A2 Subject Choice

[Guest meaks]

Which subject should I carry on at A2: German or Computing?

Which do you think will more useful in the long run?

Cheers

[Guest Monolithix [MVP]]

I'd say German. Depends what you want to do at uni though really.

[Guest meaks]

Going in for economics at uni. Studying Maths/Economics and then wither german or computing.

You not think computing is worth doing?

[Guest ormstont]

If you're gonna do maths/economics type stuff then I'd say computing definitely. The skills in computing are much more similar to what you'll need for economics and the admissions tutors will respect that more.

That said, there are quite a few economics with a language courses, some of which are easier to get onto because you are required to have a language to apply (my job at uni is in admissions, and I worked the clearing phone lines this year) and not as many people do. Those courses usually feature a year's study abroad though.

It's up to you which course you decide to go for, if you think you might do economics or any course with a language then go for German. However, the problem solving/maths/computer skills you get with computing won't do you wrong if you're going into something like economics.

If you're way stronger at one subject than the other though...just go for grades. They're more important than pretty much anything so if you're going to be borderline on one course but ace another then you've already had your decision made.

[Guest Monolithix [MVP]]

Yeah i'd certainly agree with going for the stronger subject. Hoever after AS IT (i know it's not the same as Computing) it seems when people expect you to have "Computing skills", they mean the ability to use MS Office...easily done in your spare time.

If you want it for the problem solving and logical skills then its a very round-about way of doing it, and an AS in Maths would probably be more useful...

Again though, if you're stronger in one subject than the other, go for the stronger one.

[Guest meaks]

Thanks for the info. I got a B in german and C in computing at AS. The problem is i much prefer computing. Hence not sure whether to go for the grade or personal enjoyment for a year! Im tempted to go for computing still - i was 4 marks off the B.

[Guest ormstont]

If you're only four marks off a B then I'd probably stick with computing, if you enjoy it a lot more you'll probably do better in the long run anyway.

I have to say I do agree with mono about the 'skills' you gain from computing. In real terms it's a bit pointless but admissions tutors will believe that stuff (I've dealt with enough of them) and if you trot it off in an interview they do tend to approve.

[Guest cpt_andy]

When I was making my choices, I had to choose between IT and Spanish - I chose Spanish, even though I am now studying computer science, and I don't regret it. I have a couple of maths A-levels, so that problem-solving aspect is very much covered there. I think a foreign language is a very useful skill to have, and will certainly be more useful to me in the long run - it is very much up to you though :)

Andy