The Student Room Group

Is it possible to switch to psychology 3 months into yr 12?

I’m wondering if it’s best to switch to a-level psychology 3 months into yr 12.. I’ve been personally studying the content and I’m already in the position where I’m already deeply revising 50% of the paper 1 content properly (memory and social influence), research methods, and have only done notes on attachment and psychopathology…my friends class have already done a assessment on memory that is out of /26, and I’m wondering if I’m behind? Because I have already covered social influence with doing at least one 6 marker and then getting 29/33 of my flashcards right through blurting the entire social influence topic.. the only thing holding me back is my maths grade which I did practice papers and maths genie a month beforehand; which I’m collecting the results for on January 8th.

The first time I asked was before 6th form started (in September) and had a meeting with the head of psychology, and my headteacher about the subject and what I’m getting into.. which the head of year ended up saying no to despite my motivation(which took 2 weeks btw to get a result), so they are strict with entry requirements. Other people don’t recommend switching either, as they mostly find it unheard of which makes me rethink this decision despite it being something I want to do.

I’m just wondering if I’m on a strong position and if it’s possible? Bc the whole reason I’m doing this is to have a better chance into getting int better unis I want to get into, and also because I hate photography which I have already been doing for 2 months as I switched to it due to prior interest..

Reply 1

Original post
by Chanellie
I’m wondering if it’s best to switch to a-level psychology 3 months into yr 12.. I’ve been personally studying the content and I’m already in the position where I’m already deeply revising 50% of the paper 1 content properly (memory and social influence), research methods, and have only done notes on attachment and psychopathology…my friends class have already done a assessment on memory that is out of /26, and I’m wondering if I’m behind? Because I have already covered social influence with doing at least one 6 marker and then getting 29/33 of my flashcards right through blurting the entire social influence topic.. the only thing holding me back is my maths grade which I did practice papers and maths genie a month beforehand; which I’m collecting the results for on January 8th.
The first time I asked was before 6th form started (in September) and had a meeting with the head of psychology, and my headteacher about the subject and what I’m getting into.. which the head of year ended up saying no to despite my motivation(which took 2 weeks btw to get a result), so they are strict with entry requirements. Other people don’t recommend switching either, as they mostly find it unheard of which makes me rethink this decision despite it being something I want to do.
I’m just wondering if I’m on a strong position and if it’s possible? Bc the whole reason I’m doing this is to have a better chance into getting int better unis I want to get into, and also because I hate photography which I have already been doing for 2 months as I switched to it due to prior interest..
It’s not ideal to switch 3 months in as there is a lot of psychology content, but psychology is not hard it’s easy to grasp your mind around
Original post
by Chanellie
I’m wondering if it’s best to switch to a-level psychology 3 months into yr 12.. I’ve been personally studying the content and I’m already in the position where I’m already deeply revising 50% of the paper 1 content properly (memory and social influence), research methods, and have only done notes on attachment and psychopathology…my friends class have already done a assessment on memory that is out of /26, and I’m wondering if I’m behind? Because I have already covered social influence with doing at least one 6 marker and then getting 29/33 of my flashcards right through blurting the entire social influence topic.. the only thing holding me back is my maths grade which I did practice papers and maths genie a month beforehand; which I’m collecting the results for on January 8th.
The first time I asked was before 6th form started (in September) and had a meeting with the head of psychology, and my headteacher about the subject and what I’m getting into.. which the head of year ended up saying no to despite my motivation(which took 2 weeks btw to get a result), so they are strict with entry requirements. Other people don’t recommend switching either, as they mostly find it unheard of which makes me rethink this decision despite it being something I want to do.
I’m just wondering if I’m on a strong position and if it’s possible? Bc the whole reason I’m doing this is to have a better chance into getting int better unis I want to get into, and also because I hate photography which I have already been doing for 2 months as I switched to it due to prior interest..

There's no harm in asking.
If you show them what work you have been doing they may be more likely to say yes.

Reply 3

Original post
by Chanellie
I’m wondering if it’s best to switch to a-level psychology 3 months into yr 12.. I’ve been personally studying the content and I’m already in the position where I’m already deeply revising 50% of the paper 1 content properly (memory and social influence), research methods, and have only done notes on attachment and psychopathology…my friends class have already done a assessment on memory that is out of /26, and I’m wondering if I’m behind? Because I have already covered social influence with doing at least one 6 marker and then getting 29/33 of my flashcards right through blurting the entire social influence topic.. the only thing holding me back is my maths grade which I did practice papers and maths genie a month beforehand; which I’m collecting the results for on January 8th.
The first time I asked was before 6th form started (in September) and had a meeting with the head of psychology, and my headteacher about the subject and what I’m getting into.. which the head of year ended up saying no to despite my motivation(which took 2 weeks btw to get a result), so they are strict with entry requirements. Other people don’t recommend switching either, as they mostly find it unheard of which makes me rethink this decision despite it being something I want to do.
I’m just wondering if I’m on a strong position and if it’s possible? Bc the whole reason I’m doing this is to have a better chance into getting int better unis I want to get into, and also because I hate photography which I have already been doing for 2 months as I switched to it due to prior interest..

Hey @Chanellie,

As mentioned above - ask again! If your new Maths grade is strong, you could offer to complete a class test/past paper essay to demonstrate your current subject knowledge.

If you're unable to switch and are still interested in studying A-Level Psychology, you could always look into sitting it as a private candidate.

Best of luck,
Eve (Kingston Rep).
(edited 3 months ago)

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