Choosing the right A-Level subjects is an exciting yet daunting task for many students. A-Levels are typically studied over a two-year period, and the subjects chosen will have a significant impact on the student's future. This insight explores how the right A-Level subjects should be chosen through thorough research and thought, as it will impact the number of universities and careers that are available to them.
The first step in selecting A-Level subjects for a student should be to consider their interests and passions. If the student has a genuine interest in the subject, they are more likely to enjoy studying it and thus have an increased motivation to revise and work hard. Students should ask themselves questions such as, “Do I prefer the method of mathematical subjects or the creativity and critical thinking involved in the humanities or art?”
It is important for the student to choose subjects that they are genuinely interested in, as targets and objectives will be more easily achievable.
The second step is researching the academic requirements of the universities they are interested in applying to. For example, if a student is interested in pursuing Medicine, it would be wise to choose subjects such as Biology and Chemistry. Similarly, if the student is interested in studying Law, subjects such as History or Politics should be chosen, in addition to A-Level Law. Universities have different requirements for the A-Level subjects they accept for certain courses. To find out more, The Which Universities Guide is a great resource for this, as is the UCAS Course Finder website.
The third step for a student is to consider their future career aspirations. Although it may feel distant at the time, different A-Level subjects do indeed lead to different career paths. An aspiring Nuclear Physicist, for example, would be better placed having studied Physics and Maths, as opposed to History and English. This is not to say that a student cannot be a cross-disciplinarian, rather, that if they have a clear goal from the start, choosing a relevant A-Level certainly sets a strong foundation.
A daunting prospect. However, research the various career paths that are available, speak to professionals already in the industry and reach out to family and friends; perhaps they will be able to impart some wisdom on this decision.
The fourth step is for a student to consider the difficulty of the A-Level subjects they have in mind. Ultimately, students want to place themselves in the strongest position possible when it comes to applying for future study or employment. For example, if a student finds it difficult to read for prolonged periods of time, it would be wise to avoid choosing a subject such as English Literature.
This doesn’t mean don’t challenge yourself; self-improvement is a key part of confidence building. At times, a student must choose a subject they find complex for a course they wish to study at university or to fulfil a specific career goal. If this is the case, it may be wise to enlist the help of a private tutor to private tutor to safeguard success.
In conclusion, choosing the right A-Level subjects is a vital step for students, as it will determine their future career paths and university options. It is advantageous to consider one’s interests and passions, future career aspirations, the academic requirements of universities, and the difficulty level of the subjects. With scrupulous attention and research, students will be able to choose the right A-Level subjects to support their goals and set them on the path to success.
To ensure that you are making the best choices for your A-Level subjects, we recommend seeking guidance from one of Think Tutors’ elite tutors or mentors. We are able to provide clarity and direction when deciding on A-Level subject options. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you are interested in finding a tutor to help you or your child to discuss their options for A-levels or any other inquiry.