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key studies at A level

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lprenrut | 21:06 Mon 21st Nov 2005 | Jobs & Education
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what are key subjects to take at A Level that would look good when applying for uni? which subjects do uni's generally look for?
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It all depends on what you want to study - if it is medicine, for example, there are certain A levels that you should study (Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Maths for example).


If you don't have a clear degree subject that you want to study at uni, I'd go for those subjects that interest you and you enjoy. After all, you'll be studying them for 5 hours a week in school and a similar amount out of school for each AS level. Have a close look at what Psychology AS level offers, as you are unlikely to have experience of that through your GCSE courses.

You should think of a few degree subjects that interest you and then have a look at the degree guides in the library to see what A-levels would be needed.


If you are bright and want to go to a 'good' university try and stick to respected subjects. A friend of mine applied to Cambridge and they were unimpressed with her Sociology A-level as they regarded it as a 'soft' A-level.


You need to strike a balance between what you enjoy and what will be useful to you.

Think about what you want to do after. If that doesn't help, you can't go wrong with some sort of Maths, a foreign language, a science (or a social science) and maybe an art (English, History, etc.).

The subjects don't matter- it's the grades that count!! So go for the subjects you think you are most likely to get good grades in.


I did Art, English, RE and Music- all arty subjects cos that's my thing! I got AACD. My sister took sciences, not because she was that good at them, but because she wanted to prove a point (?) and got Ds and Es. Hence, I found it easier to get into Uni than she did, and I had more choice of where to go.

Just remember that General Studies will be a "bonus" subject and most universities won't be interested.


You might like to consider modular A Levels - to spread the pressure through the year. Because economics and german were modular, I managed As in both, but dropped to a B in politics. Interestingly (well, it's interesting to me!) I got into Manchester to read law on the strength of my A at general studies (although this was only cos my politics was awaiting a remark!).


So you might like to consider the coursework/module/exam balance, as well as all the excellent advice above.


Either way - remember that you only want to do this once, but that two years is quite a long time, so the most important advice given above (I think) was - pick subject that you like, and that you'll do well in! :-)

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