Do I need all three sciences for Medicine at Uni?

**Nathaniel** · 08-05-2005, 01:21 AM

I am in yr 11 and currently making my A level choices. I am interested in going on to do medicine at Uni and was wondering what A levels to choose. I have provisionally put down Chemistry, Biology (as I realise that these two subjects are almost vital), Physics and German. I have the option to do maths or PE instead of physics. I have read in some places that having all three sciences gives you an advantage when it comes to uni, or would it be better for me to do PE (as it is a more contrasting subject. Also I have the option to do general studies (aswell). Do you think I should as many universities do not count it, although my careers teacher at school said that medical schools look highly upon it as it shows a broader education. Please can somebody give me some advice.

**shampagne** · 08-05-2005, 01:30 AM

you don't need three sciences, only place it may confer a slight advantage is Oxbridge. I'm not sure if PE is seen as a 'rigorous academic subject' though, you'd have to check with unis to see if that one is acceptable as part of their entry requirements. Seriously, go for which one you prefer out of maths/physics/PE...you have to stick with german

lol!
Do not....DO NOT...do GS if you don't have to!! It is *such* a bore. I didnt get the choice, i had to do it. But saying that, if you apply to Sheffield Medical School, General Studies could be included as part of your offer...

**crazyperson** · 08-05-2005, 01:31 AM

Helllloo!

You're right - biology and chemistry are as good as essential. I've heard that universities looks for candidates with a contrasting subject like you've said, so maybe it'd be better to take PE? Which one do you enjoy more? Taking PE would seem the better option to me, because it shows you're an all-rounded person, with more to offer than just being good at science. Also, in my experience - its great doing a contrasting subject, just because its nice doing a completely different subject - it makes A-levels easier to bare.

I didn't do general studies, but from what people have told me, its a bit of a waste of time! I don't think universities will really look at the fact you've done it - so if you decide to do it, do it because you want to!

Hope this helps!

**alilel** · 08-05-2005, 01:32 AM

The only place that asks for three sciences are some Cambridge colleges, so only doing Chem and Bio will not cause you a problem. If you're going to do PE, make sure you carefully research uni policies before you apply as some require subjects to have a certain percentage theory or a 'rigorous academic subject'. As for general studies, it's up to you - I'm doing both it to A2, but I didn't get the choice. I have never had any lessons and did fine at AS. I don't think many universities will really pay attention to general studies and its very unlikely to be included in any offer.

I think you should just choose what you wil enjoy beyond Chem and Bio, whatever you do should be fine.

**Bex x** · 08-05-2005, 01:55 AM

Really you should do Bio, Chem and a contrasting subject, but PE will probably not be seen as academic enough. Are those really your only options? Do German unless it is AQA - you will be asked horrendous questions like 'How is it that a recession in America can have effects on our own economy' - and if your teachers are anything like ours you will not have studied anything remotely relevant. And my oral is in less than two weeks - why didn't I take somehing easy???

**alilel** · 08-05-2005, 02:03 AM

PE shouldn't be a problem really, it is about 80% theory, it's just something that needs to be checked with individual universities.

**Cat** · 08-05-2005, 12:14 PM

PE is aparently a good subject to take, I dont think that ant of the universities would have a problem with it, but as alilel said it is best to phone up and check.

**Layla** · 08-05-2005, 12:27 PM

I think P.E is good, as is music and home economics.. that type of thing. When I met an admissions tutor at Edinburgh univeristy, so I'm not saying all universities will agree, these kinds of subjects show the extra curricular side of things.

I'd swap phsyics for maths though. Not that it is any easier or anything, and they're quite similar, but yeh, maths..

**heatherG** · 09-05-2005, 01:39 AM

The only problem with doing PE is that some unis dont accept similar A level subjects as seperate a levels, stuff like maths/further maths only count as one a level, and biology/PE only counts as one a level. I suggest you do either biology,chemistry,maths and german or bio chem, physics and german. You've already got the contrasting subject (German) so doing 3 other sciences shouldnt be a problem.

**bubblewrap** · 09-05-2005, 01:59 AM

i would just do the subjects that you would enjoy. I chose 3 sciences and i know some people would hate that combo but it was really enjoyable. Also although this will have no major impact but if you REALLY don't want to do physics then i would choose maths over PE cos during the medcourse you have to analyse statistical material...and then it might help you with doing t-tests and understanding critical values...you are taught this but these 2nd years were saying how it was much easier for people who did maths at A level...so i dunno...

Anyway i want to say that you should do general studies cos its so EASY. you don't need to turn up to the lessons or do any work BUT you still get an A level certificate at the end. It will not give your medapplication any advantage but hey you get an extra a level. it cannot be too bad.