What to study?

**nasira** · 20-08-2007, 12:48 AM

Hi,

Right, I'll get straight to the point.

I already have 2 A*s and 1 A from exams I took last year. The rest of my GCSE results come out on Thursday (fingers crossed for all A's and A*'s) and in the afternoon I have to enrol at 6th form. I'm part of the Academic Fellowship Programme at the 6th form I am going to so there is a chance for me to do 5 A-Levels or maybe just the usual 4.

At first I'd chosen Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and Psychology but since then I've changed my mind a little.

I definitely want to take Biology and Chemistry, and possibly Physics now. So for the remaining I was thinking Mathematics, but I want to do Psychology as well.

At the moment, all I know is that I want to study Medicine but I'm not sure about which field yet so I don't know which subjects it would be best for me to take.

Is it sane to do 5 A-Levels or would I be putting too much pressure on myself?

If my timetable only allows me to take 4 A-Levels then which 2 should I choose from Mathematics, Physics and Psychology?

**mtranter** · 20-08-2007, 01:48 AM

Hi Nasira

First of all, good luck with ur results next week,

Regarding your a levels, I was studying 3 sciences, maths, further maths, critical thinking and teaching myself as philosophy. Although the school strongly advised that I drop the philosophy, the work load was not too great.

As long as you manage your time wisely, 5 as levels are not too tricky.

For your dilemna with what to take, you should look at the unis you want to apply to as some want a non-science as level, as opposed to 3 sciences and maths.

Hope this helps,

Matt

**nasira** · 20-08-2007, 02:21 AM

Ty Matt,
Congratulations on your grades (just noticed them in your sig).
All I can say to your studies is WOW.
I know I can manage 5 but apparently not many people do take on that many (even though there is a chance to) at the 6th form. I'm just going to have to try to persuade my teachers that I can handle it.
I'll definitely have to take a look at the entry requirements for uni since I'm taking all Sciences at the moment.
Thanks again for the advice.

**Paul Mitchell** · 20-08-2007, 04:20 PM

I agree with Matt - i too done more AS-levels than you can shake a stick at, and it wasnt AS difficult as many dramatic people make out. Of course, this depends on your own work ethic, and indeed, intelligence, but by the looks of it, you'll get really good GCSE's and therefore I think you should at least have a go at doing 5 if thats what you want - its easier to drop one than to pick one up late...

Good luck!

**Gizmo says -** · 20-08-2007, 05:02 PM

yey, do five, macca.

why no do six in fact?

the admissions requirements are AAB after all.

Anyway, i tort meself five (different subjects, no lame cross overs) whilst wurking full time and i'm a rite fickie so you shuld be fine.

**Paul Mitchell** · 20-08-2007, 05:06 PM

Wtf. Some people (such as the OP) want to study the subjects. You don't have to do A-levels to merely fill the admissions requirements, end of.

**Gizmo says -** · 20-08-2007, 05:12 PM

aye, exactly, i did five.

wtf u say, macca?

(or why t.f., more importantly..)

**Moony** · 20-08-2007, 08:24 PM

Tbh Maths and Further Maths doesn't really count as two distinct A levels, so doing 5 including those 2 isn't as much work as doing 5 really separate A levels like the OP is wanting to do.

If you want to do them all then by all means do them, but remember that medical schools don't really care above the compulsory 4 AS and 3 A2 subjects. You have to fit in work exp/voluntary work/extra currics/social life around all of that, so since it's not strictly necessary I personally don't think it's much worth it to do 5 subjects.

**Gizmo says -** · 20-08-2007, 08:33 PM

although education is free under 19 or sum youthful age, so its not a bad idea to get it whilst its not costing you nuffing...
espsecially somefing you ded easy, for instance if you find you can do sociology to A grade in your sleep and enjoy it, then do it, i wuld, even though it counts for nuffing on your ucas form.

the enjoyment you get from it can actually springboard your other studies further sumtimes.

just an example! hehe

**nasira** · 21-08-2007, 03:27 AM

Paul,
I know I won't find it too hard but people usually do make a huge fuss out of it since the requirements for med school are just 3 or 4. But yeah, if I do find it difficult then I'll drop one and just continue with 4 for A2.
And by studying all 5 of the subjects to some level, it will better my understanding.

Gizmo,
Its always nice to have an extra qualification especially when it didn't require too much effort so I think I will stick to 5 if I can fit it into my timetable.

Moony,
I don't think I'll be taking Further Maths, wouldnt really mind taking it but for now Maths alone is enough.
In a sense I do agree with you when you say its not worth doing 5 A-Levels but I have pretty much got everything else in my life covered and I usually get bored if I'm not piled with a workload so doing 5 would keep me occupied.

Might as well go for it, got nothing to lose. Fingers crossed I'm allowed to.

Thanks.