Brainhub guide
How to choose A-Levels: interest, ability and where they lead
The best A-Level choices sit where three things meet: what your child enjoys, what they’re good at, and what their next step needs.
Key takeaways
- Most students take three A-Levels over two years, with exams at the end of Year 13.
- Enjoyment matters: two years is a long time to study something you dislike.
- Check entry requirements early. Some degrees, such as medicine, need particular subjects.
- Look at your GCSE grade in the subject and how hard you found it, not just the result.
1. Three questions for each subject
Do I enjoy it?
Two years of a subject is long. Interest keeps you going when it gets hard, and it does get harder than GCSE.
Am I good at it?
Look at your GCSE grade, your mock grades and how much effort they took. Sixth forms often ask for a 6 or 7 in the subject.
Where does it lead?
Check what your possible degrees or careers ask for. Some courses need specific subjects; many don’t.
2. Keep doors open
If your child isn’t sure what they want to do next, a mix of subjects they enjoy and do well in is a sensible choice. Universities list their subject requirements for each course on their websites and on UCAS.[1]
Some courses are strict. Medicine and dentistry usually need chemistry and often biology. Engineering and physics usually need maths and physics. Economics often prefers maths.[1]
3. Applying to university
Applications go through UCAS in Year 13. Oxford, Cambridge and most medicine courses close in mid-October, so students aiming for them start preparing in Year 12. The personal statement is answered as three set questions, so keep a note of reading, projects and experience as you go.[1]
Not sure?: Talk it through with a teacher who knows the subject at A-Level. Our tutors teach these courses every week, and the first conversation is free.
Try it now
Test yourself on this page
Answer in your head first, then check.
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1. How many A-Levels do most students take?
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2. Which three questions should you ask about each subject?
Your next steps
- List the subjects you enjoy most and your grades in each.
- Check two university courses you might like for their requirements.
- Talk to a subject teacher before options day.
Sources
- UCAS. Undergraduate applications, deadlines and the personal statement. ucas.com/undergraduate
This guide is general study advice. Every student is different. A teacher can help you work out what fits.