Dropping a subject after AS results

[Whatnowfgs]

Dd has just got her AS results.

She needs to drop the subject she got a U in but how does she replace this with something that she can do in one year.

I don't think Fast track A level is a good idea. She is dyslexic and is already finding it tough.

She has a Btec extended Certificate in Applied science at M from last year (before she started A levels) but one of her A levels is Biology. I am assuming University Admissions would consider these too similar to count both.

She doesn't know what she wants to do yet but it's likely to be science related.

She might be able to get enough UCAS points with two A Levels, depending on which universities she's looking at. And the universities that go by UCAS points instead of grades might also be willing to count the BTEC. It's probably worth contacting a few universities to check?

What A levels is she doing? If you're somewhere that still does AS/A2, might doing an AS in a different subject boost her ucas points/spread of subjects enough?

Thanks, yes an additional AS could be an option.

She is doing Psychology and Biology. Dropping Chemistry.

Advice from School is to take another year. She really doesn't want to.

Hi OP, I guess it also depends what she might want to study? My DD has just finished and did hers over 4 years because she dropped history and picked it biology - she developed an interest in science partway through. She also did the applied science BTEC in a year. She’s got a place to do neuroscience and in looking into that, I noticed chemistry goes along with biology for lots of courses. But maybe that’s not helpful if she is struggling with chemistry?

what is college suggesting she should do with the extra year? Do they mean pick up a new A level now and do it over two years - which would mean her spending another year? If so, does she need to do something alongside that A level for the last year? That’s when my DD did the BTEC as college wouldn’t let her just study one subject.

saying all that, if she doesn’t want to do another year, it will be hard for her to be motivated.

Sorry that should have been my DD did A levels over 3 years, not 4…4 is a long time!!

Yes I think that's the problem 4 years is along time. She spent first year doing Applied Science BTec then decided she wanted to try Pyschology and started A levels so she will have done 3 years even with out an extra year.

My ds did Core maths in a year but it's a level 3 qualification so the equivalent of an AS which might not be helpful.

I second core maths - works very well with the Maths needed for Biol and Psychology

@Whatnowfgs Why did she just do the BTec? I think some unis take that with two A levels so you need to look at what be available. She seems to be making poor choices in terms of subjects and exams so who is giving advice? Seems a bit odd and, I agree, 4 years when other dc take 2 is too long. So leave it at 3. If a degree isn’t on (not so many offer on UCAS points) then look at a Diploma. She just might be someone who needs longer to get qualifications. Or a level 3 apprenticeship.

She started the Btec and struggled with planning for the assignments. She had a mentor due to Dyslexia and other learning needs but she didn't find that helpful.

She decided to change to A levels as she does ok in exams with allowances for spelling and grammar marks. She then got long covid and lost focus on the Chemistry.

There are foundation year degrees available in some of the degree subjects she is considering but she has no clear idea of which degree.

I think with these subjects her degree choice would need to be specific and her personal statement relevant to it for her to get offers.

Currently thinking two really good grades in the two A2 subjects and a foundation degree.

From what I looked at with my DD, that sounds a pretty sensible idea. obviously extra cost but could build her confidence.

Currently thinking two really good grades in the two A2 subjects and a foundation degree.

Sounds like a plan, though may be worth thinking about the core maths or AS maths as well perhaps. Not my areas but I'd think both biology and psychology degrees will involve some stats/data analysis.

Is the BTec worth anything for uni entrance? A foundation might work but some will want 3 A levels. I would not discount HND as a stepping stone to a degree.

The Btec is worth 32 Ucas points equivalent to A level grade c.