A Level Chemistry Dilemma (help please)

**hamzahdabest** · 25-06-2009, 11:54 PM

I'v just finished my AS levels this year; in biology, psychology, law and economics. The reason i didn't pick chemistry at the start of the year is because i wasn't really sure what i wanted to do in university; i chose a more broader range of subjects. After a lot of research in to different careers i decided on medicine; it is my dream career and is what i definitely want to do.

My GCSE's are in my signature. for work experience i so far have done two weeks at GP surgery, and will be doing one week in a hospital in July. Still in the process of organising voluntary work.

I was told i could drop two of my AS levels next year (law and economics) and then pick up AS & A2 Chemistry to do in one year. So that was my initial plan.

here's my latest situation:

I was told today that i can't along with my plan, as the college wont let me do the AS & A2 in one year; apparently it just isn't feasible.

WHAT DO I DO NOW? lol

My form tutor suggested i should carry on with A2 Biology, and psychology next year, and to pick up AS chemistry. Then do another year just to do A2 chemistry. And obviously in the third year get loads of experience due to all the free time ill have. He told me doing it in three years wont be much of a problem, because i'm not actually resitting. And im actually completing the A levels in two years. The chemistry teacher also said, it wont be a problem as its nothing to do with you not being able, just that you never knew what career you wanted to persue.....

But wont it still be an issue as i'm carrying on outside the two years???

im soooo gutted about all this

.. some one please give me some advise and re assurance.. oh and i'v ruled out foundation year and Graduate entry.... i could apply to medical schools that just want AS chemistry, but to be honest there not medical schools i want to go.. i know in my situation you cant really be picky but if im going to spend 5 years on a course.. i want to be at a place i like and want to be at

Thanks in advance and sorry about the very long boring essay.. my bad!

Hamzah N

**Jesso** · 27-06-2009, 07:06 PM

I think you genuinely want to be a doctor. So, my advice is:
1) Research Unis that state they don't require Chemistry at AS or A2 (According to my sources that is; East Anglia, Newcastle and Peninsula)
2) Reconsider Graduate Entry.
3) Take up Chemistry AS to broaden your uni choices (unis that accept chemistry AS; Brighton & Sussex, Cardiff, Keele, London - Barts, Imperial).

I hope that helps - I'm applying for med this year too, so much sympathies

**hamzahdabest** · 27-06-2009, 09:59 PM

thank you Jesso.. im just really gutted.. i wish i knew i wanted to do medicine before i chose my AS subjects..

do you think i have a chance tho of getting a place if i do end up doing three years? because im not actually resitting a year..

Thanks

**Jesso** · 27-06-2009, 10:31 PM

Well, I was told by an former admissions officer that as along as you had the right grades that is okay. But I recommend sending an e-mail to the admissions officer of all your potential choice of unis, just to make sure. I'm sure they will look favorably on your extra efforts to get the right grades. I think - at this point - it is worth taking the extra year for A2 Chemistry (however tedious it seems).

Jesso

**hamzahdabest** · 27-06-2009, 10:53 PM

yeah that's a great idea.. will definitely send the emails..

i've been thinking about it a lot and i think the extra year is worthwhile aswel.. in medicine an extra year is nothing.. and i have to think positive.. which is all the extra experience i can get

thanks again mate

**Kinkerz** · 28-06-2009, 02:45 AM

Originally Posted by hamzahdabest

do you think i have a chance tho of getting a place if i do end up doing three years? because im not actually resitting a year..

Definitely send e-mails. Some might consider it as resitting.

**beatrix7** · 29-06-2009, 06:20 PM

Can I ask which med schools you want to go to? Could you not just drop one of your AS levels, do 3A2s, so bio, psych and then law/eco and then take AS chem alongside your A2s? Do ALL of the med schools you want to go to need A2 chem? I definitely agree with Kinkerz, phone them up, you will find out whether they will consider you and also can advise you

An extra year really is nothing, would be quite nice I think just doin A2 chem and you would have lots of time for other stuff.

**hamzahdabest** · 29-06-2009, 07:44 PM

i want to apply to sheffield, leeds, leicester and then most likely hull. All four want A2 chemistry.

Yeah to be honest your right.. it really isnt much.. and yeah just doing A2 chemistry will mean i have lots of time for work experience and just putting my feet up.. going on holiday etc.