Choosing your A-Level subjects is one of the most important decisions you will make in your high school career. You must consider the requirements of any university courses you are considering, as well as your ability to do well in the subject. Chemistry is one of the more versatile A-Levels on offer, in that it is a requirement of a surprisingly large number of university courses (it is, for example, a necessity for those applying to medical school, while biology is not). It is by no means, however, the easiest. In a recent survey the following questions were put to current year 13 chemists:

Why did you choose chemistry?

Do you find the course difficult? Which aspects in particular are easy/difficult?

How does it compare with your other A-Level subjects?

Do you have any advice for students who may choose to study A-Level chemistry?

  Chemistry is a very interesting and enjoyable subject, well suited to those with an analytical mind. However, a comment you will hear again and again from year 13 students is that you must be willing to put in the effort. As is true of any subject you may be considering, you must consistently work hard throughout the year. The mad rush to memorize everything the week before your exam is simply not an option in the sixth form. The most successful chemists are not necessarily the brightest among us, but those who recognized the need to review the materials covered in class, work and research independently and approach the teachers with any questions they may have as soon as a problem arises. This course rewards those who take a mature and consistent approach to their work. If you can do that, this will become one of your favourite subjects.

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- Why did you choose chemistry?

�I like applying the theories behind each topic to different kinds of questions. Plus, we get to do experiments so we don�t have to spend every lesson with the book.�

�It�s good preparation for university. It�s also a good practice in logical thinking.�

�I chose it because I enjoy practical experiments, particularly those requiring extensive set-ups and dangerous chemicals. In ways, it is exciting because there is a high level of risk.�

�It is well respected by universities and a requirement of my dentistry course.�

�I thought I would do well in it, since I got good grades for it in GCSE."

�I chose chemistry because it is seen as one of the more difficult and respected A-Levels.�

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- Do you find the course difficult? Which aspects in particular are easy/difficult?

�There is a lot to learn but many themes and theories are present throughout the course, which means one gains in confidence.�

�The most difficult aspect of the course has to be in bridging the gap from GCSE to A-Level. You are expected to work hard, and you have to do it consistently in order to do well.�

�No. Just make sure you understand what�s going on in each lesson and ask whenever you have queries�.it will all work out fine.�

�Yes. I find organic chemistry difficult. You should do a little extra revision in this area.�

�Not really. As long as you read from several sources you will be able to build a collective picture which will answer your questions 99% of the time.�

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- How does it compare with your other A-Level subjects?

�There is less to memorize than in biology, but the theory is more complex and difficult. There is less maths than in physics, but it is probably the harder course.�

�It offers the same level of challenge as other subjects.�

�It is one of the hardest subjects. Chemistry requires a lot of studying and hard work.�

�It is a challenging subject, but it�s not so difficult that you should be intimidated by it. When I revise the topics beforehand I find it easier than maths. If you�re willing to put in the effort you�ll do well.�

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- Do you have any advice for students who may choose to study A-Level chemistry?

�I encourage you to take the subject, but be careful about your combination of A-Levels. Choosing three sciences can be very difficult. Unless you�re absolutely sure it�s what you want to do, pick a good range of subjects (ex. art, maths and chemistry). It also helps keep your options open.�

�You must enjoy experiments and facing new ideas every lesson. There is such a wide topic range that you can learn more and more simply by reading the same book again and again.�

�Do it if you enjoy it. At this stage you�ll do much better if you choose a subject you enjoy.�

�Persevere at first and make sure you know the previous chapters well.�

�If you like looking at things on the molecular level and learning various kinds of new equations�..go for it!�

�If you are looking for an interesting, challenging two years, chemistry may be for you. Don�t pick chemistry just to prove a point or because you think that it may improve your chances of getting into a good university. This totally depends on the courses you may wish to pursue. Find out how it relates to your interests, and choose it if you enjoy chemistry.�

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Last modified on Wednesday, February 24, 1999