[A-level student] Should I drop physics in year 13?

Student Lounge International Students
1

Hello,

I’m an international student applying for CS to some schools in the US.
Although I did get 4As in my recent AS exam, and cable of working hard, I’m not exactly sure if I can manage the workload September and October. I have SAT (6th of October(, SAT subject tests (physics and math 2 taken on the 3rd of November), computer science coursework (long-term project), and admissions test for Oxford (31st of October). As it is clear, I have a lot of things to prepare for (and yes I was late to the US application process so this is the first time I’m taking the standardized tests).

How would US universities see dropping a subject in year 13? E.g. schools like CMU that recommend you take the most rigorous courses.

2

Most rigorous= 3 A levels.
What were your 4 AS
Take Maths&further maths OR Maths + CS +if you wish one more, not necessarily physics.

3

I took maths, further maths, physics, and computer science. Well from what I’ve heard, 4 has become the norm since a lot of students from e.g. Singapore who are taking the Singapore A-levels, take 4.
I think I can take all 4 but I will just be very busy during September and October, and I’m not sure if it’s worth the time to spend A-level physics when I could be preparing for my admissions tests.

4

Email the universities you’re considering. Will Maths, Further Maths,and CS be an acceptable combination of A levels or should you take a 4th one in order to be competitive?

5

I’ll email them for sure. For UK universities, dropping physics shouldn’t be a problem. Again, I’m not sure about the US though.