How to choose your A-Levels: A guide for students
Choosing your A-Level subjects is one of the most important academic decisions you’ll make as a student. The subjects you pick will not only shape the next two years of your education but can also influence your university options and even your future career.
But don’t worry - this guide will walk you through how to choose wisely, what to consider, and how to keep your future in mind while still studying what you enjoy!
Step 1: Know your strengths and interests
Start by asking yourself two simple questions:
What subjects do I enjoy the most?
What subjects am I strongest in?
Enjoyment matters because you’ll be studying these subjects in depth for two years - choosing something you dislike will likely make that journey much harder. At the same time, playing to your strengths gives you the best chance of achieving high grades.
Tip: Look back at your previous results and feedback. Which subjects have you consistently done well in, and which ones excite you enough to study further?
Step 2: Consider further study and career goals
If you already have a clear idea of the course or career you’d like to pursue, check what subjects are required. For example:
Medicine usually requires chemistry and biology.
Engineering often needs maths and physics.
Economics usually expects maths.
Universities are very transparent about entry requirements, so it’s worth doing some research now to avoid limiting your options later.
If you’re unsure about your future plans, don’t panic. Choose a combination of subjects that keeps as many doors open as possible - often a mix of essay-based and analytical subjects works well.
Step 3: Balance passion and practicality
It’s tempting to pick subjects solely based on enjoyment, or purely on what seems “useful.” The best choices are usually a blend of both.
Ask yourself:
Will I stay motivated studying this subject in detail for two years?
Will this subject help me reach my long-term goals?
Does my subject combination show range as well as depth?
For example, combining maths with history gives you both analytical and essay-writing skills - a mix that universities and employers value.
Step 4: Think about workload and assessment style
Each subject has a different style of assessment. Some rely heavily on essays (like English literature or history), while others lean more towards problem-solving (like maths or physics).
Consider what kind of learner you are:
Do you thrive on writing essays and building arguments?
Or do you prefer numbers, formulas, and experiments?
How do you handle coursework versus exams?
Mixing subjects with different assessment styles can make your workload more manageable and play to your strengths.
Step 5: Get advice and explore
You don’t have to make this decision alone. Talk to:
Teachers: They know your strengths and can advise on subject combinations.
Parents or carers: They can help you think about the bigger picture.
Careers advisers or tutors: They can provide insights into university requirements and career pathways.
Older students: They’ve been through the process and can tell you what the reality of each subject is like.
It’s also worth looking at example A-Level textbooks or past papers to get a feel for what studying each subject will involve.
Step 6: Don’t panic
It’s natural to feel overwhelmed by the choice, but remember: A-Levels aren’t about perfection, they’re about progression. Choosing subjects you’re genuinely interested in and committed to will always serve you better than trying to guess the “perfect” combination.
Choosing your A-Levels is about finding the right balance between what you enjoy, what you’re good at, and what will support your future goals. With the right mix of passion and practicality, you’ll set yourself up not only for success in sixth form, but for whatever comes next.
Take your time, do your research, and don’t be afraid to ask for guidance. These choices may feel big now, but they’re also the start of an exciting new chapter in your education!
