Should I stick to my strengths or take a risk?
Hi guys,
I'm currently in year 11 and have been choosing a levels to do next year, but I've come to a crossroad as I'm really unsure whether to play to my strengths and take a sociology a level, alongside psychology and history, or if I should take biology to keep more science related degrees open to me.
I used to be really passionate about doing dentistry or medicine, but most things have been driving me away from it, despite me having a genuine interest to pursue it before, but now I'm wondering whether to still keep that door open, or whether to take sociology a level and possibly go into something like law instead, as I'm better with essay based subjects, so I'm not sure what could be better for me.
Does anyone have any input on what dentistry and law degree courses are like? Since I'm trying to weigh up my options to see which path may be better for me. Also, if anyone is currently doing the a levels I've already stated, what are they like individually and alongside your other subjects? It's really hard trying to find honest input on things, especially since most people won't be fully honest with you.
Thanks guys! Hope to hear back soon.
I'm currently in year 11 and have been choosing a levels to do next year, but I've come to a crossroad as I'm really unsure whether to play to my strengths and take a sociology a level, alongside psychology and history, or if I should take biology to keep more science related degrees open to me.
I used to be really passionate about doing dentistry or medicine, but most things have been driving me away from it, despite me having a genuine interest to pursue it before, but now I'm wondering whether to still keep that door open, or whether to take sociology a level and possibly go into something like law instead, as I'm better with essay based subjects, so I'm not sure what could be better for me.
Does anyone have any input on what dentistry and law degree courses are like? Since I'm trying to weigh up my options to see which path may be better for me. Also, if anyone is currently doing the a levels I've already stated, what are they like individually and alongside your other subjects? It's really hard trying to find honest input on things, especially since most people won't be fully honest with you.
Thanks guys! Hope to hear back soon.
Reply 1
10
Original post
by Gumball712Hi guys,
I'm currently in year 11 and have been choosing a levels to do next year, but I've come to a crossroad as I'm really unsure whether to play to my strengths and take a sociology a level, alongside psychology and history, or if I should take biology to keep more science related degrees open to me.
I used to be really passionate about doing dentistry or medicine, but most things have been driving me away from it, despite me having a genuine interest to pursue it before, but now I'm wondering whether to still keep that door open, or whether to take sociology a level and possibly go into something like law instead, as I'm better with essay based subjects, so I'm not sure what could be better for me.
Does anyone have any input on what dentistry and law degree courses are like? Since I'm trying to weigh up my options to see which path may be better for me. Also, if anyone is currently doing the a levels I've already stated, what are they like individually and alongside your other subjects? It's really hard trying to find honest input on things, especially since most people won't be fully honest with you.
Thanks guys! Hope to hear back soon.
I'm currently in year 11 and have been choosing a levels to do next year, but I've come to a crossroad as I'm really unsure whether to play to my strengths and take a sociology a level, alongside psychology and history, or if I should take biology to keep more science related degrees open to me.
I used to be really passionate about doing dentistry or medicine, but most things have been driving me away from it, despite me having a genuine interest to pursue it before, but now I'm wondering whether to still keep that door open, or whether to take sociology a level and possibly go into something like law instead, as I'm better with essay based subjects, so I'm not sure what could be better for me.
Does anyone have any input on what dentistry and law degree courses are like? Since I'm trying to weigh up my options to see which path may be better for me. Also, if anyone is currently doing the a levels I've already stated, what are they like individually and alongside your other subjects? It's really hard trying to find honest input on things, especially since most people won't be fully honest with you.
Thanks guys! Hope to hear back soon.
dont quote me on this but im pretty sure for many stem degrees (eg medicine, dentistry, biology, chemistry) you need at least two sciences??
(edited 2 months ago)
Reply 2
Original post
by Gumball712Hi guys,
I'm currently in year 11 and have been choosing a levels to do next year, but I've come to a crossroad as I'm really unsure whether to play to my strengths and take a sociology a level, alongside psychology and history, or if I should take biology to keep more science related degrees open to me.
I used to be really passionate about doing dentistry or medicine, but most things have been driving me away from it, despite me having a genuine interest to pursue it before, but now I'm wondering whether to still keep that door open, or whether to take sociology a level and possibly go into something like law instead, as I'm better with essay based subjects, so I'm not sure what could be better for me.
Does anyone have any input on what dentistry and law degree courses are like? Since I'm trying to weigh up my options to see which path may be better for me. Also, if anyone is currently doing the a levels I've already stated, what are they like individually and alongside your other subjects? It's really hard trying to find honest input on things, especially since most people won't be fully honest with you.
Thanks guys! Hope to hear back soon.
I'm currently in year 11 and have been choosing a levels to do next year, but I've come to a crossroad as I'm really unsure whether to play to my strengths and take a sociology a level, alongside psychology and history, or if I should take biology to keep more science related degrees open to me.
I used to be really passionate about doing dentistry or medicine, but most things have been driving me away from it, despite me having a genuine interest to pursue it before, but now I'm wondering whether to still keep that door open, or whether to take sociology a level and possibly go into something like law instead, as I'm better with essay based subjects, so I'm not sure what could be better for me.
Does anyone have any input on what dentistry and law degree courses are like? Since I'm trying to weigh up my options to see which path may be better for me. Also, if anyone is currently doing the a levels I've already stated, what are they like individually and alongside your other subjects? It's really hard trying to find honest input on things, especially since most people won't be fully honest with you.
Thanks guys! Hope to hear back soon.
For dentistry/medicine, most universities require both a-level chemistry and a-level biology. Some will allow only biology but you will limit yourself massively.
Reply 3
Original post
by Gumball712Hi guys,
I'm currently in year 11 and have been choosing a levels to do next year, but I've come to a crossroad as I'm really unsure whether to play to my strengths and take a sociology a level, alongside psychology and history, or if I should take biology to keep more science related degrees open to me.
I used to be really passionate about doing dentistry or medicine, but most things have been driving me away from it, despite me having a genuine interest to pursue it before, but now I'm wondering whether to still keep that door open, or whether to take sociology a level and possibly go into something like law instead, as I'm better with essay based subjects, so I'm not sure what could be better for me.
Does anyone have any input on what dentistry and law degree courses are like? Since I'm trying to weigh up my options to see which path may be better for me. Also, if anyone is currently doing the a levels I've already stated, what are they like individually and alongside your other subjects? It's really hard trying to find honest input on things, especially since most people won't be fully honest with you.
Thanks guys! Hope to hear back soon.
I'm currently in year 11 and have been choosing a levels to do next year, but I've come to a crossroad as I'm really unsure whether to play to my strengths and take a sociology a level, alongside psychology and history, or if I should take biology to keep more science related degrees open to me.
I used to be really passionate about doing dentistry or medicine, but most things have been driving me away from it, despite me having a genuine interest to pursue it before, but now I'm wondering whether to still keep that door open, or whether to take sociology a level and possibly go into something like law instead, as I'm better with essay based subjects, so I'm not sure what could be better for me.
Does anyone have any input on what dentistry and law degree courses are like? Since I'm trying to weigh up my options to see which path may be better for me. Also, if anyone is currently doing the a levels I've already stated, what are they like individually and alongside your other subjects? It's really hard trying to find honest input on things, especially since most people won't be fully honest with you.
Thanks guys! Hope to hear back soon.
If you are genuinely passionate about dentistry or medicine then I would go for it even if I was weak in the subjects that it requires cause in the end what matters is that you enjoy what you doing cause that will give you the most motivation as A level is a huge step up from GCSE in content and difficulty and there should be masterclasses around that you could go to to have a look at what you intend to take on as a degree or even just going to a college or Sixthform for a taster session on the A levels to see whether you like those or not.
If you do decide on your a level and regret after the first few weeks you could always change it or even change it just a week before college or Sixthform starts so don’t worry at all about your A level choices right now there’s plenty of time after your GCSEs for you to consider
Reply 4
13
Original post
by Gumball712Hi guys,
I'm currently in year 11 and have been choosing a levels to do next year, but I've come to a crossroad as I'm really unsure whether to play to my strengths and take a sociology a level, alongside psychology and history, or if I should take biology to keep more science related degrees open to me.
I used to be really passionate about doing dentistry or medicine, but most things have been driving me away from it, despite me having a genuine interest to pursue it before, but now I'm wondering whether to still keep that door open, or whether to take sociology a level and possibly go into something like law instead, as I'm better with essay based subjects, so I'm not sure what could be better for me.
Does anyone have any input on what dentistry and law degree courses are like? Since I'm trying to weigh up my options to see which path may be better for me. Also, if anyone is currently doing the a levels I've already stated, what are they like individually and alongside your other subjects? It's really hard trying to find honest input on things, especially since most people won't be fully honest with you.
Thanks guys! Hope to hear back soon.
I'm currently in year 11 and have been choosing a levels to do next year, but I've come to a crossroad as I'm really unsure whether to play to my strengths and take a sociology a level, alongside psychology and history, or if I should take biology to keep more science related degrees open to me.
I used to be really passionate about doing dentistry or medicine, but most things have been driving me away from it, despite me having a genuine interest to pursue it before, but now I'm wondering whether to still keep that door open, or whether to take sociology a level and possibly go into something like law instead, as I'm better with essay based subjects, so I'm not sure what could be better for me.
Does anyone have any input on what dentistry and law degree courses are like? Since I'm trying to weigh up my options to see which path may be better for me. Also, if anyone is currently doing the a levels I've already stated, what are they like individually and alongside your other subjects? It's really hard trying to find honest input on things, especially since most people won't be fully honest with you.
Thanks guys! Hope to hear back soon.
If you want to go into a STEM or medicine degree at a good university, you'll have to commit to it now. Medicine and similar courses expect chemistry at a minimum, whereas most other STEM courses expect maths. If you aren't reasonably confident you can enjoy and get up to a good grade in either of those subjects, you're likely going to be better off in the short and long term sticking to non-sciences. There's a surprising number of non-STEM courses to choose from and afaik they tend to be more lenient with which A-Levels you've done, provided they're (at least partially) essay subjects like history.
Reply 5
Original post
by Gumball712Hi guys,
I'm currently in year 11 and have been choosing a levels to do next year, but I've come to a crossroad as I'm really unsure whether to play to my strengths and take a sociology a level, alongside psychology and history, or if I should take biology to keep more science related degrees open to me.
I used to be really passionate about doing dentistry or medicine, but most things have been driving me away from it, despite me having a genuine interest to pursue it before, but now I'm wondering whether to still keep that door open, or whether to take sociology a level and possibly go into something like law instead, as I'm better with essay based subjects, so I'm not sure what could be better for me.
Does anyone have any input on what dentistry and law degree courses are like? Since I'm trying to weigh up my options to see which path may be better for me. Also, if anyone is currently doing the a levels I've already stated, what are they like individually and alongside your other subjects? It's really hard trying to find honest input on things, especially since most people won't be fully honest with you.
Thanks guys! Hope to hear back soon.
I'm currently in year 11 and have been choosing a levels to do next year, but I've come to a crossroad as I'm really unsure whether to play to my strengths and take a sociology a level, alongside psychology and history, or if I should take biology to keep more science related degrees open to me.
I used to be really passionate about doing dentistry or medicine, but most things have been driving me away from it, despite me having a genuine interest to pursue it before, but now I'm wondering whether to still keep that door open, or whether to take sociology a level and possibly go into something like law instead, as I'm better with essay based subjects, so I'm not sure what could be better for me.
Does anyone have any input on what dentistry and law degree courses are like? Since I'm trying to weigh up my options to see which path may be better for me. Also, if anyone is currently doing the a levels I've already stated, what are they like individually and alongside your other subjects? It's really hard trying to find honest input on things, especially since most people won't be fully honest with you.
Thanks guys! Hope to hear back soon.
Hi @Gumball712 ,
This is a very common crossroad so you're certainly not alone. As the below comments have explained, you'll most likely need two science degrees to keep the door open to dentistry/medicine. But if you're considering going into law as well, your third A-level option is actually pretty flexible - while you'll need to doublecheck each university's website, most law degrees don't have specific subject requirements (lots of students currently doing a law degree have never studied law before!).
Sociology or law are both great choices here - it's up to you whether you'd like to start developing your legal knowledge early or first build a broader set of skills through the social sciences (which will also benefit a legal career). In fact, you don't even need to study law at undergraduate level to become a lawyer. You could always try a dentistry degree first (or even sociology, if you like it that much) and then, if you're still interested in becoming a lawyer, you could take the postgraduate conversion course. For example, I studied Archaeology & Anthropology (similar to sociology) for my degree and am now doing the PGDL at ULaw - there are many more routes into law than you might think!
Ultimately, an essay-based subject (like sociology or law) combined with sciences will demonstrate a fantastic level of versatility, showing you can master the nuanced, persuasive writing required for legal arguments alongside the logical, evidence-based reasoning needed for complex problem-solving. This combination of A-levels will set you up perfectly for many degrees, including dentistry and law, meaning you don't necessarily need to worry about settling on your degree choice just yet 😊
Hope this helps and let me know if you have any other questions.
Holly - PGDL Student
University of Law
Reply 6
Before choosing A levels, I would say you should think carefully about the dentistry or medicine thing. Why these two professions in particular?
Once you've decided on the above, you will have a much clearer picture of what A levels to do.
Once you've decided on the above, you will have a much clearer picture of what A levels to do.
Reply 7
Original post
by Gumball712Hi guys,
I'm currently in year 11 and have been choosing a levels to do next year, but I've come to a crossroad as I'm really unsure whether to play to my strengths and take a sociology a level, alongside psychology and history, or if I should take biology to keep more science related degrees open to me.
I used to be really passionate about doing dentistry or medicine, but most things have been driving me away from it, despite me having a genuine interest to pursue it before, but now I'm wondering whether to still keep that door open, or whether to take sociology a level and possibly go into something like law instead, as I'm better with essay based subjects, so I'm not sure what could be better for me.
Does anyone have any input on what dentistry and law degree courses are like? Since I'm trying to weigh up my options to see which path may be better for me. Also, if anyone is currently doing the a levels I've already stated, what are they like individually and alongside your other subjects? It's really hard trying to find honest input on things, especially since most people won't be fully honest with you.
Thanks guys! Hope to hear back soon.
I'm currently in year 11 and have been choosing a levels to do next year, but I've come to a crossroad as I'm really unsure whether to play to my strengths and take a sociology a level, alongside psychology and history, or if I should take biology to keep more science related degrees open to me.
I used to be really passionate about doing dentistry or medicine, but most things have been driving me away from it, despite me having a genuine interest to pursue it before, but now I'm wondering whether to still keep that door open, or whether to take sociology a level and possibly go into something like law instead, as I'm better with essay based subjects, so I'm not sure what could be better for me.
Does anyone have any input on what dentistry and law degree courses are like? Since I'm trying to weigh up my options to see which path may be better for me. Also, if anyone is currently doing the a levels I've already stated, what are they like individually and alongside your other subjects? It's really hard trying to find honest input on things, especially since most people won't be fully honest with you.
Thanks guys! Hope to hear back soon.
You will have very limited options in med and dent with biology, psych and history. Do you have an interest in sciences outside of these specific roles?
I do bio a level so happy to answer any questions on it 🙂 Generally I would say that if you are working at at least a 6 in biology and a 5 or 6 in gcse chem and maths then you should be able to do biology ability-wise. Biology is good subject if you enjoy science and tend to be good at memory because theres a lot of content!
Reply 8
Original post
by Gumball712Hi guys,
I'm currently in year 11 and have been choosing a levels to do next year, but I've come to a crossroad as I'm really unsure whether to play to my strengths and take a sociology a level, alongside psychology and history, or if I should take biology to keep more science related degrees open to me.
I used to be really passionate about doing dentistry or medicine, but most things have been driving me away from it, despite me having a genuine interest to pursue it before, but now I'm wondering whether to still keep that door open, or whether to take sociology a level and possibly go into something like law instead, as I'm better with essay based subjects, so I'm not sure what could be better for me.
Does anyone have any input on what dentistry and law degree courses are like? Since I'm trying to weigh up my options to see which path may be better for me. Also, if anyone is currently doing the a levels I've already stated, what are they like individually and alongside your other subjects? It's really hard trying to find honest input on things, especially since most people won't be fully honest with you.
Thanks guys! Hope to hear back soon.
I'm currently in year 11 and have been choosing a levels to do next year, but I've come to a crossroad as I'm really unsure whether to play to my strengths and take a sociology a level, alongside psychology and history, or if I should take biology to keep more science related degrees open to me.
I used to be really passionate about doing dentistry or medicine, but most things have been driving me away from it, despite me having a genuine interest to pursue it before, but now I'm wondering whether to still keep that door open, or whether to take sociology a level and possibly go into something like law instead, as I'm better with essay based subjects, so I'm not sure what could be better for me.
Does anyone have any input on what dentistry and law degree courses are like? Since I'm trying to weigh up my options to see which path may be better for me. Also, if anyone is currently doing the a levels I've already stated, what are they like individually and alongside your other subjects? It's really hard trying to find honest input on things, especially since most people won't be fully honest with you.
Thanks guys! Hope to hear back soon.
Hi,
I’m a pharmacy student, and for many healthcare or STEM-related courses, universities usually require a minimum of two science subjects and a non-general studies subject. For medicine and dentistry, this is usually biology, chemistry, and a third subject. Some universities may also accept maths or physics, but this can limit your options.
If you’re more passionate about essay-based subjects and find sciences off-putting, it’s worth thinking about where your strengths and interests lie. Sociology, psychology and history can lead to degrees such as law, criminology, or other social sciences, which may suit you better. Attending open days, taster events, or gaining relevant work experience can also help you make a clearer choice.
Ultimately, it’s about balancing keeping options open with choosing subjects you enjoy and feel confident in as enjoying your A levels will make a big difference to your motivation and grades.
Hope this helps,
Tayba
Student Rep
Reply 9
Honestly, if you’re even slightly considering medicine or dentistry, I’d strongly recommend keeping Biology. It’s usually required (or at least heavily preferred), and dropping it now could close that door completely.
You can still go into law without Sociology, most law degrees don’t require specific A-levels, and subjects like History are already excellent preparation because of the essay writing and critical thinking. So in a way, Biology Geometry Dash Lite keeps more options open, whereas Sociology doesn’t really unlock anything that History/Psychology don’t already support. You don’t have to have your whole life figured out right now. Try to choose the combination that gives you flexibility but also won’t make the next two years miserable.
You can still go into law without Sociology, most law degrees don’t require specific A-levels, and subjects like History are already excellent preparation because of the essay writing and critical thinking. So in a way, Biology Geometry Dash Lite keeps more options open, whereas Sociology doesn’t really unlock anything that History/Psychology don’t already support. You don’t have to have your whole life figured out right now. Try to choose the combination that gives you flexibility but also won’t make the next two years miserable.
Reply 10
Original post
by Gumball712Hi guys,
I'm currently in year 11 and have been choosing a levels to do next year, but I've come to a crossroad as I'm really unsure whether to play to my strengths and take a sociology a level, alongside psychology and history, or if I should take biology to keep more science related degrees open to me.
I used to be really passionate about doing dentistry or medicine, but most things have been driving me away from it, despite me having a genuine interest to pursue it before, but now I'm wondering whether to still keep that door open, or whether to take sociology a level and possibly go into something like law instead, as I'm better with essay based subjects, so I'm not sure what could be better for me.
Does anyone have any input on what dentistry and law degree courses are like? Since I'm trying to weigh up my options to see which path may be better for me. Also, if anyone is currently doing the a levels I've already stated, what are they like individually and alongside your other subjects? It's really hard trying to find honest input on things, especially since most people won't be fully honest with you.
Thanks guys! Hope to hear back soon.
I'm currently in year 11 and have been choosing a levels to do next year, but I've come to a crossroad as I'm really unsure whether to play to my strengths and take a sociology a level, alongside psychology and history, or if I should take biology to keep more science related degrees open to me.
I used to be really passionate about doing dentistry or medicine, but most things have been driving me away from it, despite me having a genuine interest to pursue it before, but now I'm wondering whether to still keep that door open, or whether to take sociology a level and possibly go into something like law instead, as I'm better with essay based subjects, so I'm not sure what could be better for me.
Does anyone have any input on what dentistry and law degree courses are like? Since I'm trying to weigh up my options to see which path may be better for me. Also, if anyone is currently doing the a levels I've already stated, what are they like individually and alongside your other subjects? It's really hard trying to find honest input on things, especially since most people won't be fully honest with you.
Thanks guys! Hope to hear back soon.
Trenyce (Kingston rep)
Reply 11
Some medical and dental courses are more research/literature and hence essay heavy. Although most if not all will include an element of these, for many it will not be the main focus of learning. The main focus for most medics is in (a lot of) examinations which are aimed at assessment of a lot of content and learning which happens in a scarcely believable space of time.
One must research all of this prior to deciding on where to apply because there will be few things more depressing than feeling like you are following the completely wrong course structure for your needs. Applicants should consider the course structure and assessments carefully before listing any particular institution in their UCAS application.
One must research all of this prior to deciding on where to apply because there will be few things more depressing than feeling like you are following the completely wrong course structure for your needs. Applicants should consider the course structure and assessments carefully before listing any particular institution in their UCAS application.
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