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Making choices about A-levels and careers

Hi guys,

I'm currently in year 11 and I've had to start making some big choices about my future. I've been applying to sixth forms, but honestly I have no idea of what to actually do for my a-levels, or whether I should just take a BTEC or T-level.

Originally I had aspirations of doing medicine, which got clouded over by dentistry or law. But now I'm stuck because neither of those three things seem like something I can actually achieve, since I'm way better with essay based subjects, but I completely crumble when stress gets too much.

It feels as if I have to make such a big decision in such little time, and after having gotten back a lot of my November mock results, I honestly think I should just stick to humanities, but I don't really know what I can do with them asides from law. I used to be very passionate about doing medicine or nursing originally, which then got tainted by ideas of doing dentistry, since I feel as if everyone is pushing me towards it despite them claiming not to. But really, I just want to find a career that pays alright and I'm doing something that makes me happy and that doesn't make me constantly upset when it goes wrong.

I'm currently thinking of doing chemistry, biology and maybe sociology or history at a level, but I'm seriously considering just ditching that altogether for history, sociology and either law/psychology/english lit/politics instead, since I feel like I would be happier doing that, but it's just finding a career I like in that to go with that idea, then I would completely ditch the other option in exchange for it.

For now I'm still just really confused and stressed about it all. Does anyone have an idea of what could be better?

Reply 1

McGinger

Do you have any ideas - however vague - about a possible career/job or degree subject?

Useful careers website with 100s of job/career profiles - and how to get there - Job profiles | Prospects.ac.uk
Apprenticeship search - Find an apprenticeship - GOV.UK

Two different Uni course/subject lists - just look at the required A level subjects for anything that interests you :
Subject Areas | Undergraduate | Newcastle University
Undergraduate Courses, Degrees : Study : University of Sussex

Reply 2

UniofLawStudent4

Official Rep

Original post

by Gumball712

Hi guys,
I'm currently in year 11 and I've had to start making some big choices about my future. I've been applying to sixth forms, but honestly I have no idea of what to actually do for my a-levels, or whether I should just take a BTEC or T-level.
Originally I had aspirations of doing medicine, which got clouded over by dentistry or law. But now I'm stuck because neither of those three things seem like something I can actually achieve, since I'm way better with essay based subjects, but I completely crumble when stress gets too much.
It feels as if I have to make such a big decision in such little time, and after having gotten back a lot of my November mock results, I honestly think I should just stick to humanities, but I don't really know what I can do with them asides from law. I used to be very passionate about doing medicine or nursing originally, which then got tainted by ideas of doing dentistry, since I feel as if everyone is pushing me towards it despite them claiming not to. But really, I just want to find a career that pays alright and I'm doing something that makes me happy and that doesn't make me constantly upset when it goes wrong.
I'm currently thinking of doing chemistry, biology and maybe sociology or history at a level, but I'm seriously considering just ditching that altogether for history, sociology and either law/psychology/english lit/politics instead, since I feel like I would be happier doing that, but it's just finding a career I like in that to go with that idea, then I would completely ditch the other option in exchange for it.
For now I'm still just really confused and stressed about it all. Does anyone have an idea of what could be better?

Hello there,

It's totally reasonable to feel stressed and overwhelmed at this stage.

Year 11 is a time of many decisions that seem huge, yet you are still trying to figure out who you are and what you like. Most students are just like you in this regard, so you are most definitely not alone. One thing I want to reassure you of is that your A-level choices do not lock you into one career forever. Lots of people change direction at 17, at 21, or even later, and still end up in careers they love. It’s far more important to choose subjects that play to your strengths and keep you motivated, especially if stress is something you’re managing.

If you know you thrive much more in essay-based subjects, it makes sense to lean towards subjects like history, sociology, politics, English literature or psychology. These still keep many doors open, including careers in law, teaching, civil service, social sciences, journalism, public sector work and a huge range of advisory and analytical roles. Humanities A-levels are not limiting in the way people sometimes assume. Medicine and dentistry are very demanding pathways, and they typically require strong science A-levels.

If you are already feeling unsure, pressured by others or concerned about how these subjects impact your wellbeing, it’s completely valid to step back and focus on what feels right for you. Ultimately, it’s your future, and you’re the one who has to study the subjects and work in that career, not anyone else. The most helpful thing you can do now is think about which subjects you genuinely enjoy, where your strengths lie, and what kind of learning environment supports your wellbeing. You don’t need a fully mapped-out career at 16. What you need is a set of subjects that will allow you to succeed, build confidence and explore your interests as you go.

I’d also recommend speaking to your school’s careers adviser or the admissions teams at the sixth forms you’re applying to. They can give you personalised guidance based on your strengths, predicted grades and the subjects you feel most confident with.

Take your time with the decision and be kind to yourself. You’re already thinking carefully about your future, which is a great sign that you’ll make a choice that works for you. If you’d like to talk through the subjects you’re considering or what each pathway might feel like day-to-day, I’m happy to help.

Kind regards,

Faith

MA Law Conversion Student at ULaw and ULaw Ambassador