Divya
Which A-levels should I choose for medicine?
My GCSEs are almost done with and I have to choose my A-levels soon. I've already decided on taking biology and chemistry for my first two options, and maybe psychology as a third option because I think it's related to medicine and can help me. My fourth option is giving me quite a bit of a headache as I can't choose between physics, English and history. I'm quite good at English and perform very well, and while History is tough it is enjoyable. However, I've researched online and most websites say that universities prefer physics or maths alongside biology and chemistry, and this is a dilemma because I don't really enjoy doing physics. Certain universities also prefer a humanities subject or an essay subject to show how well rounded the applicant is, and I really don't know which subject universities would like more. Any thoughts on the subject I should pick? Or any advice about university in general? #GCSEs #Alevels #medicine #undergraduate #physics #english #history #science #surgeon #premed
3 answers
Vinisha Kailash
Vinisha’s Answer
Reading your post almost takes me back to 2015 when I was in the same boat as you. I was applying to study premed in the US and I absolutely hated physics.
I adopted a similar strategy to you where in I chose biology and chemistry and business studies (to seem more well rounded). For my fourth option I chose Math because I found my strength to be in numbers.
From purely a university application process, physics or math is the better option. If you hate physics, maybe consider math? It is not terribly hard.
However, if you believe you will not be able to give your 100% to either of the two subjects, definitely go with history or english. I know university applications do prioritize a humanities.
Another aspect you may want to consider is credits. If you are planning on going to the United States for further studies, you get credits for several A-levels, which means you will be able to skip the beginner level classes. As per my knowledge you do not get credit for english but you can get it for history, maths or physics (and even biology and chemistry).
Whatever you do end up choosing ensure it doesn't add to your stress level because a big part of successfully attempting your A-levels is managing your stress.
Thank you so much for your answer! I don't think I'll be applying to the United States but I'm not ruling it out. I'm not great at either physics or maths, so I'm thinking of steering clear of both of them. I think I'm going to take psychology as my third option, and while I would like to take history as my fourth, I'm beginning to think what I've chosen looks like a lot of work, so I might go with English, although that brings up the question on how much universities would like that. I'm in a very confused state right now, sorry for the rant!
Divya
Tejaswini P
Tejaswini’s Answer
From what I know, most universities prefer having Maths, Chemistry and Physics as main with Biology as sub for A levels. I am not sure about Psychology as the main, so you might have high chances there as well.
Wishing you good luck!
Khushi D
Khushi’s Answer
A-Levels can be hard so I would recommend taking subjects you are good at and enjoy - it makes them much more enjoyable when it gets tough! Your third option of psychology is good - it has some similar content to biology and it will aid you in the future with your medical studies. As for your fourth, if you don't enjoy physics don't take it. It's handy to take an essay subject and it's a good skill to have as you'll have to write up essays later through university. Between English and History take the one in which you perform better - in this case it sounds like English.
Unis for medicine only tend to require biology and chemistry as most of the course content is based on these subject, so for your other choices take what you enjoy and what you perform best in. Hope this helped :)
-K
thank you so much! i needed to hear this :)
Divya