key studies at A level

[lprenrut]

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?

[Gnu]

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.

[Hermia]

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.

[c00ky83]

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.).

[Scarlett]

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.

[january_bug]

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! :-)