Is taking 4 essay subjects at A-level too much?
(backstory) I'm not going to lie, I've not been the best student during GCSE. I got sucked into my phone and procrastinated as if I were paid to do so. Recently, I've been changing that. I stopped and looked at myself and thought "I'm not going to get into the courses I want if I don't pull my act together."
Almost three weeks ago, I deleted TikTok. It's a bit weird being so out of the loop but it's worth it to get the grades I want. (I'm aiming for a 7 in every subject I can). I've started reading more again and I've been doing at least an hour of revision everyday - except on weekends - and I feel as if I understand the content much more than before.
I only say all of this because I want to take 4 essay subjects when I get to A-level. The subjects I want to take are History (Edexcel), Law (OCR), Philosophy (AQA) and Politics (Edexcel). These are all subjects I enjoy and I honestly can't make up my mind for just three. I'm willing to spend most of my college days in the library and available study stations the colleges I have been accepted to offer.
I just want an outsiders perspective from someone who has sat similar subjects in the past.
Almost three weeks ago, I deleted TikTok. It's a bit weird being so out of the loop but it's worth it to get the grades I want. (I'm aiming for a 7 in every subject I can). I've started reading more again and I've been doing at least an hour of revision everyday - except on weekends - and I feel as if I understand the content much more than before.
I only say all of this because I want to take 4 essay subjects when I get to A-level. The subjects I want to take are History (Edexcel), Law (OCR), Philosophy (AQA) and Politics (Edexcel). These are all subjects I enjoy and I honestly can't make up my mind for just three. I'm willing to spend most of my college days in the library and available study stations the colleges I have been accepted to offer.
I just want an outsiders perspective from someone who has sat similar subjects in the past.
Original post
by V1X3NX3(backstory) I'm not going to lie, I've not been the best student during GCSE. I got sucked into my phone and procrastinated as if I were paid to do so. Recently, I've been changing that. I stopped and looked at myself and thought "I'm not going to get into the courses I want if I don't pull my act together."
Almost three weeks ago, I deleted TikTok. It's a bit weird being so out of the loop but it's worth it to get the grades I want. (I'm aiming for a 7 in every subject I can). I've started reading more again and I've been doing at least an hour of revision everyday - except on weekends - and I feel as if I understand the content much more than before.
I only say all of this because I want to take 4 essay subjects when I get to A-level. The subjects I want to take are History (Edexcel), Law (OCR), Philosophy (AQA) and Politics (Edexcel). These are all subjects I enjoy and I honestly can't make up my mind for just three. I'm willing to spend most of my college days in the library and available study stations the colleges I have been accepted to offer.
I just want an outsiders perspective from someone who has sat similar subjects in the past.
Almost three weeks ago, I deleted TikTok. It's a bit weird being so out of the loop but it's worth it to get the grades I want. (I'm aiming for a 7 in every subject I can). I've started reading more again and I've been doing at least an hour of revision everyday - except on weekends - and I feel as if I understand the content much more than before.
I only say all of this because I want to take 4 essay subjects when I get to A-level. The subjects I want to take are History (Edexcel), Law (OCR), Philosophy (AQA) and Politics (Edexcel). These are all subjects I enjoy and I honestly can't make up my mind for just three. I'm willing to spend most of my college days in the library and available study stations the colleges I have been accepted to offer.
I just want an outsiders perspective from someone who has sat similar subjects in the past.
Hiya,
I notably don't do all essay subjects, but I would say that most a levels are the same amount of work and effort. I would highly reccomened against doing 4 a levels (with the exception being further maths) for everyone, even for people who find school easy at GCSE. I have friends who are doing 3 who got all 9s at GCSE and going to oxbridge, so it's defintely not a situation of how good of a student you are.
The reason for this is that there is no real need to, in terms of unis. Many people (including me) underestimate how much content there is in a levels so 3 a levels is more than enough.
Though, I do reccomened starting with 4 if you don't have a clear 3 in mind, as this way you have some flexibility in dropping one later down the line.
Hope this helps
Original post
by V1X3NX3(backstory) I'm not going to lie, I've not been the best student during GCSE. I got sucked into my phone and procrastinated as if I were paid to do so. Recently, I've been changing that. I stopped and looked at myself and thought "I'm not going to get into the courses I want if I don't pull my act together."
Almost three weeks ago, I deleted TikTok. It's a bit weird being so out of the loop but it's worth it to get the grades I want. (I'm aiming for a 7 in every subject I can). I've started reading more again and I've been doing at least an hour of revision everyday - except on weekends - and I feel as if I understand the content much more than before.
I only say all of this because I want to take 4 essay subjects when I get to A-level. The subjects I want to take are History (Edexcel), Law (OCR), Philosophy (AQA) and Politics (Edexcel). These are all subjects I enjoy and I honestly can't make up my mind for just three. I'm willing to spend most of my college days in the library and available study stations the colleges I have been accepted to offer.
I just want an outsiders perspective from someone who has sat similar subjects in the past.
Almost three weeks ago, I deleted TikTok. It's a bit weird being so out of the loop but it's worth it to get the grades I want. (I'm aiming for a 7 in every subject I can). I've started reading more again and I've been doing at least an hour of revision everyday - except on weekends - and I feel as if I understand the content much more than before.
I only say all of this because I want to take 4 essay subjects when I get to A-level. The subjects I want to take are History (Edexcel), Law (OCR), Philosophy (AQA) and Politics (Edexcel). These are all subjects I enjoy and I honestly can't make up my mind for just three. I'm willing to spend most of my college days in the library and available study stations the colleges I have been accepted to offer.
I just want an outsiders perspective from someone who has sat similar subjects in the past.
You could start with all 4. Then if the worst comes to the worst, then you can drop one of them (e.g. if doing 4 becomes too much, you arent enjoying one, you arent getting as good grades in one etc).
What do you want to do at uni?
(edited 1 month ago)
Reply 3
V1X3NX3
OP
3
Original post
by Emma:-)You could start with all 4. Then if the worst comes to the worst, then you can drop one of them (e.g. if doing 4 becomes too much, you arent enjoying one, you arent getting as good grades in one etc).
What do you want to do at uni?
What do you want to do at uni?
Ngl I'm not sure yet. I did have this plan around astrophysics but I stopped enjoying physics and started really enjoying humanities. I have looked into courses such as PPE, Law, History and more but I haven't made up my mind yet.
Reply 4
Original post
by V1X3NX3(backstory) I'm not going to lie, I've not been the best student during GCSE. I got sucked into my phone and procrastinated as if I were paid to do so. Recently, I've been changing that. I stopped and looked at myself and thought "I'm not going to get into the courses I want if I don't pull my act together."
Almost three weeks ago, I deleted TikTok. It's a bit weird being so out of the loop but it's worth it to get the grades I want. (I'm aiming for a 7 in every subject I can). I've started reading more again and I've been doing at least an hour of revision everyday - except on weekends - and I feel as if I understand the content much more than before.
I only say all of this because I want to take 4 essay subjects when I get to A-level. The subjects I want to take are History (Edexcel), Law (OCR), Philosophy (AQA) and Politics (Edexcel). These are all subjects I enjoy and I honestly can't make up my mind for just three. I'm willing to spend most of my college days in the library and available study stations the colleges I have been accepted to offer.
I just want an outsiders perspective from someone who has sat similar subjects in the past.
Almost three weeks ago, I deleted TikTok. It's a bit weird being so out of the loop but it's worth it to get the grades I want. (I'm aiming for a 7 in every subject I can). I've started reading more again and I've been doing at least an hour of revision everyday - except on weekends - and I feel as if I understand the content much more than before.
I only say all of this because I want to take 4 essay subjects when I get to A-level. The subjects I want to take are History (Edexcel), Law (OCR), Philosophy (AQA) and Politics (Edexcel). These are all subjects I enjoy and I honestly can't make up my mind for just three. I'm willing to spend most of my college days in the library and available study stations the colleges I have been accepted to offer.
I just want an outsiders perspective from someone who has sat similar subjects in the past.
Hi,
I’d recommend taking 4 initially so you have the option to drop one later if you decide it’s too much, or keep all four if you find you can manage the workload.
Since essay subjects tend to involve a lot of reading, writing, and independent study, it can become quite demanding, so it’s worth keeping in mind how much time will be required alongside other commitments.
I’d also recommend checking university entry requirements for courses you’re interested in, even if you’re not completely sure yet, as this can help guide your decisions.
Hope this helps,
Tayba
Student Rep
Reply 5
Original post
by V1X3NX3(backstory) I'm not going to lie, I've not been the best student during GCSE. I got sucked into my phone and procrastinated as if I were paid to do so. Recently, I've been changing that. I stopped and looked at myself and thought "I'm not going to get into the courses I want if I don't pull my act together."
Almost three weeks ago, I deleted TikTok. It's a bit weird being so out of the loop but it's worth it to get the grades I want. (I'm aiming for a 7 in every subject I can). I've started reading more again and I've been doing at least an hour of revision everyday - except on weekends - and I feel as if I understand the content much more than before.
I only say all of this because I want to take 4 essay subjects when I get to A-level. The subjects I want to take are History (Edexcel), Law (OCR), Philosophy (AQA) and Politics (Edexcel). These are all subjects I enjoy and I honestly can't make up my mind for just three. I'm willing to spend most of my college days in the library and available study stations the colleges I have been accepted to offer.
I just want an outsiders perspective from someone who has sat similar subjects in the past.
Almost three weeks ago, I deleted TikTok. It's a bit weird being so out of the loop but it's worth it to get the grades I want. (I'm aiming for a 7 in every subject I can). I've started reading more again and I've been doing at least an hour of revision everyday - except on weekends - and I feel as if I understand the content much more than before.
I only say all of this because I want to take 4 essay subjects when I get to A-level. The subjects I want to take are History (Edexcel), Law (OCR), Philosophy (AQA) and Politics (Edexcel). These are all subjects I enjoy and I honestly can't make up my mind for just three. I'm willing to spend most of my college days in the library and available study stations the colleges I have been accepted to offer.
I just want an outsiders perspective from someone who has sat similar subjects in the past.
4 essay subjects is definitely too much, stick to 3. Have a look at the specs and see which are most appealing to you. If your school offers taster sessions on an offer holder day then go to those and/or find a teacher who teaches that subject and talk with them about whether they think the subject is a good fit for you. You can start with 4 but definitely drop one.
Reply 6
Hi,
I hope everything’s going ok with your GCSE prep! Wanted to give a perspective as someone currently doing 4 essay A Level subjects (History, Politics, English Lit and French (there’s a few essays you have to write in French so I consider it an essay subject at least)).
I’m not going to sugarcoat it and say it’s easy because it’s not. It’s a LOT of hard work, and there’s also other factors to consider rather than just the fact you’re taking a bonus subject. For instance, you’ll get less free periods than everyone else which means you’ll need to work more in your own time. Most people at my school get 10 frees a week, I’m down to 3. It also means much more homework, more exams when it comes to the real thing and potentially more coursework if that’s part of your subjects. It can be stressful at times and it’s challenging to catch up if you fall behind.
I completely agree with the other comments that you should try all 4 and consider dropping one, I know a lot of people who did that and are now extra grateful that they made that decision. But if you do decide to carry on with all 4, then it’s really important that you know exactly what you hope to gain from studying them and know that it’ll be beneficial for you personally in the future for what you aspire to do. I’d also really consider if you have enough time in your personal life to make up for the time you won’t get in school to study, if you have a lot of extra curricular or super curricular commitments or a job then you’d really need to think about when to fit this extra schoolwork in.
Finally, don’t forget that an AS might be an option. Depending on you exam board, they definitely offer them for history and politics (I’m not sure about the others) which could be a good compromise for you to get something out of all 4 so you don’t feel like you’ve wasted time if you decide to drop. Maybe have a word with your college or sixth form if this is something you might be interested in.
Personally, taking 4 for me has worked out well. I’ve had moments where it’s gotten hard but I’ve managed. I can’t tell you to definitely go for it or not because it very much depends on your goals and what’s going on in your life, and that the subjects you’re opting for are different to mine. I would say to speak to your sixth form, try all 4 in September if you still want to do that by that point, and then either drop one or take an AS. If you feel like continuing with all 4 all the way then that’s your choice, but make sure that doing so won’t hinder your overall grades. BBBB is not the same as ABB, and talk about it with your head of sixth form.
For now, good luck with your GCSEs and try not to worry too much. It might feel like a big choice right now, but things will find their way of working out for you eventually.
I hope everything’s going ok with your GCSE prep! Wanted to give a perspective as someone currently doing 4 essay A Level subjects (History, Politics, English Lit and French (there’s a few essays you have to write in French so I consider it an essay subject at least)).
I’m not going to sugarcoat it and say it’s easy because it’s not. It’s a LOT of hard work, and there’s also other factors to consider rather than just the fact you’re taking a bonus subject. For instance, you’ll get less free periods than everyone else which means you’ll need to work more in your own time. Most people at my school get 10 frees a week, I’m down to 3. It also means much more homework, more exams when it comes to the real thing and potentially more coursework if that’s part of your subjects. It can be stressful at times and it’s challenging to catch up if you fall behind.
I completely agree with the other comments that you should try all 4 and consider dropping one, I know a lot of people who did that and are now extra grateful that they made that decision. But if you do decide to carry on with all 4, then it’s really important that you know exactly what you hope to gain from studying them and know that it’ll be beneficial for you personally in the future for what you aspire to do. I’d also really consider if you have enough time in your personal life to make up for the time you won’t get in school to study, if you have a lot of extra curricular or super curricular commitments or a job then you’d really need to think about when to fit this extra schoolwork in.
Finally, don’t forget that an AS might be an option. Depending on you exam board, they definitely offer them for history and politics (I’m not sure about the others) which could be a good compromise for you to get something out of all 4 so you don’t feel like you’ve wasted time if you decide to drop. Maybe have a word with your college or sixth form if this is something you might be interested in.
Personally, taking 4 for me has worked out well. I’ve had moments where it’s gotten hard but I’ve managed. I can’t tell you to definitely go for it or not because it very much depends on your goals and what’s going on in your life, and that the subjects you’re opting for are different to mine. I would say to speak to your sixth form, try all 4 in September if you still want to do that by that point, and then either drop one or take an AS. If you feel like continuing with all 4 all the way then that’s your choice, but make sure that doing so won’t hinder your overall grades. BBBB is not the same as ABB, and talk about it with your head of sixth form.
For now, good luck with your GCSEs and try not to worry too much. It might feel like a big choice right now, but things will find their way of working out for you eventually.
Original post
by V1X3NX3Ngl I'm not sure yet. I did have this plan around astrophysics but I stopped enjoying physics and started really enjoying humanities. I have looked into courses such as PPE, Law, History and more but I haven't made up my mind yet.
I would deffo start with all 4 and see how you go.
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