I'm planning my A Level subjects and want to choose those that are the most respected by top universities. Any advice on which subjects are generally considered prestigious and offer the best preparation for competitive programs?
The most respected A Level subjects by universities are often referred to as 'facilitating subjects.' These are the subjects that are commonly required for a wide range of courses at the university level and are traditionally considered academically rigorous. The facilitating subjects, as outlined by the Russell Group (a group of top UK universities), include:
1. Mathematics and Further Mathematics
2. English Literature
3. Physics
4. Biology
5. Chemistry
6. Geography
7. History
8. Modern and Classical Languages
9. Religious Studies.
Each of these subjects provides a solid foundation for the academic work you might encounter in university. However, your choice should also relate to what you plan to study at the university level. For example, if you're hoping to study engineering, subjects like Math, Physics, and Chemistry would be incredibly useful.
It's ultimately important that you study subjects you're passionate about and in which you can excel, as universities are looking for students who demonstrate strong academic prowess in their chosen subjects.
Lastly, be aware that even the so-called 'facilitating subjects' can vary in prestige from one institution to another, or even based on the specific course you aim to study. Therefore, it's a good idea to research the entry requirements of the universities and courses you're considering to determine how they consider different-level subjects.
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