Choosing Your Courses For A-levels

By Author: Mark Johnson
Total Articles: 15
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When choosing A-level subjects, it is often a choice between the subjects you are interested in and those which are more likely to offer you a better career path. It is a decision every student has to take individually. You need to analyse all the possible outcomes and take an informed decision.

Choosing A-level courses is something that can greatly help shape your future career, which explains why students spend so much time choosing their A-levels. In order to make a sound decision, it is important that you have clear plans for your career. This may not be particularly easy for students at this age to make realistic conclusions about the merits of their choice. However, this is something they need to do along with their teachers and parents.

You need to research to find out which courses match your career objectives, and gather as much information you can. Ideally you should begin this process must before you sit your GCSE exams, as it is not something that you can decide in a week or two. It takes time and you must allow yourself enough of it to make a sound decision.

Many educationists advise students ...
... about choosing subjects that they enjoy, which does greatly help with studying if you enjoy a particular subject. You have better chances of carving out a fulfilling career if you like the subject as you will enjoy your studies. However, it is in your interest to know which subjects are preferred by universities and which are not viewed as favourably. Analyse both the approaches to reach an informed decision There are students who give more weight to a gainful career over personal preferences. In the end though, you have to take a decision on this.

If you are unsure about your career even after analysing all available choices, you can look to study a variety of A-levels. This can help in developing a balanced skill-set, which is essential in your later career.

A language A-level is a good choice in the opinion of many. It requires commitment and discipline to develop language at A-level and your efforts are recognised. As for Mathematics, it is essential for you to attain grade C at GCSE for getting into reputed university. If you feel you may get a good grade in Mathematics, it would be worth considering taking this up.

Whatever you choose, it is important that you be able to explain it in a sound manner. If you are asked, you should be able to explain why you chose certain subjects. Just because a subject seems interesting, this does not necessarily mean you should choose this. You need to analyse if you have the skills to perform well in the particular subject. There are students who may follow fellow students when choosing a subject, but later regret the decision. It is wiser to take a sound decision that you can look back on later with confidence.

Whether you are choosing subjects for one year A levels or the complete course, give this serious thought and discuss in detail with your teachers and senior students. They may provide you with some really useful input.

The author of this article recommends Lansdowne College. When it comes to A level course London students do prefer them.