Hi, everyone. I’m in dire need for some good, substantial advice about the number of subjects one should take for the two years of A Levels given that the applicant is good in his studies and ECs and plans to apply to top-tier colleges. Just for background info, I’d taken 9 O Level subjects (namely, Phys., Chem., Add. Math, ICT and not Lit.) and have to decide on AS/A Level subjects before July ends.
I, personally, feel that I took quite a few number of subjects as compared to other students here in Pakistan (because nobody at my school told us that we can in fact should take 10-11+). This, I feel, puts me at a disadvantage as I was not able to be as holistic as possible in those 3 years. Hence, I believe that taking more subjects, as compared to the standard, and choosing a diverse yet practical combination would compensate for most of the learning I could not do during my O Levels.
For A Levels, I had this in mind, but it’s absolutely not confirmed yet: Math, Econ, Psychology, Further Math, Physics, CompSci, and Global Perspectives and Research.
Let me know what you think of this notion. Will really appreciate advice from Pakistani students who applied and got into top-tier colleges in Pakistan and abroad (even people from the Ivy Leagues will do!)
Hello Annayah.
9 subjects is a nice count but 8 are common in Pakistan and a lot of students usually give opt an extra subject so it’s nothing out of the blue. I had 10 subjects in my O level and a lot of friends had 8-9. Few had even 11.
Now about your A level subjects. University criteria differs from one university to another but they don’t pay much attention to your count as long as your combination can tell the field you want to pursue and you get amazing grades in those subjects.
Also you get conditional offers from US based upon your predicted AL grades and you just have to fulfill it. They vary from AAA to CCC depending upon the tier of university but most require 3 subjects. You’re aiming for 7 subjects and trust me it won’t be an easy job. How about if you want to jump into CS, you choose Phy, Maths, Further and CompSci? If you want to jump into Psychology then Maths, Econ, Psychology, Further etc. I did AL back in 2014 so have no idea about GP&R.
In short: don’t overburden yourself with this many subjects rather aim on studying 3,4 or max 5 subjects and acing them. Don’t get intimated by others who are opting for big subject counts. They either know what they’re doing or either they’ll drop a few of them on the way.
A friend of mine got into Brown University with a conditional offer of BCC (I forgot the exact) and he ended up getting ABCD but was still accepted thanks to his A. Just focus on doing really well in your AS/Internal exams and give your best in A2.
P.S. I didnt apply abroad but I am knowledgeable of these things.
Thanks, linkinpark96! Really appreciate your advice.
In the third paragraph, you mentioned the subject combs for CompSci and Psychology. But the truth is that I’m actually inclined towards Math and have been for nearly decade. So I definitely want to pursue something in Math (although, I don’t know what exactly). So Math and Further is a must-have. If I have Further, then I would need Physics because my teacher said that it helps; and Econ and Psy are the two subs I am interested in and have anticipated to take for a long time too. Both of these subs can lead me to finance, economics, etc.
While I also enjoy Computers and working on them and I wouldn’t mind learning a new language or cryptography, etc. But I know what you must think, A Levels is not a time for taking subs and classes for your personal enjoyment and satisfaction; one has to be practical. But I don’t know what to do. As my sub comb wasn’t as holistic as I would’ve wanted it to be in my OL, I just want to make up for all the learning in my AS/A Levels, genuinely; not because others are doing so or not.
Let me know what you think about sub combs for a future in the field of Math. Really looking forward to it. Thanks, once again!
Math+ further math + economics would be good A Level, and AS Psych and/or physics would be good complements.
Which subjects can be taken as an accelerated course, then? That’ll be a good breakdown of subjects to take during AS and A Level year.
I am sorry, I don’t visit this forum much so replying late.
You’re welcome, Annayah. 
Well if you are passionate about Maths then you must go for it! I assume you’d be logging in after your result so do share your grades.
Yes, this can be a good combination. If Maths is what you want to do then Further, Maths, Economics and Physics would be good enough. I am not sure about Psychology. I won’t suggest you picking 5 subjects because Further Maths, Physics and Economics are challenging subjects.
I won’t even suggest you Further Maths UNLESS you are really good at Maths and are confident enough that you’d do well. Kindly see the latest thresholds. A* and As are awarded at like 185+ out of 200 marks because further math is only chosen by those who know they can do well in it…
Well to be very honest, you shouldn’t worry much about the learning aspect at the moment because even with those aforementioned subjects, you’ll have to start fresh in college. Two years of A level frankly help in just a couple of courses in your 4 years programme and I speak from my experience as a final year CS student.
You should not just be thinking about Maths as something you want to study but also what careers do you see in Mathematics? If you are planning to stay and work in Pakistan, drop the idea. The only job you can get is to teach and unless you love teaching, you don’t have any other option.
My final suggestion would be Maths, Further Maths and Economics. If you want a fourth one then go for Physics not Psychology. Do not go for a fifth subject with this combination, it’ll be pretty stressful.