Maybe Four A-levels Is Too Much

As a student, when you begin sixth form, the idea of taking four A-levels can seem appealing. It feels ambitious. It looks impressive on a university application. And many students believe it gives them an advantage when applying for competitive courses. On the surface, four A-levels can appear to be a bold and strategic decision.

But before you commit to four subjects, it is worth asking an important question, do you actually need to take that many?

Most Students Only Need Three A-levels
The truth is that in most cases, three A-levels are all you need. The vast majority of universities in the United Kingdom, including top institutions such as Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial College London, and the London School of Economics, base their offers on just three subjects. Admissions tutors are far more interested in how well you perform in those three subjects than in how many subjects you attempt.

Quality matters more than quantity. A common misconception is that taking more subjects automatically makes you stand out. But this is not necessarily the case. A student who achieves three A* grades in carefully chosen subjects will often be viewed more favourably than a student who spreads themselves across four or more subjects and earns mixed results.

Admissions teams want to see excellence, depth, and evidence of academic maturity. They are not simply counting how many subjects appear on your transcript.

The Risks of Taking Too Many Subjects
Choosing to study four A-levels can come with risks. The step up from GCSE to A-level is significant. Each subject requires much more independent study, deeper analysis, stronger problem-solving, and better time management. If you take on too many subjects too soon, you may end up spreading your time and energy too thin.

This can lead to lower performance across the board and increased stress. You might find yourself constantly trying to keep up with deadlines, revising in a hurry, or struggling to maintain your focus. In some cases, students realise too late that their extra subject has taken attention away from the ones that matter most to their future plans.

This is why many students begin Year 12 with four subjects and later decide to drop one. Doing so is not a sign of failure. In fact, it is often a very wise decision. Recognising early on that the workload is too much and choosing to focus on three subjects can lead to better results and a healthier, more balanced academic life. At Ashbourne, we see this as a sign of maturity, and with personalised support, this transition can be smooth and stress-free.

When Might Four A-levels Be Appropriate?
There are some cases where taking four A-levels makes sense. If you are applying for a highly competitive course that requires Further Mathematics, such as Mathematics, Engineering, or certain courses in Physics or Computer Science, you may need to take four subjects to meet entry requirements. In these cases, students often take Mathematics, Further Mathematics, and two related subjects such as Physics and Computer Science.

Other students may simply be very strong academically and deeply passionate about their chosen subjects. If you truly enjoy all four subjects and have consistently achieved top grades, you may find the challenge rewarding rather than overwhelming.

However, even in these situations, it is important to plan carefully. Consider whether you will have enough time to revise effectively, engage in extracurricular interests, and maintain your wellbeing. Remember that success in three subjects is more valuable than average performance across four.

Alternatives to a Fourth A-level
If your interest in a fourth subject comes from a desire to broaden your academic experience or show independence as a learner, you might want to consider the Extended Project Qualification, or EPQ. Ashbourne’s EPQ programme provides step by step guidance on how to take on an EPQ.

The EPQ is a research-based project on a topic of your choice. It can take the form of a long essay, a practical investigation, or a creative product. The EPQ is highly regarded by many universities because it shows that you are capable of independent learning, critical thinking, and managing a long-term academic task.

Completing an EPQ allows you to explore an area that interests you without the pressure of a full A-level subject. It is an excellent way to enrich your learning and develop valuable skills that can support your university application.

Making the Right Choice for You
At Ashbourne, we take this decision seriously and guide students carefully through the process. Teachers and personal tutors work one-to-one with each student to help them choose the right subjects based on their goals, interests, academic strengths, and long-term plans.

Our aim is never to encourage students to take on more than they can realistically manage. Instead, we focus on building a sustainable and rewarding academic journey. That might mean three A-levels and an EPQ, or it might mean beginning with four subjects and reassessing later in the term. Every student is different, and our approach is flexible to reflect that.

We encourage students to think long-term. University admissions officers are not looking for the student who has done the most. They are looking for the student who has demonstrated intellectual depth, passion for their subjects, and the ability to perform consistently at a high level.

A closing reflection
You do not need to prove your intelligence by overloading yourself. In fact, real academic maturity often means knowing when to focus. Three carefully chosen A-levels, studied with dedication and depth, are more than enough to take you to some of the best universities in the world.

So if you are feeling unsure about taking four A-levels, know this, maybe four A-levels is too much. And that is completely okay. Making a smart, honest decision now can help you achieve stronger results, enjoy your sixth form experience, and set a confident course for the future. At Ashbourne, personal tutors are here to guide that journey with care, clarity, and a commitment to helping every student reach their potential.

1. Do I need to take four A-levels to get into university?
No, most UK universities, including Oxford, Cambridge, and the LSE, base their offers on three A-levels. Admissions tutors focus more on your grades and subject choices than on the total number of A-levels you take.

2. Is it better to take three A-levels or four?
For most students, three A-levels is the best choice. Quality matters more than quantity, and strong grades in three subjects are usually more impressive than weaker results across four.

3. What are the risks of taking four A-levels?
Studying four A-levels can lead to stress, heavy workload, and lower performance across subjects. Many students start with four in Year 12 but later drop one to focus on achieving higher grades in three.

4. When should I consider taking four A-levels?
Four A-levels may be appropriate if you need Further Mathematics for a competitive degree such as Mathematics, Engineering, or Physics. It may also suit very strong students who are passionate about all four subjects and can manage the workload effectively.