Is it really worth taking 4 A2 subjects?

[Bananagirl]

I was wondering if its worth taking all four AS subjects onto A2
Is it just too much of an extra load of work?
The only reason why I'd continue with all 4 is cause I enjoy them all so much I know that medical uni's dont care about doing 3 or 4 A2s.
But I dont wanna do all four if its just too much??

[win2kpro]

Well if you are confident enough that you can manage to get good grades at all of them then take them. I hear that the workload of A2 compared to AS is 2-3 times as much, not too sure how accurate that information is though because I havent done any A2's yet

I bet alot of other people might have told you the same thing, because that is exactly what people tell me. I am just going to see how well I do in my AS first and have a good look at the syllabus of the A2 for each subject and see if I would be able to get good grades doing 4.

not sure if some uni's actually want 4 A levels?

[musama91]

If you are applying to Oxbridge and do not want to sit an interview, then take 6 (YES!). If not, then just do the 3 because any less, and no uni will ask for you, any more (but less than 6) it wont make any difference as Oxbridge are the only ones whom it would affect if you did decide to do more.

Now you may be asking why this is. Well - if you take 6 you are pretty damn intelligent and therefore they dont interview you. If you take 3 like everyone else then they have to interview you

[Sticks]

SIX? What the hell? I'm pretty certain they'd interview you anyway because six A2s scream 'sociopath'. This is for medicine remember, personality actually counts.

[musama91]

Originally Posted by Sticks

SIX? What the hell? I'm pretty certain they'd interview you anyway because six A2s scream 'sociopath'. This is for medicine remember, personality actually counts.

I have a friend doing 5. He goes to all the parties, all socials and does a load of extra curricular things as well. As long as you can balance your scoail life with study, you will be fine. Just because some one added 'student' and 'dying' to make studying, it does not mean you have to do that to get the best grades!

[Baki]

Originally Posted by Bananagirl

I was wondering if its worth taking all four AS subjects onto A2
Is it just too much of an extra load of work?
The only reason why I'd continue with all 4 is cause I enjoy them all so much I know that medical uni's dont care about doing 3 or 4 A2s.
But I dont wanna do all four if its just too much??

Cambridge admission tutor said it doesn't give you a competitive advantage doing more than 3. Because some peoples colleges don't let them do more than 3.

They look for quality (high UMS marks) over quantity!

[BeanOfJelly]

I'm doing four this year: Bulgy, Chem, Stats and Spanish.
I can't really offer any advice though unless I know what four you're thinking of doing.

[Bananagirl]

Originally Posted by musama91

If you are applying to Oxbridge and do not want to sit an interview, then take 6 (YES!). If not, then just do the 3 because any less, and no uni will ask for you, any more (but less than 6) it wont make any difference as Oxbridge are the only ones whom it would affect if you did decide to do more.

Now you may be asking why this is. Well - if you take 6 you are pretty damn intelligent and therefore they dont interview you. If you take 3 like everyone else then they have to interview you

SIX? Where have you been getting this information from lol?
And I thought an interview was compulsory... I've never heard of anyone getting an offer without an interview!

[Bananagirl]

Originally Posted by Baki

Cambridge admission tutor said it doesn't give you a competitive advantage doing more than 3. Because some peoples colleges don't let them do more than 3.

They look for quality (high UMS marks) over quantity!

Isn't it only Oxbridge who ask to look at your UMS marks though?

Yeah I know that I'm under no obligation take four A2s.. but I would like to since I really enjoy my subjects, but people say it's not worth it because the work load at A2 is much more than AS.. is that correct?

[Baki]

Originally Posted by Bananagirl

Isn't it only Oxbridge who ask to look at your UMS marks though?

Yeah I know that I'm under no obligation take four A2s.. but I would like to since I really enjoy my subjects, but people say it's not worth it because the work load at A2 is much more than AS.. is that correct?

A bit more, and it is tougher the work. That said, A2 is your last chance, so you shouldn't dilute your workload unnecessarily. Basically doing 4 A2's for the sake of giving yourself a competitive edge is supposed to be a waste of time (I asked a King's Lecturer, and he agrees)