When you choose A-Level, a two-year post-16 qualification in England used for university admissions. Also known as Advanced Level qualifications, they’re not just exams—they’re the foundation for your next step in education or career. Unlike GCSEs, A-Levels let you focus on just 3 or 4 subjects you’re serious about. That means you can go deep, not wide. But with that freedom comes pressure: pick the wrong ones, and you might close doors you didn’t even know existed.
Not all A-Level subjects are treated the same. A-Level subjects, the specific disciplines students study, like Physics, Psychology, or Business Studies carry different weights in the eyes of universities and employers. Some, like Further Maths or Chemistry, are seen as rigorous and respected. Others, like General Studies or Media Studies, are often dismissed—even if they’re just as hard. That stigma doesn’t mean they’re easy. It means people misunderstand them. And that’s where confusion starts. A-Level difficulty, how challenging a subject feels based on content, workload, and exam structure isn’t the same for everyone. What’s tough for one student might be their strongest subject. The real question isn’t which subject is hardest—it’s which one matches how your brain works.
And then there’s A-Level grading, the system that turns exam results into UCAS points for university applications. It’s not just about getting an A*. It’s about understanding how your grade stacks up against others, how it’s calculated by different exam boards, and what universities actually look for. A B in a respected subject can open more doors than an A in one that’s seen as easy. Your grades matter, but your choices matter more.
You’ll find posts here that break down the most talked-about A-Level subjects, the ones people whisper about in the hallway, and the ones no one talks about—but should. We’ve got guides on how to pick subjects that fit your goals, not just your grades. You’ll see what makes a subject feel impossible, and how to turn that around. There’s advice on how to handle the pressure, how to study smarter when you’re already stretched thin, and how to explain your choices to skeptical teachers or family members.
This isn’t about pushing you to pick the "right" subjects. It’s about helping you pick the ones that actually work for you. Whether you’re just starting out or already halfway through, the information here is real, practical, and straight from students who’ve lived it. You’re not alone in this. And you don’t have to guess your way through it.
A-Level and AP exams both prepare students for university, but they measure learning in very different ways. One is deep and focused; the other is broad and fast-paced. Which is harder? It depends on your learning style.
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