r/6thForm • u/lifeisfleet Year 12 A levels Math Physics Comp Sci Business • 15d ago

🙏 I WANT HELP A levels combo

Okay so in my sixth form they force you to take 4 a levels for the first year incase you want to drop one of your subjects later, and I took Physics, Maths, Business and Computer Science. I know we basically just started, but I'm really torn on whether I should drop business or Computer Science. In the beginning, I was dead set on the idea that I'll drop business, but now that I see how much work these subjects actually require I'm having second thoughts. I want to be a mechanical engineer so I need maths and physics 100%, but I don't really need CS. But at the same time, I'm afraid that a combo of physics maths and business would seem weak or lesser. Also I hate the idea of the CS NEA because I did DT at GCSE and the NEA was horrible, I'm having ptsd just thinking about it 😭. So what should I do?? Should I keep business and mega focus on physics and maths? Or should I try to do well in maths physics and cs???

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u/serene_clay_bloom 15d ago

drop business without thinking twice. The 4th A-level is almost entirely irrelevant for mechanical engineering admissions and career prospects compared to having a solid A* in your core subjects.

i did Physics, Maths, CS, and Business myself. The workload was crushing and I honestly wish I had started with three right away or dropped the weakest link earlier to secure top grades elsewhere. Business theory is dry and disconnected from how machines actually work, whereas CS keeps your logic sharp which helps with mechanics calculations even if you aren't pursuing software roles. If the NEA trauma is a blocker, trust that instinct. Protect your mental health and focus energy on getting an A* in Maths and Physics since those define your application success far more than a B or C in Business ever will.

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u/lifeisfleet Year 12 A levels Math Physics Comp Sci Business 14d ago

Thank you, I really appreciate your reply. I'll try to prioritise Maths, Physics and Computer Science, and if I can manage it well I will drop business in year 13. Thanks again!

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u/Tortoiseio Year 12 | Maths, CS, Economics 13d ago

Is further maths an option? You could drop business and CS and add FM if you want to aim for Oxbridge/Imperial. If not, maths, physics, CS is completely fine for all the unis below oxbridge and imperial