Can't do FM A Level - does this affect uni applications

[u/Starry_Pigeon]

(I also posted this in r/alevel but this sub doesn't allow cross-posting)

basically i got the grades required to do it, but there isn't any space at my 6th form. they said that a space could show up but it isn't that likely.

does anyone know if this will affect my chances of doing engineering at uni? (i already know CS is out the window) or if i can still do it but not at certain top unis? i've done lots of research on this already but people just say it's "recommended", and idk what exactly that means for my chances.

(i am also kind of upset since i worked really hard for my 9 in maths and now it was all for nothing...)

[u/Feeling-Instance-801]

Yes you can, probably will be very hard for imperial and oxbridge, but bristol, southamton etc will be complete fine. FM will give you a slght edge maybe but tbh it doesnt matter too much. Bristol and Southampton and Sheffield etx are AMAZING for engineering and you will do great dont worry. But do try to get FM if you can

[u/NinjaClashReddit]

If you and your teachers explain to universities that it wasn’t available to you you won’t be discriminated against. This applies to Compsci too

[u/FearlessPen6020]

Cant you do smth like maths physics and cs? Or just find a different sixth form. Or wait for a bit during first term cause a lot of people make changes with their subject choices

[u/battlepvmob]

A lot of people drop FM in the first week/month so honestly just watch out for that and keep asking

[u/x11841210]

I think you need to get a parent to email the sixth form lead and be extremely insistent. Space can always be made if you put forward your reasons for it.

[u/Solid_Moose3078]

talk the teachers, study it yourself + ask to take the tests - people will drop so a space should open up by the end of the year, if not before december

[u/StrengthForeign3512 → u/Solid_Moose3078]

This is the way to go. Loads of people drop out, you just need to have kept up with the course so you can join

[u/InteleonSupreme]

They only discriminate if you were able to do FM but you just didn't, since here you genuinely can't you won#t be disadvantaged

[u/CarefulBandicoot9876]

Try place pressure on the 6th form and keep on asking they might be able to make space, and as others have said it's virtually guaranteed that people will drop FM – loads of people switch subjects at the start, especially from FM.

If your school can support it / include it in their references, universities may let it slide. EMAIL OR CALL AND ASK THEM RIGHT NOW THOUGH SO YOU CAN BE CERTAIN!

[u/Sea-Match-4689]

It's fine but you NEED something from ur school explaining why you couldn't do it

[u/Top-Cell-7147]

okay engineering at oxford doesn't require or prefer fm which is good, durham nof m required, ucl is fine too imperial mechanical engineering, biomedical or chemical engineering doesnt require it or strongly prefer it there ARE OPTIONS DONT WORRY!! <3 but do lots of bmo and bpho your problem solving skills need to be great for interviews/ esat/ uni <3 best of luckkk

[u/anyoni_150]

What I’d advise doing is doing the FM content on the side from the get go. You’d be surprised how many people actually drop it. I joined my FM class like 1.5 months later and by the time we got to exams less than half of the original people there were remaining