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Original poster

How important is maths for the most competitive university subjects?

82 replies

darkside · 15/05/2011 08:57

My daughter wants to apply to university to study medicine. She is studying 3 sciences and one essay subject but not maths. She has several As at GSCE, her other subjects are A grades. Her A level targets are A, the school doesn't give A targets until after AS results.

How difficult would it be to get into medical school without maths at a higher level than A grade GSCE? Would dropping the essay subject to study AS maths be sensible?

OP posts:
CaptainBarnacles · 15/05/2011 20:07

On the A issue, it might depend on her school a bit. I would be Hmm about a pupil from a really high-achieving school 'only' getting 2 As, but would be much less bothered if they had gone to a bog-standard school, where strings of A*s are not the norm.

I am an academic in a very selective department, but not in medicine. What we go on most is the personal statement and evidence of engagement with the subject outside the A-Level curriculum.

darleneoconnor · 15/05/2011 20:06

Everyone I knew at medical school had A level maths and the 3 sciences.

I think she will be at a disadvantage without it tbh.

Jonnyfan · 15/05/2011 20:00

I'm sure she already knows that Chemistry is THE essential A level. Many top unis look at the number of A* grades at GCSE, with candidates having eight or nine not making the grade. Seek advice from her preferred Medical Schools before deciding, I think! Good luck!

Yellowstone · 15/05/2011 09:46

Maths is bound to be viewed very well, but it's not a requirement for medicine. Physics and chemistry require inductive thinking too. An essay subject can add considerable value of its own, quite apart from demonstrating breadth. She should do whichever subject interests her most and which she'll enjoy the most, since she's got all the key ones with her sciences.

Ilythia · 15/05/2011 09:29

jesus wept. I can spell, and compose a coherent sentence, I promise. It's earlyGrin

Ilythia · 15/05/2011 09:17

I can onyl speak from my experience (as a matsh teacher) but afaik maths is viewed very well if taken at A level, even if not necessarily needed for the degree course as it takes a lot of work. It is a hard a level but shows persistance, logical mind and ability to study.
Other than that I am not sure so will hang on for others with better advice!
Maybe try calling universities and asking? Might be worth a try..

Yellowstone · 15/05/2011 09:16

Maths isn't of particular relevance. DS1 is doing Biology, Chemistry, Physics and History and applying for medicine this year. The omission of maths has never been raised as an issue. Lots of medics don't have all three sciences even.