Studying Computer Science at Imperial

2

Hi guys,

I want to study computer science/computing at ICL and I currently am doing maths, fm, physics and econ. However I find physics extremely difficult, even more so than further maths, and I considering dropping it and only taking Maths Further Maths and Econ. Do you think I would still be a competitive choice when they look at my a level choices?

Reply 1

asjdfojweoifj

3

Original post

by girlwithgrades

Hi guys,
I want to study computer science/computing at ICL and I currently am doing maths, fm, physics and econ. However I find physics extremely difficult, even more so than further maths, and I considering dropping it and only taking Maths Further Maths and Econ. Do you think I would still be a competitive choice when they look at my a level choices?

I think so. The Computing course basically has nothing to do with A-level physics so you should be fine. As long as you nail your maths and fm I don't think whether you did physics or not would change things much.

Reply 2

girlwithgrades

OP

2

Original post

by asjdfojweoifj

I think so. The Computing course basically has nothing to do with A-level physics so you should be fine. As long as you nail your maths and fm I don't think whether you did physics or not would change things much.

Thank you! It’s just that I am worried that when being compared to a student taking further maths, maths and physics they would genuinely be favoured higher than me as ICL recommends physics even though you do not need it. Do you think I should still consider ICL or maybe explore other unis?

Reply 3

Kingston Sarah

Official Rep

15

Original post

by girlwithgrades

Thank you! It’s just that I am worried that when being compared to a student taking further maths, maths and physics they would genuinely be favoured higher than me as ICL recommends physics even though you do not need it. Do you think I should still consider ICL or maybe explore other unis?

Hi,

The entry requirements for ICL computer science as on their website must include maths and two other A-levels with preferably further maths. Physics is not a part of the requirements so you should be fine.

-Sarah (Kingston Rep)

Reply 4

asjdfojweoifj

3

Original post

by girlwithgrades

Thank you! It’s just that I am worried that when being compared to a student taking further maths, maths and physics they would genuinely be favoured higher than me as ICL recommends physics even though you do not need it. Do you think I should still consider ICL or maybe explore other unis?

I would say an A* in econ is worth more than A in physics. Also, a good TMUA score would be worth much more than a physics a level. So if you would have to devote much more time to studying physics then you are probably better off putting that into the TMUA.

In terms of applying to ICL, if you are in the grade range I think you should definitely try it out, may I ask what kind of grades you think you could get?

Reply 5

girlwithgrades

OP

2

Original post

by asjdfojweoifj

I would say an A* in econ is worth more than A in physics. Also, a good TMUA score would be worth much more than a physics a level. So if you would have to devote much more time to studying physics then you are probably better off putting that into the TMUA.
In terms of applying to ICL, if you are in the grade range I think you should definitely try it out, may I ask what kind of grades you think you could get?

I am currently working at an AABC (A in maths,economics, B in fm and C in physics). And for my EOY exams I am predicted A*A*AB (the B is in physics)

Reply 6

Selinaaaaaaaa

6

Do you want to consider to swap physics for something else? Because although taking 3 subjects is absolutely fine but computer science is quite a competitive course especially at ICL and all my friends that’s applying to ICL are taking 4 Alevel so just talking 3 Alevel might make you less competitive.(But taking 3 Alevels and do good at all 3 is the most important thing rather than take 4 and getting bad grade)

Reply 7

Phelena

13

Original post

by girlwithgrades

Hi guys,
I want to study computer science/computing at ICL and I currently am doing maths, fm, physics and econ. However I find physics extremely difficult, even more so than further maths, and I considering dropping it and only taking Maths Further Maths and Econ. Do you think I would still be a competitive choice when they look at my a level choices?

The most important factor is clearly the TMUA. The data they've published shows that assuming you're a home student and have the grades, you're basically guaranteed an offer if you get a 7.0 or above, and are likely to get one with a 6.0 or above. It's one of those courses where doing a fourth A-Level doesn't matter because they already have enough information from TMUA to make a decision, so you're definitely fine dropping Physics.

https://www.imperial.ac.uk/study/apply/undergraduate/process/admissions-tests/understanding-your-esat-and-tmua-scores/#dashboard

Studying Computer Science at Imperial

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