A level maths private candidate

Thinking of doing A level maths privately.
Is it worth it??
For context I'm thinking of doing a STEM based degree but more on like the scientific,healthcare industry.

Reply 1

University of York

Official Rep

Original post

by xx.s4ha

Thinking of doing A level maths privately.
Is it worth it??
For context I'm thinking of doing a STEM based degree but more on like the scientific,healthcare industry.

Hi @xx.s4ha

I think it depends on the degree course(s) you're planning on applying to and your future career ideas as well. I know at the University of York some of our STEM courses (eg, BEng Engineering) require you to have studied A level maths, whereas for others it's not essential (eg, BSc Chemistry, Biological and Medicinal Chemistry or BSc Biology).

I studied BSc Biology at the University of York between 2018 and 2022, and my A levels were Biology, Chemistry and Psychology (I'd only taken Maths up to GCSE). At the time, the Department of Biology ran Maths help sessions for those like me who hadn't done A level maths, or for people who wanted a reminder of things. I found the sessions really helpful, but not really essential to me being successful in my course, as I ultimately graduated with First Class (Hons). Between my second- and third-year of the course, I did a placement year as a Research Intern, which was quite a maths-y, stats-y placement, and I coped just fine!

The point I'm trying to make is, that if you don't enjoy maths and don't want to take it at A level, not having A level maths shouldn't prevent you from accessing STEM degree courses, or STEM career paths.

I hope this helps!
Hannah 😀

Reply 2

Kingston Eve

Official Rep

Original post

by xx.s4ha

Thinking of doing A level maths privately.
Is it worth it??
For context I'm thinking of doing a STEM based degree but more on like the scientific,healthcare industry.

Hey @xx.s4ha,

If you're interested in pursuing a STEM-based degree, studying A-Level Maths is likely a good choice as it'll be one of the most common subject requirements for healthcare-based subjects. Have a look online at some of the courses you'd be interested in studying at university and double-check the subject requirements (e.g. Maths + one science, Maths + Chemistry or Biology, Chemistry, Biology, etc.).

In terms of private candidacy, Maths is a good choice as it's a common A-Level subject. Reach out to exam centres in your area and ask whether or not they accept private candidates - hopefully you find one quickly! 😁

Best of luck,
Eve (Kingston Rep).

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