Is it wise to drop one of my a levels for the final year?

I am currently taking four a levels, history, english literature, business, and psychology. However I'm feeling overwhelmed with the amount of content. I have had friends drop to 3 subjects and I'm wondering the benefits of continuing taking 4.

Reply 1

DaisyChain1810

10

Hi there,
I’m sorry to hear you’re feeling overwhelmed by the content of your four A Levels, they’re all really content dense subjects. Universities usually just want you to have 3 subjects so if you’re finding four too much, it could be wise to drop down to 3 as you will have more time to focus on them, rather than stretching out to 4. Ultimately it’s your decision- only you know how you feel, and the requirements of the university you want to go to.

Have you spoken to your teachers? They might have further advice for you.

Google luck!

Reply 2

jasmineva3128

17

I think that it depends on the person.

A positive of dropping one is that you've got less content to worry about and less revision to do. This could help your grades overall and stop you from getting burnt out and overwhelmed.

However, a negative of dropping one is that you don't have that extra subject as a safety net in case you don't get the grade you need in one of your three.

If you're struggling with the workload of 4 A-Levels, it's probably best (albeit it a difficult decision) to drop one.

Reply 3

lilianaisufi

3

Drop it, almost everyone else I. The country does three. You only need three to apply, and it’s better to have three amazing grade than four okay grades. Also the majority of people on your university course would have done three.

Reply 4

Whatswhat

6

You have really taken on too much… history and English lit are hugely content heavy and you risk compromising your ability to get higher grades by attempting to carry on with 4 .

Reply 5

Kingston Eve

Official Rep

13

Original post

by beliaaaaa

I am currently taking four a levels, history, english literature, business, and psychology. However I'm feeling overwhelmed with the amount of content. I have had friends drop to 3 subjects and I'm wondering the benefits of continuing taking 4.

Hi @beliaaaaa,

If you're feeling overwhelmed with four subjects, I would recommend dropping your weakest subject and focusing on three instead. Alternatively, if you know what you want to study post A-Levels, consider dropping your least relevant A-Level.

The main benefit of studying four A-Levels is that can offer students a safety net in the case of unexpected under-performance in one subject. However, if you think studying four is negatively impacting your grades across the board, it would be best to drop one and improve your grades elsewhere.

Best of luck with your A-Levels,
Eve (Kingston Rep).

Reply 6

LJMUStudentReps

Official Rep

18

Original post

by beliaaaaa

I am currently taking four a levels, history, english literature, business, and psychology. However I'm feeling overwhelmed with the amount of content. I have had friends drop to 3 subjects and I'm wondering the benefits of continuing taking 4.

Hi,

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, that’s completely understandable due to the workload. It’s worth talking to your teachers and checking entry requirements for courses you’ve applied to, or are planning to apply to, at university. Most universities only require three A-levels, and many students find they perform better after dropping one and focusing their time more effectively.

Hope this helps,

Tayba
Student Rep

Reply 7

Emma:-)

Entertainment Forum Helper, Careers Forum Helper

19

Original post

by beliaaaaa

I am currently taking four a levels, history, english literature, business, and psychology. However I'm feeling overwhelmed with the amount of content. I have had friends drop to 3 subjects and I'm wondering the benefits of continuing taking 4.

Dropping to 3 subjects is fine. Most people do just the 3 anyway.
If dropping one, then drop your least favourite/the one you are doing least well in.
Would it be possible to just do an AS level in the 4th? Some 6th forms let you do that. At least you have something to show for it then.

Reply 8

LancashireRep4

Official Rep

12

Original post

by beliaaaaa

I am currently taking four a levels, history, english literature, business, and psychology. However I'm feeling overwhelmed with the amount of content. I have had friends drop to 3 subjects and I'm wondering the benefits of continuing taking 4.

Hi @beliaaaaa

I highly recommend dropping your fourth A-level if you are feeling overwhelmed. Universities much prefer three strong A-level grades over four mediocre grades. If your feeling uncertain about this decision, I recommend heading onto university websites and checking courses you may be interested in. Look at their requirements, which will then provide you an idea of what they will expect grade-wise.

I hope this helps, please feel free to ask me any questions 😊,
-Sophia (University of Lancashire)

(edited 1 month ago)

Reply 9

idkbuthi

5

Drop it, trust me I'm in yr13 doing bio, chem, maths and psychology and it's so overwhelming

Is it wise to drop one of my a levels for the final year?

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