What can I do for A - Level?

Question

I'm a GCSE student, and I got my results today, and I have my interview for my college tomorrow, and I REALLY need a lot of help. The parents don't help! I've chose Maths, Biology and Psychology as the ones I'm definitely going to do, and I was thinking Geography as well, but my parents want me to think about Further Maths, and I really don't want to, but they just won't listen! Does anyone know what would go good with those subjects? YOU GUYS GOTTA HELP ME!!!

Answer 1

Choose what *you* want to do. If you don't want further maths, then you're unlikely to so well as you won't enjoy it.

Remember though, in the first few weeks you can always swap courses if your results enable you to.

Good luck, the jump from GCSE to A Level is hard, but it's worth it.

Answer 2

Hmm. You've got 3 science ones there, so should be fine as an 'academic' in the eyes of universities and employers, whatever else you choose.

I personally would go for Geography, but that is just because I liked it when I did my A Levels. It has a scientific side but also a social one, which may make you appear more 'rounded' to universities. If you want to do medicine (or similar) I'd add maths, but it is a risk because if you have it you may fall behind and end up risking a strong point score for UCAS - an A in Geography (a good, traditional subject) will serve you better than an E in Maths (which might make it look like you didn't choose wisely). If you want to do med/science and CAN gain and A or B in maths, go for it. Anything else, go with Geog.

As I said, it isn't like some mickey-mouse A level, it is a solid, traditional choice and matches your others.

Answer 3

Ideally, if you do not know what you want to do, then you should choose 'Pure' subjects. By this I mean, maths, english and not things like Law or Childcare!

This would then set you up for a basis in whatever you want to do. Maths is by far my best subject, I just got an A a year early for my AS level, however, the though of doing Further Maths as well is really too much. I think you have to have a balance. I don't really think it is good to be doing two maths and two science. After all Universities like to know that you are 'a broad student' capable in the sciences as well as arts.

I would say geography, it will be much lighter, give you a break, and if you enjoy it then why not. I think your other A levels are pretty evenly based, and a humanity will not do you any harm. good luck.

Answer 4

This is an important choice for you.

There are all sorts of A-levels and all sorts of university courses, but don't think for a second that they are all considered equal by universities (and ultimately by employers) .

There was a very interesting article in The Times newspaper explaining that Cambridge university is viewing some A-levels as being less suitable as preparation for their degree courses, and I expect Cambridge is not the only university to think that way.

The following is directly taken from the Cambridge university webpage which I reference for you below... in additon to listing which A-levels to avoid, it says:

"In Year 11? Choosing Your AS and A levels?

Your choice of AS and A level subjects that you make in Year 11 (or equivalent) can have an significant impact on the course options available to you at university.

If you have already decided the course you would like to study at university, we recommend that you take a look at the course requirements above before you finalise your A level choices to check that they will facilitate a Cambridge application. You might also wish to do this for the same course – or similar courses – at other universities.

If you have not yet decided which course you would like to study at university, we recommend that to maximise potential course choice at Cambridge, you select at least two traditional academic subjects among your A levels. Certain A level subjects are considered essential or useful for a number of courses at Cambridge therefore choosing one or more of these will help you keep your higher education options open. These subjects include:
Chemistry
English Literature
History
Mathematics
A modern language
Physics
Other subjects that also facilitate course choice at Cambridge include Further Mathematics and Biology."

Answer 5

Seriously don't bother with further maths. I have a couple of friends who have done it, but universities don't look at it as being a different A-Level to maths...its not harder you see, just more maths! A good friend of mine is at Cambridge doing maths, and I know they don't accept further maths as an A-Level in addition to maths. You'd be better off with a good soild academic subject like geography, chemistry or maybe physics (if you wanted to impress by showing an aptitude for a different type of mathematics). Otherwise something that shows
you to be a good all-rounder, such as a language or a subject requiring excellent written english, will greatly help you in your applications for uni.

But remember, its not just about academic achievement, people in interviews like to see evidence of balancing a well-rounded life (sport, social activities, charity work etc), an A grade in A-Level maths will speak as loudly as further maths to most univeristies and employers.

Now get off the internet and go celebrate your results!

Well done and good luck.

xSx

Answer 6

well i'v jus finishd my AS course and i took Maths, Human Bio, Eng Lit n Geog. It really much harder work than GCSE!!!!!!!!! Geography goes just as well with the subject you hav chosen as further maths as many unis see them as similar 'scientific' subjects. I personally, however would advise you to do geography rather than further maths unless you are sure that you want to study maths at uni. by doing geography, or another subject, you widen your options a bit more.

Good luck hun!!! n let me know what you decide

Answer 7

One thing to bear in mind...some universities consider Maths and Further Maths to be the same, so despite being two subjects, they only consider it to be one. (although I did them both, and didn't have much of a problem)
If you're going to do Maths, Bio and Psych, you might want a 'fun' subject thrown in there, and if you enjoy Geography, then take that as your 'fun' subject.
Good luck with your A-levels - you'll be great!!

Answer 8

You will be the one doing the work, NOT your parents.

I would choose either Geography or English Literature.

If I had my time again I would choose the A-Levels:- Biology, Sociogoly, Geography and English Literature. (Subjects I was good and enjoyed at GCSE).

Answer 9

Not sure what u want to do but chemistry would compliement biology and maths quite well- also geography has loads of C/W and not that interesting.

Answer 10

with those subjects you've chosen you could go on to take a Doctor of Pharmarcy ( discovering new drugs) only other requirement you need is english.