To suggest he takes another year.

[Pippyls67]

Ds is year 13 and doing 3 a levels. He’s sure he won’t get grades he needs for course he wants at Uni as is now really struggling with one A level. It’s a particularly technical one which he had no appreciation would be so difficult for him. He curses every day he didn’t take Government and politics. It’s actually a real interest of his. He wants to study sociology at Uni. Should he ditch the tricky technical A level as he’s forecast a C and concentrate on getting good grades in the other two. Then can he take Gov Pol in a year somewhere - I’m wondering. Does anyone know what Russell group Unis think of this kind of thing? Will they give him the same kind of offer he would have originally had with his original three subjects? Has anyones Dc done this with their A levels? Any advice or info would be extremely welcome.

Am I missing something? I thought a C was a good grade? Seems a waste to ditch it now.

I agree I would not resit if he is on track for a C, however it really depends on where he wants to go. I would get him to apply now anyway and see what offers he gets and then make a decision on results day. DS has just had an offer 1 grade below for all subjects than the published grades from a uni so worth trying.

A C is a complete respectable grade.

C is respectable but I did something similar. Did 2 years struggling with one of them, then went to the local college to take another one in one year. If it's a subject he loves doing it in one year is doable.

Actually it was the making of me and decided my career path.

There must be sociology courses available for grade c and above especially if the subject is unrelated. There is a website where you can check actual entry grades rather than standard offer for last intake. Some unis won't accept an extra subject taken in a separate sitting and funding may be an issue for part-time study.

I would persevere with the 3 A level he's currently doing and put in a UCAS application regardless. Then see what offers he gets and what happens on results day.

I had a student in a similar situation last year. He did 2 humanities subjects, plus a STEM subject which he struggled with. Ended up with grades BBD and is now at a Russell group uni where the standard offer for his subject (humanities) is AAB. So you never know!

I have very specific thoughts and insights, OP. I've PMed you.

C is perfectly respectable, but if he's struggling with the technical aspects, can you find a uni student/past student from the school to help with tutoring that topic over the school holidays - still plenty of time till the exam.

A very big thankyou to you guys for answering. It gave us some sensible perspective. He’s going to persevere and do the best he can. You never know. It might still come right in the end. Thanks again.