A-Level choices

A-Level choices?

August 20, 2023

Research from Which? University has shown almost 30% of university applicants wished they had chosen different A-level subjects, while just over 40% wished they had thought more about what subjects might help them get into university.

GCSE results day is coming up next week, and for a large number of students, this will be the day that they confirm their A-Level choices.

Even though choices might have been made and the form was submitted a few months ago, there is still room for change.

As a teacher, it is heart-breaking when, at the end of year 12, students start thinking about their UCAS application and realise they can't follow their dream because they have made the wrong subject choices at A-Level. Some students end up pursuing different paths; some students end up doing another A-level in 'year 14.'

Some students make the wrong choices because they never get any advice or because they aren't sure what the requirement for university is.

There are still many options at this point (and generally until October half-term). Here’s some top tips from me:

~ If you know what you want to study at university, look at the entry requirements and check that the A-Levels you are chosen are suitable.

~ Talk to your teachers or your tutor if you want to change your course. They will be the ones who decide to let you on to the course or not. Lots of them will be around on results day for you to talk to them and tell them why you want to change subjects.

~ If you start a course and realise it's not for you, then talk to your teachers as soon as possible. Most students begin to feel a bit overwhelmed at some point at the start of year 12, this is totally normal! But if you think you could be happier doing a different course, have the chat.