Which A levels would be the most impressive to have when applying for university?

Question

Obviously it depends on the course you are applying for but which do you think would make you look best?

Yeah I mean I would like to go into journalism so I was thinking definitely English Lit. and then probably History too. For the other two although I know that they are not really relevant to journalism I was considering Maths and Physics amongst other things.

Answer 1

Latin would be impressive if you're doing a language course or any course really. It would show that you're not affraid of seriously hard work.

For any science or engineering course, maths is essential. It would also be impressive for a business/finance course due to the use of statistics. ICT would be good for a science course. Physics is good as the basis of any of the other hard (not soft) sciences, such as chemistry.

English language and English literature for a media career.

Answer 2

Depends on what you are going to study at university. A Medical
Doctor, chemistry and biology. A science degree, Maths, Applied
Maths and Physics. A School teacher English literature, French
and English, the same would be best for journalism adding History
instead of French.

You need at least two uppers, "A" levels but three is better.

Answer 3

I can't think that English Literature would be much help with journalism, far too stuffy it would bore me to tears. English Language yes (do they do this at A level?), then Maths -always a good standby, and Media Studies or Photography. I would throw in Geography for good measure - it will mean a lot of writing/essays, but thats what journalism is all about, isn't it?

Answer 4

NEWER ANSWER; Now you need to think of what area of journalism you want to work in, science correspondant (IT sciences), current affairs (politics, economics etc..), gardening (biology ?) and so on. Give youself the best angle possible. Ideally you want to work in a field you are passionate about.


you might be clever and get all As in your A level, but you need a common sense course. They would be most impressed by good grades in those most relevant to the subject. if you want to break a trend do 3 sciences and maths (pure and stats).

Answer 5

As you suggest, it depends on what you want to do, but the core subjects (English, maths and science) still have the greatest prestige and the widest application to the most possible degrees. Other more periphery subjects (history, music, foreign languages, media studies etc.) are often perceived to be - rightly or wrongly - less applicable to the real-world, or vaguer, or subjects that were chosen for ease.

Answer 6

Ethics & Philosophy. At least then you can talk for a long period of time, about absolutely nothing...

On a more serious note; a competent Philosophical mind is actually a very good skill to have. It shows you can think outside the box.

Answer 7

Try and have at least three As levels when applying for Univeristies. Make sure you have a Science subject in one of these As levels

Answer 8

As you state, depends on the course!
German, french and Spanish ain't going to help if you wanna be a dentist anymore than Biology, chemistry and human biology would help if you wanna be a linguist!

Answer 9

maths and english to keep your bases covered then a specialist course to show willingness to learn a subject , preferably one you are interested in or relevant to what you are applying for

Answer 10

Law is a very useful subject for wannabe journalists.