Should I Take A-level Chemistry?

Nathania

Medical Student

Picking A-level Chemistry is a big decision. You want to make sure that you really consider whether it’s right for you. A-level Chemistry can be a difficult A-level and there are various factors you should consider.

Do you enjoy Chemistry?

If the answer is yes, then that’s great. A-level Chemistry covers lots of interesting topics such as organic chemistry and physical chemistry. You’ll get to learn topics in greater depth than you may have done at GCSE. You will have the opportunity to do different experiments such as titrations and learn mathematical skills. Overall you will develop various skills such as problem-solving and analytical skills, that are useful in other subjects.

If you choose to study A-level Chemistry, you will be studying it for two years. These two years will be a lot more enjoyable if you like chemistry as you will enjoy studying the content. This often means that you’re more likely to get a high grade.

What would you like to study later on?

You may not know the answer to this question right now and that’s fine. However, if you do know, it is helpful to look up the requirements for the course you would like to study to check if A-level Chemistry is one of them. For example, if you would like to study Medicine at some universities you must have studied A-level Chemistry. However, at other universities, this isn’t a requirement.

Having an awareness of this information whilst picking your A-levels ensures that you can apply to whatever degree you would like and know ahead of time that you have met the requirements. You don’t want to find out later that you can’t apply to a course because you didn’t study A-level Chemistry.

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What did you get in GCSE Chemistry?

What you got at GCSE is a factor to consider whether to take on A-level Chemistry. A-level chemistry is a lot more difficult than GCSE chemistry due to the increased level of content. If you got a good grade during GCSE chemistry, it’s likely you have a good foundation and understanding of chemistry that will help you. Some schools and colleges may even require you to have achieved a certain grade at GCSE chemistry to study it at A-level. If you found GCSE chemistry difficult, really consider if you will be able to handle A-level Chemistry.

What other A-levels aside from Chemistry do you want to study?

There are many transferable skills that you will learn in A-level Chemistry that will work well with other A-levels. For example, there is a lot of overlap between A-level Chemistry and Physics. It often works well with other sciences and maths. It can also be a nice subject to do if you are studying a lot of essay-heavy subjects and you want an alternative A-level that gives you a break from that. A-level Chemistry is a subject that will require you to dedicate quite a bit of independent study. If your other A-levels are all quite intense consider if you will have enough time and energy to dedicate to all the subjects that you choose to study.

Answering these questions should help you decide whether to study A-level Chemistry. If you’re still unsure, try writing a pros and cons list that you discuss with your family or a friend. To gain greater insight into how to prepare for A-level Chemistry from GCSEs, have a read of this article.

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