i know it's not the done thing

Maths, physics and chemistry are perfect for keeping most science options open, and art is notorious for being a massive amount of work so dropping it might make sense.

Well done, OP, and OP's daughter!

Doing 3 A levels in yr 12 is ok if the student knows what they want to do and has picked the right subjects. There's also a bit of a risk if one of them turns out to be too big a step up from A level. So starting 4 but dropping one as plans firm up and maybe after yr 12 exams (if no AS) may still be wise for some.

Does your DD know what she wants to do, and what subjects is she doing?

And congratulations on her achievements to date!

Huge congrats to your DD and well done to you for obviously giving her the balance of support and encouragement. Must have been tough for all concerned.
What As is she doing? Is she coping so far? I thought the whole idea of doing 4 A levels had been dropped? Some schools used to offer General Studies as a 4th but most Unis actually don't count it!! Maybe people can advise which one of her 4, depending on her career thoughts, would be best to drop?

Hi Nimble

A massive well done to your DD on her results! You must be incredibly proud, and rightly so!

Bojororo and Crumbs are right, universities wouldn't look unfavorably on three A levels as opposed to four, especially if they're relevant A levels with good grades. If she's wanting to go on to university it might be useful to check course requirements for institutions she's interested in as some courses don't accept subjects such as general studies when they make an offer.

How is your DD doing now? Has she settled into her studies? It's worrying that you mention she self harms. Has she had and treatment for this? Do school/college offer any support, even with a CAMHS outreach worker?

I meant to add that if you can point out to the school that the university courses she likes require three A levels and are not bothered with four in Y12, then you are in a strong position to argue that she should reduce to three now. Just make sure it is the correct three!

Lots of universities have open days in June and y12 is when you start to look because young people apply from October in Y13. The actual format of the open days may not be on the university web sites yet, but you normally have to book your place, so it is worth thinking about courses and where they are offered now so you have a short list to book and visit. There are also more open days in September.

I would argue very strongly that 3 is fine. Lots of schools are only doing 3 now, especially if they are linear format with all the exams in y13. Therefore look at what she may want to study and make sure she continues the correct A levels to make a strong application. Three higher grade A levels is much better than four lower grade ones. (No university wants four anyway although a few may if she is doing Maths and Further Maths). With AS levels in y12, some universities wanted four, but this is being phased out. Your school may still think four subjects in Y12 is vital, but it's not. Her health is more important. Has she any idea what she might like to do after school?

Bojorojo is right. Universities prefer three good As to four weaker ones. Unless she is looking to really competitive courses ( assume not if not got straight As ) then she might want to focus on doing really well,at the three best subjects.

IT is perfectly acceptable to do 3 A levels these days. Therefore don't push four if it is too much. Also if it wasn't all A*s and As at GCSE and she had to work really hard to get them, A levels will be hard work so just keep supporting her and start talking about what she might like to do when she leaves school. If if is university, start looking at Open Day dates for universities this summer and courses she may be interested in. Ditto if it is the local college, or an apprenticeship.

My DD got excellent GCSEs but made herself ill over A levels so underachieved. It worked out OK in the end, but it was difficult at the time. It has made no difference to her career at all, so keep a level head, help her through any difficulties and be realistic.

Congratulations you must be proud.

She has done very well and she should feel very proud of her achievements ( as should you ). I prefer a real boast as opposed to a stealth boast

I think that is a real (and very mature) achievement - to challenge and exceed the expectations of others and to put in the work to achieve something more. Many congratulations to your daughter.

Congratulations, you must feel on top of the world.

How lovely..... Hope she soaks up every bit of your pride in her.

Very well done to your dd :)

Well Done to your daughter. Hope you and she have a lovely celebratory evening.

Well done to your DD. It's lovely to see how proud you are. It would be a sad world if that couldn't be shared and celebrated.

Well done your DD, lovely to hear of hard work paying off.

Her teachers will be delighted with her too.

Well done to your DD. Enjoy

I boast away here and to a lesser extent on FB as I'm divorced and my parents are both dead. It's nice to have someone cheer for you!

It sounds like your DD deservedly did well by putting in the effort. Well done! You'll get further in this life by working hard than just by being clever.