Being chosen to take an A Level early may seem daunting but you should feel proud of yourself; your teachers clearly think you have the aptitude to handle it. It isn’t a decision that is straightforward or one that anyone else can make for you but there are a couple of things to keep in mind when making it.
An extra step
I was told by every teacher: “A Levels are a big step up from GCSEs” until I was reciting it in my sleep, but it is true. You would have to be prepared to take on this extra work alongside your GCSEs. This doesn’t mean you will be working constantly, but you will have to learn how to manage your workload in order to fit all your studying in. While it may look good on your CV, you have to really think whether it would be better to get really good GCSEs under your belt, then focus on A Levels when they come along. It’s not worth sacrificing brilliant results for mediocre ones and one AS Level.
Your future
Next, consider what effect you feel taking an A Level early will have on your future. On one hand, it could help you stand out and can give you extra credit when applying to university. On the other hand, your additional qualification may go unnoticed, especially if you decide to go straight to work after college.
A choice
If you have a choice of subjects, I would advise going for something you really enjoy over something that you feel forced to do. You are more likely to put in the hours if you love the subject, than if you find it a chore. For me, I had a choice between Film Studies and English, and I am so glad I picked Film Studies. I still took English Literature when I reached A Level but I felt I had the brain aptitude and maturity to really embrace the subject that one year later.
If you do choose to take an A Level early and don’t enjoy it or feel you made the wrong choice, you don’t have to take it on to A2. That way you will just have an extra AS under your belt. This is what I did and while I don’t regret it, for those wanting to attend a top university, four A2 Levels look better than two AS Levels and three A2 Levels. Just one to think about!
Would you take an A Level early? Let us know in the comments below.
Photo: fractured-fairytales / Flickr
Currently writing for multiple publications and also dabbles in social media marketing. Interested in a mix of lifestyle, relationships, careers and current affairs topics.
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