#successhelp

1. Pick Based on University Requirements

This is a no brainer. 

If you’re already set on what you want to study at university, whether in the UK or elsewhere, go through the A level pre-requisites (or if they don’t have any, map out what that program wants from your studies).

Write down your top 3-5 universities, and go through each of their requirements.

 UK Example: Oxford, PPE

Maths, History and AAA

Since you’d need at least triple As, or, since it’s Oxford four As, I’d recommend additionally choosing subjects such as GPR, Economics, Law, and English Literature.

US Example: Yale, Environmental Engineering 

No Specific Highschool Requirement

For highly competitive US universities I’d recommend you take 4 (or 3 A2 and 1 AS they’re a bit more forgiving that way) unless that is you’re choosing the SAT route and opting out of A-levels. 

Essentially, for this program example, I suggest choosing subjects such as Environmental Management (AS), Biology, Maths, Further Maths, GPR, Chemistry, Physics.

US Universities are much more fluid to your subject combinations, so as long as your studies can be applied to your program, don’t sweat the choice!

I’ll give more tips on applying to US Universities via A-levels in another blog.

Singapore Example: Business Administration

Higher Level Pass in Maths 

Because Singapore A-levels are more difficult than their UK counterparts, for this, I STRONGLY RECOMMEND that you take 4 subjects. 

Maths, Further Maths, Accounting, Economics, GPR, Business.

2. Picking under Restricted Conditions

Slightly more tricky this one.

But to manage it, once again, go through the pre-requisites of your universities.

For the UK:

There are going to be three categories of suggestions, ESSENTIAL, RECOMMENDED, and HELPFUL. 

Universities will know what subjects are available at your school, so it’s alright if you miss some recommended and helpful suggestions. 

ESSENTIAL subjects are most important, however, if your school does not provide the subject that is essential to your program of study (which is really unlikely), email the university admissions and explain your situation. 

For the program itself, make sure you complete the entrance requirements, whether that be AAA or A*A*A, GET THE GRADES.

So again, Oxford, PPE.

Choose Maths, GPR, Economics/Accounting/Business, English Langauge.

For the US:

US Universities are very lenient with your combination since a program of study is only set once you “announce” your major at the university itself. 

They focus more on the level of difficulty you are taking your subjects, which is why I’d recommend taking 4 subjects, all A2 or mostly A2. 

Yale, Environmental Engineering.

Choose Biology, Chemistry, Maths, GPR, Physics.