my experiences with a levels (A-Levels)

Member Name: psychosmartie

Product:	A-Levels
Date:	08/01/09 (147 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: qualifications

Disadvantages: hard work

My experiences with A levels were fairly positive. I had thre choices as to where i could study my a levels; i could either stay on at my school and go to their sixth form, i could go to the local sixth form college that is purely a level, or i could go to the city college which teaches a wide variety of courses including a levels to awide variety of ages. I chose the latter option, mainly as a chance to get away from lots of people at school and make a fresh start. None of my close friends were doing a levels so that didn't matter, but i think if there is a chance to be with friends it is always worthwhile to take it because friends will be the ones there to support you when you need it.

Ok on to A levels in general. The a level is split into two parts, the AS level and the A2. The AS level is the first years worth of A level and overall is worth half an A level. A2 is the second year, which when combined with the AS gives you a full a level. A levels have 5 grades, A-E, and most university offers are loosely based around a combination of grades usually from the average of three a levels.

I took 6 A Levels in my first year - German, Mathematics, Media Studies, Psychology, History and Critical Thinking (this was compulsary, much like general studies is in many colleges). This is not something i would recommend as it became really stressful around exam time.
The beauty with the AS level though is that after one year you can drop some subjects if it is too much, and still have some recognition of completion. I dropped critical thinking and german, which meant in my second year i was able to continue with four, a much more manageable target.

A levels were very worthwhile for me though, without them i would not be able to go to university and be in the situation i'm now in! but if a levels aren't for you, there are plenty of alternatives to look at.

Summary: an avenue that should be looked into