what should I take for alevel - english or computer science?? :0

hi! I've submitted my a-level options; computer science, physics, and maths + further maths. However, I need an HONEST opinion - should i take english?? I really love it, DEFINITELY more than computer science which i would drop for it, and I got a 9 in my english mock whereas in computer science I got a 7... however there is no correlation between english and physics (which i refuse to drop). obviously i want to get a job and i'm unlikely to pursue a job in English (i have asian parents lol) so i was just wondering. I've always wanted to do english since I was a kid but i'm just kinda scared i wont get a job lol
do you think it's worth it? especially since i'm not taking it at uni. I just know I would do better at it than computing, but idk. PLEASE someone let me know. it just seems like a shame to drop it since its one of my best and one of my favourites.

It is definitely worth picking something that you enjoy and know you will succeed in, especially since you achieved a 9 in your most recent mock. There doesn’t always have to be a certain “correlation” between A-Level subjects. Focus on what you love.
Also, just because you pick English, does not mean you will not be able to pursue a career. This is completely false. In fact, having an essay subject alongside Further Maths/Maths/Physics creates a perfect balance and will make you stand out to Universities more. Also, you know that you are going to do better in English than Computer Science, so that is more of a reason to choose it as a subject!
What degree are you thinking of pursuing? Also, what career? Why are you taking Computer Science?

hi! I was thinking of doing engineering, most likely mechanical, as I enjoy physics and on the whole its a pretty well paid job (which obviously shouldn't be my only motivator but there's always been the kind of expectation that I'd do something STEM based). I'm just worried because it's an entire a-level if you know what i mean.
I'm taking computer science because it kind of widens my options - like if i decided I didn't want to do engineering any more i could do something in computing or something (except i really hate computing). also there's kind of an issue where my parents want me not to take it - i mean they wouldn't physically stop me from picking it but they're kinda disapproving.
in summary: basically there are two pros of taking english. 1. I love it, and 2. it shows variety of skill right? idk, i searched it up, but as you said, it's an essay based subject. and then there are a bunch of cons. T-T

If you really hate computing, then it definitely won’t be something you will enjoy as an alternative career path and therefore, I don’t think you should pick it as an A Level. A Levels are very difficult and not being passionate about your subject will make it worse.

that's true - maybe i should consider a different subject even if its not english because I genuinely don't like it at all. Thank you so much, you really helped!! I think I won't take computer science at least. I'll update you if I choose english instead, but yeah no I don't think i fully realised i really don't want to do computer science as a career. Like I didn't really think about it which is so strange?? anyways getting off topic thank you so much!! have a great day

hi! I've submitted my a-level options; computer science, physics, and maths + further maths. However, I need an HONEST opinion - should i take english?? I really love it, DEFINITELY more than computer science which i would drop for it, and I got a 9 in my english mock whereas in computer science I got a 7... however there is no correlation between english and physics (which i refuse to drop). obviously i want to get a job and i'm unlikely to pursue a job in English (i have asian parents lol) so i was just wondering. I've always wanted to do english since I was a kid but i'm just kinda scared i wont get a job lol
do you think it's worth it? especially since i'm not taking it at uni. I just know I would do better at it than computing, but idk. PLEASE someone let me know. it just seems like a shame to drop it since its one of my best and one of my favourites.
(also i would study mechanical engineering at uni, where i would need physics and maths, and further maths if i get into a top uni. which i wont but i can try lol)

Hi there,
First of all, good luck with getting into the university you’re aiming for , it’s great that you’re already thinking carefully about your A-level choices and your future.
From what you wrote, it sounds like you already know the answer deep down. You clearly love English, you’ve done very well in it, and it’s one of your strongest subjects. That matters a lot more than people sometimes realise.
Since you’re planning to study mechanical engineering, the key subjects universities will care about are Maths and Physics (and sometimes Further Maths), which you’re already taking. Because of that, the fourth subject is usually more about what you enjoy and what you will actually do well in for two years.
A lot of students make the mistake of picking subjects purely based on what they think looks “useful”, but A-levels are much easier to succeed in when you genuinely enjoy the subject. If English is something you’re passionate about and consistently perform well in, there is absolutely nothing wrong with taking it — even if you don’t plan to study it at university.
Also, studying something different like English can actually be valuable. It develops communication, critical thinking, argumentation and writing skills, which are incredibly useful in any career — including engineering. Being technically strong and able to communicate ideas well is a very powerful combination.
At the end of the day, these are your A-levels and your two years, not anyone else’s. If English is one of your favourite subjects and you know you’ll thrive in it, it’s not a “waste” at all , it’s investing in something you care about and are good at.
So my honest opinion would be: keep the core subjects you need for engineering, but don’t be afraid to choose the subject you actually enjoy. You’ll likely perform better, stay more motivated, and those skills will stay with you long after A-levels.
And for what it’s worth, it’s never a bad thing to keep something you’ve loved since you were a kid.\
Hope this helps
Best,
Maryam

hi! I've submitted my a-level options; computer science, physics, and maths + further maths. However, I need an HONEST opinion - should i take english?? I really love it, DEFINITELY more than computer science which i would drop for it, and I got a 9 in my english mock whereas in computer science I got a 7... however there is no correlation between english and physics (which i refuse to drop). obviously i want to get a job and i'm unlikely to pursue a job in English (i have asian parents lol) so i was just wondering. I've always wanted to do english since I was a kid but i'm just kinda scared i wont get a job lol
do you think it's worth it? especially since i'm not taking it at uni. I just know I would do better at it than computing, but idk. PLEASE someone let me know. it just seems like a shame to drop it since its one of my best and one of my favourites.
(also i would study mechanical engineering at uni, where i would need physics and maths, and further maths if i get into a top uni. which i wont but i can try lol)