Many high-achieving students start year 12 taking 4 (or even 5) A Levels, thinking it will make them look more impressive to universities. By November, they are drowning in coursework.
Quality over Quantity
Universities (even Oxford and Cambridge) make offers based on 3 A Levels. They would much rather see AAA than AABB. If your 4th subject is dragging down your grades in your core 3 subjects, you should drop it immediately.
When should you keep 4?
- If your 4th subject is Further Maths, and you are applying for STEM. Often, Further Maths acts as an extension of regular Maths, so the workload isn't truly double.
- If you are genuinely cruising and getting As in all 4 subjects without sacrificing your mental health or extracurriculars.
The Sunk Cost Fallacy
'But I already spent 6 months studying it!' This is a logical fallacy. If you keep the subject, you will spend another 18 months suffering for a mediocre grade that universities won't even require. Talk to your counselor, drop the subject, and use the extra 5 hours a week to guarantee A*s in your remaining 3.