Choices

[Rob_Bob]

As well as Biology and Chemistry, which of these A-levels is more useful for applying to and studying Medicine at University: Physics,
or Maths?

Thanks,

Rob =)

[KebabMeister]

Maths would be more useful as a more all round subject.  Maths has and always be a very important subject.

Physics being a science subject would be useful but perhaps not in medicine.  Although I'd personally prefer Physics I think Maths would be more beneficial to you (but not necessarily medicine!).  Phew, did that make sense?!

[OBonio]

Yes, Maths over Physics for medicine.  A friend of mine HAD to do Maths A-Level in order to get into the school of medicine he wanted to go to.

[SylvieD]

If you know where you would like to study, why not check their prospectus as this sometimes contains preferred subject information.  However, if either is suitable then I'd go for Maths as medicine is very difficult to get in to and not for everyone once you are there so Maths probably broadens your options should you wish to change career path. 

[ursula62]

Med School is very tough to get into. They don't just judge you on which subjects you study and what grades you get. They are looking for people with well rounded interests.

 

You would do well to do some voluntary work with a respected organisation, e.g. St John Ambulance, Scouts, Guides, local hospital, or be a member of a drama group, choir or local society of some sort. 

 

Be warned... If you say at interview that you have given up hobbies to concentrate on your exams you don't have much chance of being offered a place!

[Dom Tuk]

Medical Physics is a important branch in medicine and there is always a shortage of researchers in that field. It will be useful if you intend to devote some time in your career to developing instruments and researching their use. It is a very specialised field.However having said that Biologists are very weak mathematicians and there is defintely a need to have a proper grounding in Maths.

[Gef]

Dom Tuck said " Biologists are very weak Mathematicians". What a load of rubbish. Also.doctors do not need to be good at A level Maths. Surely you have checked the entrance requirements.

[fishsnatcher]

Hi rob,

I applied to medicine having done A level Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Maths. The people I met at med school had a whole array of different A levels, I even knoew some that hadn't studied Biology and still qualified!

The most important thing from my experience is attitude, personality, ambition and intelligence not what subjects you may have A levels in.

Just take whichever you think you'll get the best grade in as you're gonna need straight A's to even get an interview anywhere.

Maths is easy if you can do sums and your brain works in that kind of way.

Physics requires more work and thinking but is a hell of a lot more interesting.

 

Good luck!