Three in 10 university applicants wish they had chosen different A level subjects for the degree courses they applied to, while four in 10 felt they should have given more thought to which subjects would help them get into university.
The survey, conducted by Which? University, quizzed more than 1,000 UK students aged 19 and younger, all of whom had applied to university.
A level choices can have an impact on the degree courses students can apply to, with some courses requiring specific subjects and some universities not accepting certain subjects at all.
Despite this, only half (53 per cent) of the young people who took part in the survey felt suitably informed about how their A levels could affect their choice of university or course. Only 41 per cent were aware that some universities view certain A level subjects less favourably than others, and a fifth (18 per cent) said different A level subjects would have been better suited to the degree they were applying for.
“Students know that choosing what to study at university is an important decision,” said Which? director of campaigns Alex Neill.
“However, our research shows that they are less clear about how earlier decisions could impact on the degree options available to them.
“While certain A levels might suggest a particular degree path, our tool shows there are usually alternative options students can take. It’s important that students choose their A levels with both degree courses and future careers in mind.”
University websites have a wealth of information for students. Which? University has now launched a new A level Explorer tool, designed to help GCSE students explore how their A level choices will affect their degree options. The tool also provides current A level students with ideas and inspiration about the degrees that best suit the subjects they are studying, possible graduate careers and average graduate starting salaries.
To use the Which? tool, go to www.which.co.uk/aleveltool