STEM A Levels

[RememberDecember]

DS trying to decide on A level selection, at this point I think it is about keeping future options open eg medicine, engineering. He definitely wants to do Maths, FM, Chemistry then trying to decide between Physics and Biology. Prob leaning towards Physics.

Any thoughts on what he would be narrowing down degree wise if he dropped either of these? I think you need Chemistry for Medicine but not necessarily Biology, although they prefer? And opposite with Physics for engineering?!

Other considerations are EPQ and AS language but I think 4 A Levels sounds a lot already! School are keen for them to do EPQ alongside 4 A Levels, but I think he will find this hard as written subjects not his strength.

DP and I did humanities so no clue on these subjects! Thank you.

He should absolutely do further maths. Not doing further maths will exclude him from competitive engineering degrees. No idea why people are claiming this opposite. He should sack off biology as not doing that does not exclude him from any medicine degrees.

If they are undecided between medicine and engineering, start with four. If he has to he can drop the one he likes least.

Maths FM and Chemistry, and yes chemistry is the subject med schools normally want to see, is not a great combination. Many are looking for two lab subjects, and also like maths.

FM is useful for engineering, as is physics. Universities cannot insist on FM, but if his school offers it is a disadvantage not to take it.

If he is a talented mathematician Maths and FM are not as onerous as two humanities A levels and there is quite a lot of overlap with physics.

The mix that gives best flexibility is Maths, FM, Physics and Chemistry.

DD was similarly undecided and took more than three A levels. She studied medicine but was able to intercalate in biomedical engineering at Imperial and, had she wanted, could have swapped tracks at this point.

Thanks all, I think Maths, FM, Chem and Physics are the most likely choice for him, will see about the EpQ, I don’t really want him having additional workload but school seem keen for all students to start it.