst, you can always resit it next year. If it goes well, on the other hand, you'll only be studying 3 subjects next year which will make things a fair bit easier, particularly when factoring in the pressure from personal statement writing and esat prep. And, as a bonus, you'll hopefully have already achieved one of the grades on your offer, so you can sleep a little easier when it comes to year 13 results day.

Also, have you spoken to your school about this? When I decided to sit my exams a year early I asked my teachers about it, and they organised a mock exam in November to ensure I was at an acceptable level with year 12 content. After I did that and met their requirements, they moved me into a year 13 maths class so I could have more direct support and wouldn't have to worry so much about independent studying. That obviously might not be something your school can offer, but it's probably worth suggesting, and if not they may be able to offer support in other ways.

Taking A level Maths in year 12?

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