A level choices

[wobbleses]

Hi everyone,
Please can you help. DD would like to choose her A level subjects biology, chemistry and maths. Her school offers 4 A levels so she is now not sure which one to choose. School offers EPQ, philosophy and ethics, further maths, English literature. She would like to become a doctor and not sure which A- level will help her secure a place. I have no idea how to help her.
Please can someone help and make it easy for me to understand. She is also worried about the entrance test for medicine. Thank you

Does the school insist on four A levels all the way through? – if so unless one is FM that’s both unusual and unnecessary. If it's more than they advise taking four so you can drop one (often A level subjects are new and not always what the student expected – looking at you psychology – so this makes sense) then it’s a good idea tbh.

Those choices are excellent for medicine and also vet med, dentistry, some engineering options, biological sciences and more.

For a fourth, if she loves maths, FM opens options in maths degrees as well; it's also eminently droppable if not enjoyed. That's as long as the school allows dropping one (see my first point). Otherwise whatever subject she likes – but really I would not advise taking those three plus (say) Eng lit all the way to the exams in year 13, especially with the high grades needed for med.

There's a poster here called @mumsneedwine who is very knowledgable about medicine applications.

Hi @wobbleses. Unfortunately there are no A levels that will guarantee a place but Biology and Chemistry will keep all your options open. You don't need maths and don't need 4. An EPQ is good as it gets lower offers at some Unis.
In year 12 she'll have to sit the UCAT in the summer, and this is used by all Unis as a selection tool. It's a tricky thing to navigate as each Uni uses it differently. Some score GCSEs, some just need you to have 7 7s and if you've more they don't care.
For now, focus on getting the best GCSEs she can, try and get some work experience after exams, can be with doctors or just in a caring environment. Part time customer facing roles are also v useful.
You don't need all 9s, you don't need all
A stars.