Choosing A Levels - a different perspective please

Darksun

lipidicman wrote:

People do look at A-Level grades even when you have a degree.

They'll look at the grades, but the actual subjects probably don't mean all that much for most jobs - as long as they show transferrable skills (mainly good literacy and numeracy skills)

studentphil

Rikki wrote:

Alot of Universities will not accept General Studies at A level for an entrance grade.

If you are looking at a newer university then it might help, but over all it is worthless.

studentphil

dora37 wrote:

My thoughts too, however that is all he gets asked.....his life mapped before him at age 15!

I will, like you, advise him to go with what he is good at and what he enjoys.

Whilst that is true, good A levels and then onto a respected degree will do you no harm at all. Most people can only afford one shot at those two things so a good start in them is very useful

Rikki

dora37 wrote:

My thoughts too, however that is all he gets asked.....his life mapped before him at age 15!

I will, like you, advise him to go with what he is good at and what he enjoys.

Only your son can live his life and if you can let him make some of the choices for himself he and you will be alot happier.

My son starts University in September.
He took the GCSE subjects he enjoyed, the A levels he enjoyed (Not the easiest I'd admite, but his choice). He considered studying Classics at University first, but loved Languages more. He is now going onto study French and Chinese or Japanese.
He still has no definite career in mind. There is call for people who can speak a forgein language and in your sons case has an interest in science too.

Rikki

studentphil wrote:

If you are looking at a newer university then it might help, but over all it is worthless.

It will be dependent of the type of course you are looking at too.

Some of the offers are very specific on subjects as well as grades.

studentphil

Rikki wrote:

Only your son can live his life and if you can let him make some of the choices for himself he and you will be alot happier.

My son starts University in September.
He took the GCSE subjects he enjoyed, the A levels he enjoyed (Not the easiest I'd admite, but his choice). He considered studying Classics at University first, but loved Languages more. He is now going onto study French and Chinese or Japanese.
He still has no definite career in mind. There is call for people who can speak a forgein language and in your sons case has an interest in science too.

Classics is okay if you want to read someone like Descartes in original Latin, but it does give you a good mind.

Chinese is probably going to be very useful unless China goes bust whichis possible.

It is best to avoid two European languages together as it can be very easy to get confused. From like one lecture in French then to go straight to another in Spainish blows your mind.

Where is your son looking to go?

Rikki

studentphil wrote:

Classics is okay if you want to read someone like Descartes in original Latin, but it does give you a good mind.

Chinese is probably going to be very useful unless China goes bust whichis possible.

It is best to avoid two European languages together as it can be very easy to get confused. From like one lecture in French then to go straight to another in Spainish blows your mind.

Where is your son looking to go?

He enjoys Latin but feels he has more choice with Languages.

Nottingham University or Cardiff.

studentphil

Rikki wrote:

He enjoys Latin but feels he has more choice with Languages.

Nottingham University or Cardiff.

Is it still 4 As for nottingham?

Rikki

studentphil wrote:

Is it still 4 As for nottingham?

Depends on the course. They all vary.

He has an offer and its obtainable for him so fingers crossed.

studentphil

Rikki wrote:

Depends on the course. They all vary.

He has an offer and its obtainable for him so fingers crossed.

Popular courses there were 4As a few years ago.

What do you call obtainable?