Cambridge or imperial university mathematics

I have recently been wondering whether it is worth dropping my 4th subject due to how much time it spends up, however I am not sure whether it will ruin my chances of getting into Cambridge maths or imperial maths.

I currently do maths further maths, chemistry and physics and am considering dropping physics.

So in theory if I got an a* a* a* in maths further maths and chemistry is it possible to get into any of these unis?

Reply 1

HopelessNecro

It is absolutely possible to get into Cambridge and Imperial with A*A*A* and, if it comes down to an applicant with A*A*A* vs A*A*AA, the applicant with 3 A*s will be more likely to get in, as doing four a levels does not necessarily make you a stronger candidate than one who chose three.

Also, if you want to pursue maths at uni, whether you dropped physics or not will have a much lower impact on your chances of getting in than doing maths and further maths. If the workload isn't for you, then drop a subject, and enjoy the liberty of extra time.

Reply 2

ringi

Yes for maths, but for many other subjects they will not count further maths as a separate A level. Remember to also check what maths entry exams they require.

They often expect you to take 4 A levels if most students at your school take 4 A levels, eg you must be one of the best and hardest working students at your school.

But physics have more overlap with maths then chemistry and without A level physics you will find some modules in a maths degree harder to understand.

Reply 3

Dolce Vita

Original post

by Anonymous

I have recently been wondering whether it is worth dropping my 4th subject due to how much time it spends up, however I am not sure whether it will ruin my chances of getting into Cambridge maths or imperial maths.
I currently do maths further maths, chemistry and physics and am considering dropping physics.
So in theory if I got an a* a* a* in maths further maths and chemistry is it possible to get into any of these unis?

That’s a finely balanced call that only you can decide. It depends on how confident you are and what impact taking four will have on your final results. It is possible to be offered a place with three a levels, as the attached data shows, but the likelihood of success does increase with four a levels, however this is very much contingent on being able to achieve the required grades. Good luck!

Ps the advice above re dropping chemistry rather than physics, if you decide to drop one, is good advice.

https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/admissions_data_undergraduate_ma/response/2686162/attach/3/FOI%202024%20469%20Yee%20data.pdf?cookie_passthrough=1

Reply 4

dangermouse999

You can also see the guidance on the Cambridge maths course page for example:

"What Mathematics students have studied - Most Mathematics students (who had studied A levels and started at Cambridge in 2018, 2019 and 2023) achieved at least A*A*A* (88% of entrants).

All of these students studied Mathematics and Further Mathematics. The majority (92%) took Physics and more than half took Chemistry."