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Stressing to pick A levels

I am currently in year 11 and I'm not sure whether to pick maths, biology and chemistry or maths, chemistry and art
The main problem is that despite having a passion for art since forever, im not sure if i should just do art as a side hustle and focus on the STEM subjects first since it would probably lead me towards more job opportunities that would pay higher, and tbh i dont really know any jobs that requires maths art and chem (yes there is architecture but i have been warned that the stress is not worth it), besides i heard that you would only need a portfolio if you want to apply into art-based jobs anyway. Do you think i should drop art and take the STEM route or go for art??????

Reply 1

Original post
by cryx09
I am currently in year 11 and I'm not sure whether to pick maths, biology and chemistry or maths, chemistry and art
The main problem is that despite having a passion for art since forever, im not sure if i should just do art as a side hustle and focus on the STEM subjects first since it would probably lead me towards more job opportunities that would pay higher, and tbh i dont really know any jobs that requires maths art and chem (yes there is architecture but i have been warned that the stress is not worth it), besides i heard that you would only need a portfolio if you want to apply into art-based jobs anyway. Do you think i should drop art and take the STEM route or go for art??????

lowk u could do 4 a levels. bio chem maths art. then decide later depending on ur uni course choices and drop a subject accordingly. or even better- continue til the end and do 4 a levels. seems daunting but many people do it

Reply 2

Most STEM degrees only require two science A levels, and Unis really do not care what any unspecified 3rd subject is, all they are interested in is the grade. Be aware that Art is a time-heavy A level - its worth talking to relevant teachers about the reality of this, and thinking about balancing that alongside two STEM A levels.

Reply 3

Original post
by cryx09
I am currently in year 11 and I'm not sure whether to pick maths, biology and chemistry or maths, chemistry and art
The main problem is that despite having a passion for art since forever, im not sure if i should just do art as a side hustle and focus on the STEM subjects first since it would probably lead me towards more job opportunities that would pay higher, and tbh i dont really know any jobs that requires maths art and chem (yes there is architecture but i have been warned that the stress is not worth it), besides i heard that you would only need a portfolio if you want to apply into art-based jobs anyway. Do you think i should drop art and take the STEM route or go for art??????

Hi there,

Both combos can work. If you want medicine or biomed later, choose Maths, Chemistry, Biology because many courses require Bio and Chem. If you’re leaning design or architecture, choose Maths, Art and Physics or Chemistry, and build a portfolio. Remember, high grades in subjects you enjoy beat a miserable year. If you truly can’t decide, start four in Year 12 and drop one, or keep Art via an EPQ and a personal portfolio.

Pick the set you’ll excel in and keep the other thread alive through projects.

Best,
Daniel
PhD Biology

Reply 4

Original post
by McGinger
Most STEM degrees only require two science A levels, and Unis really do not care what any unspecified 3rd subject is, all they are interested in is the grade. Be aware that Art is a time-heavy A level - its worth talking to relevant teachers about the reality of this, and thinking about balancing that alongside two STEM A levels.

Just be sure that you don't want to do anything related to biosciences before you drop bio, or even Medicine (Not usually required but much preferred)
Original post
by cryx09
I am currently in year 11 and I'm not sure whether to pick maths, biology and chemistry or maths, chemistry and art
The main problem is that despite having a passion for art since forever, im not sure if i should just do art as a side hustle and focus on the STEM subjects first since it would probably lead me towards more job opportunities that would pay higher, and tbh i dont really know any jobs that requires maths art and chem (yes there is architecture but i have been warned that the stress is not worth it), besides i heard that you would only need a portfolio if you want to apply into art-based jobs anyway. Do you think i should drop art and take the STEM route or go for art??????

Could you do maths, biology and chemistry- then do an epq in art. Or do art stuff (e.g. art work and a portfolio) in your spare time. It would then show you have an outside interest.
Or start with the 4 and see how you go and what you think of the subjects (then drop one).

Reply 6

Given that you're not sure, I'd choose subjects that keep the options open for both Art & STEM!

Reply 7

Im at the start of year 1, and I dont know whether to drop maths or not. Although year 1 content is said to be easy, I'm scared that the jump from year 1 to year 2 will be manageable. I'm not sure what to do, and the deadline for swapping subjects is coming up. Can someone who did maths please comment on whether they regret not dropping maths and on the difficulty of the subject in year 2. Thank you.

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