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Original poster

AIBU to ask for guidance around DC and A levels with university in mind - I'm clueless

61 replies

Tomorrowtodaynever · 10/09/2026 19:39

I didn't go to university traditionally, I ended up doing it as a mature student and his dad didn't go. I am helping Year 11 DC think about A level choices but with university in mind. Can anyone input?

So, in short: DC is bright and could do well across all subjects, but when it comes to choosing A levels they really can't decide. There are definite Nos - and these are a lot of the traditional subjects. I really want him to keep his options open and go to a good uni, if that can happen. Obviously if it doesn't, that's fine too. But I read that the Russell Group universities tend to favour facilitating vs non facilitating - I grabbed this (there are a few missing but you get the giste). Is this right? Should I be guiding him towards at least two of the facilitating subjects? What matters at A level? What you love to do or what (with one eye on the future) keeps things broad?

Any advice would be really welcome.

OP posts:
AnnaMagnani · 10/09/2026 20:02

What are his absolute Nos? It can be tempting to pick new subjects that you haven't done before without realising they are a lot like the old subjects you were trying to avoid.

parietal · 10/09/2026 20:00

This website
https://www.informedchoices.ac.uk/
Is the official Russel group advice on choosing a levels.

in my opinion, maths is the most useful subject for facilitating university study and any kid who has the ability should aim to do maths. Anything else is a bonus and can be picked by interest.

ChazsBrilliantAttitude · 10/09/2026 19:56

The other pieces of advice I gave my DC was:-

  1. Do a subject you think you will like (but accept that A levels can be quite different from GCSE)
  2. Think about the exam format. One of my DS really didn’t enjoy writing essays much so picking a subject where the exam was likely to be heavily essay based vs shorter questions and problems would have been a mistake
ChazsBrilliantAttitude · 10/09/2026 19:52

Some uni courses will require certain A levels so it’s worth checking if he has certain courses in mind. Most sciences will require chemistry and probably maths or physics. Something like Economics may require maths.

My old subject, Law, doesn’t require specific subjects but there would be an expectation in some universities that you had done some of the more traditional / serious subjects.

CruCru · 10/09/2026 19:52

If he is undecided between two subjects (say), pick the one with the best teacher.

VanCleefArpels · 10/09/2026 19:49

There’s no shame in not knowing what direction he wants to go in even before he takes his GCSE’s. This year may solidify his likes/dislikes: he may surprise himself compared to his views now.

Also bear in mind there may be new subjects available at A level: psychology, sociology, economics, politics, media are often only taught at A level. Worth perhaps doing some research on these and any others he may not have considered.

But the very best advice in the absence of any vocational ambitions which naturally dictate the choice of A levels, is to go with the subjects he is likely to get the best grade in- this will keep options open. Including at least one essay based subject will be good preparation for most uni courses.

TeenLifeMum · 10/09/2026 19:49

What degree area is he looking at reading? That’s the best starting point. I personally wouldn’t get too hung up on Russell group unless you’re looking at finance or top law. It’s more important to choose the best course imo.

Ralstan · 10/09/2026 19:48

He'd be best speakign with his teachers and careers advisers at school

AmberSpy · 10/09/2026 19:48

Ok, what are the A Levels he's considering, and which has he rejected? What are his academic strengths and weaknesses? In general I would say he's best doing three subjects he's likely to get the best possible grades in.

Original poster
Tomorrowtodaynever · 10/09/2026 19:46

No. He has no idea of career at all.

OP posts:
AmberSpy · 10/09/2026 19:40

Does he have any idea what career he wants to pursue?

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