Sixth form decisions - is Core Maths useful, or an EPQ?

[Mafaldaweasley]

My dd is in year 11, and deciding between 2 sixth form options - one is her school sixth form, the other a large sixth form college, which has a very good reputation. Both are probably good options to be honest, and A level results look similar. There are pros and cons to both, and she is quite torn at the moment, but I have said to wait until she can attend the bridging day for the large sixth form as this will give her more of a feel, and also she does not actually have to make a decision until results day.

She is planning to study A levels in biology, chemistry and psychology. She is not sure about an EPQ but think she is considering as she thinks this might lead to lower offers at some universities if she does well. I am a bit more concerned that an EPQ will leave her less time for her A level work so she might not do as well, but guess we have time to think about this. She is interested in a career in a medical/ science field.

She has the option to take Core Maths at the large sixth form but not at her school sixth form. She is working around a 7 in GCSE maths (8s and 9s for sciences) and doesn't want to take A level (which I think she would struggle with). I just wondered to what extent people have found core maths useful, firstly in terms of coping with the maths content of the subjects she has chosen, and if it is something considered an advantage on university application (I suspect not for the latter, but might be useful adjunct for her other subjects)? Also, would core maths and an EPQ be considered too much?
Any opinions welcome - TIA

@Mafaldaweasley not all universities reduce grades for A in EPQ. So double check the universities she’s interested in. Even Fewer reduce grades for Core Maths - the ones I know who definitely do are Bath,York & Sheffield. The former two reduce one grade if they obtain a B in core maths. Sheffield reduce for an A.
DD2 chose core maths alongside History, Psychology & Economics. It was completed in yr12, found it no harder than GCSE but enormously helpful for psychology A level and more recently with her degree modules in data analytics etc. I believe there’s 3 options of study under the umbrella of ‘core maths’, which may mean the courses offered differ slightly. So check the specification.
Unfortunately DD3’s 6th form don’t offer it as she would definitely choose it alongside Sociology, Politics & Psychology.

Thanks @NotDonna that's helpful to know it was useful for psychology. Agree though, it seems EPQ potentially more useful for purpose of getting lower offers, depending where apply.
Quite torn now - one sixth form offers core maths but does EPQ in year 13 which doesn't seem a great idea to me; the other, school sixth form which is also closer does EPQ in year 12 but no core maths. Such a hard decision, no idea what she is going to decide at present!

@Mafaldaweasley im not sure she should be basing her decision on EPQ v Core Maths for choosing her next destination, especially when a lot of universities don’t drop grades for either. If the EPQ is in yr13 she may decide her A levels are enough & decide against the extra demands. Another thing to check is if the EPQ is properly timetabled - it’s quite onerous and some schools expect DC to crack on with little guidance. I’d definitely shy away from doing it in yr13. Core maths is taught and will be properly timetabled. But I’m still not sure that’d be the reason to choose one 6th form over an other. Definitely definitely look at potential courses and universities if the EPQ v Core Maths will be a deciding factor in her choice of 6th forms.

Thanks @NotDonna, I am probably getting hung up on this particular aspect and like you say it may not be the main thing. It's just proving so hard to make a decision that it is starting to come down to these small differences. I think I am leaning towards hoping she just chooses her school sixth form which is known, close and most of her friends are going there. On the other hand she is somewhat seduced by having an offer from the renowned, large sixth form (not everyone got an offer so it has boosted her confidence) and also talked to a neighbour in the year above who goes there who told her how amazing it is, particularly the social aspect!
Re the EPQ yes, part of me thinks maybe best to just concentrate on A levels, as it will be such a massive jump from GCSEs and she will likely find it hard!

EPQ is very worthwhile to do in sixth form, a lot of Unis (inc top ones) take account of your EPQ grade in their offers (lower grade offers). Also the experience of doing it is very worthwhile. My daughter in Uni year 1 talks about this often.

I don’t have direct experience of the Core Maths qual but it gets reports from other parents I know.

https://amsp.org.uk/universities/university-admissions/alternatives-admissions/

This is a list of universities known to give alternative offers for core maths.