HELP! Are 5 A-Levels too much? Or not?

Question

Decisions, decisions, decisions! What do I choose for my AS / A2 subjects?

Right. I have a serious dilemma here. I am in love with 5 subjects, and couldn't bar to only do 4 at sixth form. I work hard, and am seemingly a 'natural' at just about any subject. I want to do five subjects, but is it too much?

I have my (mock) GCSE results below, as well as my reasons for choosing each subject...

I do dual science, but my results were:
Core Biology 91% = A*
Core Chemistry 87% = A*
Core Physics 93% = A*

Additional Biology 91% = A*
Additional Chemistry 91% = A*
Additional Physics 82% = A*

English literature 97% = A*
English language 95% = A*

Geography 85% = A*

Maths 96% = A*

Product design 95% = A*

Russian 91% = A*

Art 87% = A

Career-wise, I am 100% uncertain. I was mildly pushed into medicine by one half of the family, but my parents are happy with whatever I choose (medicine isn't an option anyway, no Chemistry is present!). I probably want to go somewhere sciencey-environmental perhaps-ish.

Well, the subjects i would love to do are
Biology,
Physics,
Geography,
Maths, and
English.

Maths is enjoyable, it ties in with Physics nicely (mechanics) and the logic & proofs side of thinking is a different, useful approach.

Physics is rather fun too (!), I enjoy the theory/practical style of learning, and the logical side of it is simply superb. I have also been told it is rather valued at Degree level.

Biology is just amazing too, the practical dissection is gruesomely fun, and it links in with Geography well.

Geography has always been great, the physical side of it too, and I am somewhat interested in the Environment, so this is clearly related to the waves of sustainability that Geography basks in. The aforementioned link with Biology is strong too!

English (Literature). Now this is the wild one. I have submitted the rest, so I have places in them, but this is the one that i have realised I would miss immensely. The essay-writing is missing from the other subjects, and I am a ravenous reader. I have also enjoyed the deep analysis at GCSE level, and my teacher (unofficially) said my responses were already A2 standard. (*blush*)

This is my dilemma. Four or five?

If you have had the phenomenal patience to actually read to the end of this, THANK YOU! Any replies will get a thumbs-up anyhoo.
If there is anyone out there who was wise/foolish enough to take 5 A levels too, I would greatly appreciate your advice.

Answer 1

You sound like a very dedicated, capable and willing person. Its not uncommon for people to take 5 AS subjects, and I would be surprised if a teacher did not recommend it considering your GCSE grades.



I took the wrong subjects, mainly because they were useful for where I thought I was heading in my future career. You on the other hand have an interest in all your subjects. Therefore, you will be willing to work at them. You will find that the maths/physics overlap useful, and I tell you now that maths is so much more enjoyable than at GCSE. It's also more challenging, which is to be expected, but if you're able to sit down and do the extra work then it is a lot more satisfactory than others.



I would say take 5. You will know by around christmas time if you can handle it, and you can always drop one. If you have a scientific flair then you won't need to put much work in, either; science is incredibly easy in terms of the work load. However, you are expected to do your own work to make sure you get the grades. It's unlikely they'll set a lot of work, but if you put as much effort in as you should then it can require work.



In my opinion, physics will be easy to get. Once you know the basics, you'll just need to apply it; how long it takes you depends on how much work you do at the beginning of the year!



Your 4 primary subjects are definitely not demanding compared to other subjects. Maths is the only exception really. Throwing literature in there will make your academic study more interesting (having a mix) and gives you an option to fall back on; you might decide on a totally different career path.

Answer 2

Firstly, it's absolutely FINE to feel like that and taking 5 AS levels is not uncommon either... Just a lot of hard work.

And you are pretty much prepared to do anything. Although if you are serious about doing Medicine then Chemistry is a must, It's sad but a lot of Unis do prefer Chemistry over any other sciences when it comes to Medicines and Dentistry. Also taking Chemistry puts you in good ground for almost ANY career you wish to pursue most degrees you want to apply for. It's hard but if you can even do it to AS then it'd put you at an advantage for definite.

Once you have Biology and Chemistry then you can choose any other subjects you like. You do not necessary need Physics to do Medicines but if you enjoy it, why not? I did notice you only did dual science at GCSE instead of Triple, it's worth noting that you might have missed out on a little bit of the Science courses at first...But it's only minor details and you can quite easily catch up I'm sure.



In terms of English, it's absolutely amazing and rewarding. It's a well valued A Level and it shows strong analytic skills and critical mind if you do well it in. ( Which I'm sure you will do.) Plus you get to read in your spare time and call it homework- It' not all bad huh .. ;) In terms of coursework, it's actually not that big of a deal unlike GCSEs. It's your exam that really counts.



Lastly, Maths is a great A level to have but don't forget you don't just do core maths... you have the apply to deal with. If you do Mechanics it's probably even worse than Core itself I find, maybe I'm just not that big of a fan of physics.



And yes yes yes, I know you tire of everyone saying this to you but honestly, A Levels are hectic and you will be under a lot of stress. It's not like GCSEs where you walk in without revising and you will still pass. You do that at A Level and you will fail. No pressure then... ;)



If you're reading this until the end then based on your grades I would recommend you try and take five to start with, don't worry if you fail to cope; you can always drop one if you struggle too much can't you? Best of luck. xx

Answer 3

Although some people do take 5 a levels, all of yours are very traditional rigorous studies. Although these are all excellent ones for getting you into uni, this also means that they are very hard and there is a lot of work involved. It might be different if you were taking say business studies, something easier like that, but i do think with your options it would be a lot of hard work. You won't have any free periods and your school work will basically take over your life, having said that you seem to really enjoy the subjects, so if you really believe you can and really want to, i'd say go for it for now and then see how things go to begin with, as you can always swap a levels within the first couple of weeks. If you still choose to carry on after that, you can always drop one or two along the way, but i do think you are told to take four a levels for a reason. Just my opinion though, do whatever makes you happy :) xxxxxxxx

Answer 4

I was at college a few years back, and just about coped with my schedule of three A levels, and personally would not do anymore than that. At a push, I would have done maybe four, but five may be a bit too far. You need to consider time management and how you will fit in the lessons as well as the course work and all the deadlines!

Answer 5

I'm on level 2 but today I will be on 3!! I'm mostly on Polls and Surveys but I also like to be in Religion and Spirituality. I have about 25 stars.

Answer 6

I wouldn't do any more than 3, the amount of work that has to be done is unbelieable, and on top of it you would have to do 2 projects which take up a lot of time. You will have no study periods. I think you'd be signing a death sentence.