Darn Maths!

**angharad** · 25-08-2007, 06:25 PM

So should I do it as soon as possible. I know I should because it should be fresh in my mind, but to be honest its not. So should I do it as soon as possible, or should I do it next year or maybe after my A levels

**Kinkerz** · 25-08-2007, 06:29 PM

Its up to you but if it was me, i'd do it this November if thats possible, to get it out of the way. That way you can focus on yur A-levels more. Ask at school to see what your options are.

**angharad** · 25-08-2007, 06:32 PM

True. Thanks a lot again xx

**anoushka** · 25-08-2007, 06:33 PM

Definitely agree with kinkerz but yeah need to ask school first what options are open and decide what's best from there.

**minnie1** · 25-08-2007, 06:45 PM

i reckon u shld get ur GCSE maths as early as possibe, we were told if we jst mocked up in the terminal exam, we cld retake jst tht exams, same with the modules. I think if uget it out the way, u will hve plenty more time for toher subjects and activities .

**Loobylou** · 25-08-2007, 07:19 PM

Redo your maths definately. I have a friend in a similar situ. Shes applying for ecology but she missed a load of GCSE maths cos she was ill and got a C. The uni she likes wanted a B, and they said despite her extenuating circumstances, she had 2 redo it. I hope u find it encouraging that she has found she picked it up so quickly, particularly doing chem and blog A levels, and will probably breeze the exam so I'm sure you'll find it much easier second time round.

I should probably warn you that both chemistry and esp physics A level have a degree of mathematics. Physics is just a lot of learning formulae but I would suggest you worked hard to gain confidence in basic trigonometry and rearranging equations as a minimum to give u a head start on the course.

If u r talking about doing biology and human biology- DON'T. A number of universities will be unwlling to accept overlapping subjects eg maths and further maths, PE and biology, human biology and biology. I was reading a UCAS document about medical school entrance requirements and while outside Oxbridge, they do encourage a fourth non sciency subject, it said that most medical schools state that a large number of their applicants are still presenting with traditional 3 sciences at A level. ( I could probs find the link if u thought it would be of use)

**Paul Mitchell** · 25-08-2007, 07:25 PM

I realise how snotty this may sound, but I think you really need to get onto your maths skills, because you should really be competent to a good GCSE standard in order to do Medicine; whilst the actual mathematical content is obviously quite limited in most areas, you still need a reasonable level of mathematical ability for Biochemistry & the like. If you think you'll be alright with studying A-levels in the Sciences, then you should really be able to get at very least a B in GCSE Maths...

I realise that what i'm saying may seem harsh, but i'm confident that if you really want to study medicine, then GCSE maths should be a minor feat - especially if you're taking on Science A-levels. Competition for places is seriously tough, so work hard @ it and im sure you'll raise a good few grades

**minnie1** · 25-08-2007, 07:28 PM

I agree, especially as u r not doing AS Maths, GCSE maths is a MUST. it shows logic, ability to calcualte etc.

**Kinkerz** · 25-08-2007, 07:34 PM

Totally agree with Loobylou about the overlapping subjects.
Do one or the other, more traditional universities seem to prefer biology whereas some of the more modern universities prefer human biology, for medicine anyway.
Either way though I don't think it would make much difference which one you choose. Choose the one that you feel you'll be better at.

And yes, a grade B at GCSE maths is pretty vital.

**angharad** · 25-08-2007, 07:35 PM

No it dosnt sound snotty at all. In the harsh world of Medicine you need to hear it like it is.

Thanks a lot for all the advice, and the encouragement, you've helped motavate me that much more towards my goal