The TSR Community Awards 2025 are now live >>

Taking 2 a levels and one later

Due to many reasons I’m considering dropping 1 a level and doing the other later.

I really want to apply for Oxbridge and I know they prefer them taken in the 2 year time frame. I get it, but it’s frustrating, as I know doing 2 now would help my current situation.

Would there be any possible way they would accept me if I did one now and the other literally a year later so in 3 years instead of 2.

Reply 1

anonymous.67

Original post

by Anonymous

Due to many reasons I’m considering dropping 1 a level and doing the other later.
I really want to apply for Oxbridge and I know they prefer them taken in the 2 year time frame. I get it, but it’s frustrating, as I know doing 2 now would help my current situation.
Would there be any possible way they would accept me if I did one now and the other literally a year later so in 3 years instead of 2.

Well if you think that you will perform to the best of ur ability in that way, then I say do it! 3 A*s is still 3 A*s not matter the time frame right? Plus Oxbridge don’t only look at grade - although this does heavily impact it - depending on what your applying for, and your personal statement, and any ucat/exam/interview/those type of things will also play a big role in whether they accept you. If you’re unsure maybe keep your options open, don’t ONLY apply to oxbridge, look at other unis that don’t mind this situation!

Reply 2

melancollege

Universities Forum Helper

Original post

by Anonymous

This would generally make your application much less competitive. Cambridge specifically state that they prefer three A-Levels taken in one sitting. There is an exception for students whose schools teach Maths A-Level in Year 12 and Further Maths in Year 13, but even they must demonstrate that they are able to cope with the Cambridge workload. Oxford state something very similar, although the wording looks like they are more open to other A-Levels taken early provided they are all within the two year period. You would be best placed to email the admissions departments of your preferred college(s).

You could continue on with your third A-Level and then sit your extra A-Level within a gap year. This is fairly common, especially for those applicants who were unable to do their preferred subjects initially.

Source:
Cambridge: "Most applicants study 3 to 4 A level subjects and our offers are usually based on 3 A levels taken together in Year 13." - https://www.undergraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/apply/before/accepted-qualifications
Oxford: "The usual expectation is that candidates will complete the A-levels specified in their applications within a two year period; this should include all units that are part of the final A-level grade." - https://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/courses/admission-requirements/uk-qualifications