A level choices

[Mo-Zaki]

Im in year 11, and its come to the part of the year, where we need to think about our A level choices. For me, the definites so far are Maths Fast track (meaning I do Maths AS + A2 and further maths AS over the two years), Biology and Chemistry.

However, i'm undecided on the fourth subject. I'm thinking of either French or English Literature. Im taking ICT AS this year and i have the option of taking A2 over year 12, but its not really interested me, and I prefer English Lit and French.

Firstly, will not taking Physics be a problem?

Also, should I take English Lit or French? I would probably prefer English because I love reading and the teacher is great. However, I also think my French teacher is really good too and there's probably a higher chance of me getting an A in French because both my parents speak it fluenty.

So, any advice?

Thank, in advance, for your help.

Mo-Zaki

[*finally*]

Not taking physics will not be a problem at all - hardly any of my medic friends took physics - you have it covered with the other 3! As for the Eng Lit or French, it really is up to you! Eng Lit is a lot more detailed and complex at A Level, it's very diff to GCSEs, if you have a natural talent at it and the enthusiasm, then definitely pick it - it's great! [I studied it years ago, grad-med applicant, but managed to get an A, so, it should be cool!]

Plus, if your parents a French speakers, I'm assuming you already know it quite well, why not pick a subject that you'll actually learn new skills from...? But, if you think French will be easier and you just want to make the grades as opposed to actually 'learn and explore' new stuff, then go for French!

You can ask for all the advice in the world, but at the end of the day, the choice is yours...!!

I hope this helps!

[SWSM]

I suggest that if you think french is ok and think it is just an easy A then do not do it.
I am doing A-level German, I am bilingual, the rest of my class is not and it bores me to tears. I am just doing it because its easy but I still have more work to do in German than Biology!
I am doing English Lit too only for AS. It is quite fun but I really have to agree with *finally*, it is fun but very challenging and a big step up from GCSEs.
I was pretty much in your situation last year. I am not doing Physics either and some Universities even prefer varied subjects rather than 3 sciences and 2 maths for A-level.
In the end, just do what you enjoy.

[Ten.Second.Hero]

Firstly, not taking physics is definitely not a problem academically. Though I suspect Oxbridge, being academically hardcore, may to a certain degree prefer you to take it as well, just to show your dedication and interest in science. I only assume this, whether it's true or not, I've no clue.

Secondly, whichever one you choose, English Lit or French, you have what some universities may prefer - variety. Personally, if it were up to me to decide, I'd take students who show an interest in a broader range of subjects, rather than doing nothing but the four sciences. If you feel a genuine motivation and interest in English Lit, then go for it! However, if you think that, at the end of the day, your A levels are primarily to simply meet any offers you receive, then go for French. I think it's important to pick the one you most enjoy, disregarding what others think about it. Afterall, it's your A level.

[Mo-Zaki]

Cheers for the advice.

Also, my school are offering a chance for a World Challenge expedition, 3 weeks to Uganda, where we will be trecking and prviding a lot of services to the cmmunity (building schools and also teaching); only downside is that you have to raise £3000 to fund it.

I am already thinking of doing the DUke of Edinburgh course next year so will this expedition benefit me further. Also, to raise the money, i will probably have to get a part time job and im wondering if this will end up affecting my school work.

Thanks for your help

[2009?]

ok... i'm not sure if this is true so don't all jump at me... but i have read before that sometimes only 1 out of maths and further maths is allowed for an offer.. so perhaps it would be better to replace further maths with something else...at my school the people who do further maths do it as an extra on top of the other 4

[Generation]

As a current medical student:
Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics + Physics

Always a good combination - especially for traditional teaching schools such as Oxford, Cambridge, Cardiff and Bristol. This is not only in terms of admissions, but also in actually performing whilst you're at the school. A sound knowledge of Biology, Chemistry and Mathematics will let you zoom right through the first year with a little regular work every week.

However, its recognized that medical schools nowadays are more accepting towards a 4th arts degree due to the increasing demand for doctors not to simply concentrate on the biological aspect of things. But, to be honest, if I was an admissions officer I think physics would be more useful - though psychology is probably also useful.

But then again, I'm quite conservative in my judgement.

And yeah - World Challenge would be great things to have on your personal statements. It gives tired admissions panels something interesting to talk about. And then again, if you're brilliant - doesn't matter what your 4th subject is - they'll just love you.

[Kinkerz]

Unless you're applying to Oxbridge, A-level subject choices count for pretty much nothing. UCL give some preference to a non-science, contrasting subject.

Chemistry and biology are pretty much musts, though you can get away with not doing biology.

After that, I think a third science is good, but I'm not going to spout off that this gives you a better chance of getting in, because, well, it doesn't. It is my opinion, and not a fact.

A list of good, solid subject choices:
Physics, maths, history, French, German, English literature, geography, economics. Then there are subjects such as psychology and sociology, which would arguably equip you for the degree more than many of the "solid" subjects...
Not all are useful for the degree itself, but the subject you choose is pretty much irrelevant in the selection process. Things like PS, grades, UKCAT/BMAT, reference are used rather than A-level subjects.
Never assume that just because you do all the sciences and maths, you'd stand a better chance than someone who does chemistry, biology and two "weaker" subjects.

Sorry about the rant, it just seems that there are alot of threads with people looking for A-level subject choice advice, when it really isn't something to worry about.

OP: Do the subjects you enjoy, you feel you'd get something out of and, most importantly, think you could get an A in.


[/thread]

[Generation]

Yeah. Totally agree with Kinkerz. Its just my opinion that sciences + maths would be more useful... but if you enjoy something else - go for it!

Cuz (parroting myself) then again, if you're brilliant - doesn't matter what your 4th subject is - they'll just love you.

[Mo-Zaki]

Thanks a lot for your help everybody.