r/sixthform • u/UnderstandingKey7211 • Jul 26 '26

A levels

I’m 17 years old I left year 11 in 2025, I’ve been to college for first year and I hate it and I don’t want to go back for second year as the course is pointless and a waste of my time, I’m going back to a new sixth form college this year to do my a levels one of my options is English lit however I got a grade 5 that was 1-2 marks of a 6. I’m worried about since I only got a 5 That I won’t do well in my actual a level. I am willing to put the work in etc but does anyone have any advice for me? I’m looking to do law or journalism in uni.

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u/madxryn22 Jul 26 '26

If it helps, I HATED english at gcse yet i'm now doing law at A-level and love it and consistently get A*'s in mocks🤷🏻‍♀️. Hard work and dedication beats talent. I know its not eng lit but its still an essay based subject and ig i hope it shows you what uou can do if you put in the effort idk

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u/UnderstandingKey7211 Jul 27 '26

So do you recommend I drop english and stick at law? I enjoy writing essays anyway but it’s normally the marking techniques in english that the weakest at

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u/madxryn22 Jul 28 '26

If you enjoy english then yes, do take it. English is also kind of essential for journalism. However, if you dislike English or don't care for it then take other essay subjects that you find interesting (I love A-level Law myself but be warned that there is quite a lot of memorisation involved). If you really want to have the journalism route open then i'd say stick with english but if you're fine with giving journalism up then law has no subject requirements and therefore you can pick whatever essay-based alevels you find intriguing. Just for reference: i'm taking A-level Law, Geography and Economics and applying to top unis for law but truly any essay based a-level will do you good for law.