A levels – Art or Chemistry?

0

I’ll be starting sixth form next year and I know that I will definitely be doing Psychology, Biology, & P.E. (unless there are clashes). However I’m finding it difficult to decide on my 4th option. I want to subjects relevant to a Physiotherapy or Sports Psychology course for university, and I know that Chemistry would definitely be more relevant to these than Art would be. But I know that I would find Chemistry extremely difficult and stressful whereas Art would be relaxing and its something that I’m passionate about (it also is one of the very few things that helps me escape from anxiety and depression). So I would enjoy art much more but I don’t want that to hinder my chances of getting into university if I don’t do chemistry. Any advice would be appreciated.

Category: Tags: asked May 18, 2015

3 Answers

1
With Physiotherapy and Sports Psychology, Universities will consider Biology, Physical Education and Psychology to be the most relevant (Chemistry is only considered necessary if you were to take it as an alternative to one of those subjects.) So in this case, I would say it would be fine to choose Art instead of Chemistry, especially as you already have those three most important subjects down. Having one irrelevant subject vs three relevant subjects still looks good, particularly if you do well in those three. What's ultimately most important anyway is that you're doing what YOU want to do. A Levels are optional after all, and they're all about being able to finally choose both the subjects that will enable you to gain access to your ideal course, and the subjects that you enjoy more and will consequently do well in. What would life be anyway if everyone just restricted themselves so much that they stress themselves out over things they can't handle? If you can't handle Chemistry, don't do it (especially as it's not necessary for the courses that you will be deciding between.) Like you said, you're passionate about Art. I can relate to you about the Art (as I took it at GCSE which helped keep my anxiety and low self-esteem mute.) However I have chosen to take it at A Level because it provides not only a stress-releasing function but is also relevant to the university courses I have in mind. I was supposed to have been doing my AS Levels this year but I was so depressed that I never went in and had to drop out, and during that time, I'd chosen courses that I thought would make me look "better", which I had kept on changing my mind about as a pure result of the "what would make me look good" mindset. I too considered Chemistry at one point - but really, it isn't an essential requirement for Uni, and it isn't necessary for what you want to do either. Hope this helps :)
0
Thanks! This is helpful :) I think I will try and talk to the Head of Sixth form tomorrow and see about what's best for me. How have you found A level art?
0
You're welcome :)
I never took Art before I dropped out, but I'm taking it when I restart yr12 this September. My sister took it though, and it's a lot of work, but you get to spend a lot of time in the Art room which is nice.