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Original poster

A levels choices for engineering

33 replies

wohmum · 18/02/2016 06:48

My DS is in yr 12 taking maths physics, chemistry and mandarin . He will drop one of these next year.
He is aiming to go to uni to study engineering and will definitely keep physics and maths ( on target for As in both) but veers between dropping either chemistry or mandarin. In reality he is unlikely to use mandarin in a future career, but enjoys it and we feel that it does make him stand out of the crowd a bit. Of course chemistry would be a solid choice, but what do you all reckon would be the best for him to stick with - he's likely to get a B in chemistry and poss an A in mandarin

OP posts:
PinkFondantFancy · 18/02/2016 07:06

Good point thumb witches, why not do 4 alevels? I did, was a pretty normal thing to do 15 years ago

PinkFondantFancy · 18/02/2016 07:05

I'd keep whichever he's most enthusiastic about, I wouldn't have thought uni will care either way unless doing chemical engineering

ThumbWitchesAbroad · 18/02/2016 07:04

Well he's got the important 2 with Maths and Physics - and if the Chinese do take over the world's manufacturing entirely, then Mandarin will stand him in better stead than chemistry!

Personally I'd have kept the chemistry but that's because I loved it (and hated physics, so didn't do it) but was still offered a degree place on a chem eng course because I had the Maths to go with the chemistry. Didn't take it - went another route instead (Food science) so the chemistry was more important for that.

I'd say that chemistry would offer him wider scope in the science degrees if he decides for some reason that he hates engineering; but only if he does actually enjoy it. If he's not fussed then let him do the Mandarin.

As a matter of interest, why can't he keep all 4?

Original poster
wohmum · 18/02/2016 07:02

Oops, ' well done', not 'we'll' done

OP posts:
Original poster
wohmum · 18/02/2016 07:00

Thanks fatowl, we'll done to your dd. what unis is she keen on?

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Original poster
wohmum · 18/02/2016 06:59

He doesn't really know yet - probably not chemical engineering , most likely some sort of mechanical/ automotive/aeronautical.

OP posts:
fatowl · 18/02/2016 06:58

My dd is in y13 and started with maths physics chemistry and Spanish

She has dropped Spanish and had applied to do aeronautical systems engineering.

Offers are coming in, all are insisting she passed Maths and physics, don't seem bothered about the chemistry but she never really considered Spanish for A2

BikeRunSki · 18/02/2016 06:53

What type of engineering is he interested in? This will make a difference to that 3rd A level. I wouldn't dismiss Mandarin though.