A levels vs BTECs

[lcrabt21]

Hi all,
My daughter has just started sixth form on 4 subjects: chemistry, biology, psychology and applied general business (this is the BTEC). She needs to drop down to 3 soon but it is causing her a lot of anxiety. She really hopes to study psychology at university and this is why she chose biology and psychology. She isn’t enjoying chemistry as it is causing her to stress out a lot and is predicted to do quite well in the BTEC but I am sceptical that she will be able to get into a psychology course with a BTEC in business. She hopes to go to a good university (such as a Russel group - but it depends on how prestigious) and so is worried taking a BTEC will hinder her chances, even though most universities supposedly accept them. Has anyone got any advice for her?

In that case now's the time to start looking at the courses she wants to study at the Uni's she wants to go to. Look at their admissions criteria and work out for herself if the BTEC is going to hinder her - it shouldn't though especially as she is doing an a-level in the subject she wants to study. She can work out what she needs to do once she knows.

She should contact admissions tutors for potential courses and ask their advice.

You need to look at exact courses that may be of interest.

Many, many schools will not offer psychology A level so that will never be a requirement but if she's enjoying the course then great.

Don't get too hung up on RG universities. Russell Group is just a group who got together to address concerns about research funding. Look at the courses that appeal to your dd in conjunction with other factors such as rankings. For example Bath is rated 2nd in the CUG league tables for psychology but isn't Russell Group. Look at things like grade requirements and BPS recognition along with the way the course is taught and graduate outcomes.

(Bath incidentally do accept a Distinction in a Btec subject accompanied by A* A in A levels)