What grade do you need to do A level maths?
Are you interested in picking maths at A level? Maths is a very respected subject and can open up a lot of future opportunities with universities and employers. However, as one of the hardest A levels you can pick, there are, of course, entry requirements. So, what grade do you need to do A level maths? Read on to find out more information in this area.
The minimum requirement
Usually, most colleges require students to get a B (6) or above at GCSE to choose A level maths. This is the basic requirement for most subjects if you want to continue them at A level. This is done to minimise unwanted – and expected – failure since A levels are so much more difficult than GCSEs. Students often don’t realise how much of a step-up that A levels are in difficulty from GCSEs. They think that if they did okay in GCSE maths, A level will be the same. However, this is certainly not the case. With a much heavier workload, more complex content, and more pressure, A levels are where many students fall down.
The recommended requirement
As said above, maths is one of the most difficult A levels you can pick. With increasingly difficult calculations and application questions, even the cleverest students sometimes struggle with maths. Therefore, many often recommend that students receive an A (7) or above at GCSE rather than a B (6). With a B (6) being mediocre at GCSE, students can hardly expect to do incredibly well at A level. You might want to consider your grades with this in mind. You should put your best interests at heart when wondering how able you actually are at maths.
Whilst many students lack confidence in their abilities, being deluded is just as damaging to your final result. Try to be realistic about what you can achieve, keeping in mind that A level maths is very difficult. In fact, some people suggest that students should get an A* (8 or 9) at GCSE to do A level. Whilst this might seem excessive, it is certainly smart when considering the academic nature of maths A level. If you’re aiming for a top university, you will need As at A level to get into these institutions. Therefore, you need to play to your strengths, picking subjects that you’ll be likely to get the top grades in. Don’t forget: these grades will affect what happens to you after you finish college. Attending a interactive gcse maths revision course could also help your understanding and exam performance. Therefore, looking at your GCSE ability might be able to help you make the right decision here.
Overall, technically you do only need a B (6) at GCSE to go on to do A level maths. This might be said to be risky by some people. However, with students having different academic peaks, you could certainly work hard to save your grade at A level. GCSEs don’t determine everything, although they do give a good indication of your abilities at A level.
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