For an economics degree you will often need mathematics

For an economics degree you will often need mathematics.To set about answering the critical questions, there are six essential tasks for you to undertake.Talk to teachers who know you. This can be one of the most useful and important things you can do. A teacher who knows what different A-levels demand and who knows your strengths and weaknesses is uniquely well placed to advise you. Before embarking on a particular subject you need to ask yourself whether you have the potential to acquire the skills it requires. Subjects such as English literature and history demand powers of analysis and written expression and it would be a mistake to choose such subjects without a good standard of English.

Similarly, it would not be realistic to choose physics, chemistry or economics without being reasonably good at mathematics. Unless you have the right intellectual make-up you won't perform to an adequate standard and are likely to lose interest and confidence.Ask what subjects, given future plans, you might need. All A-levels are not the same and each requires very different skills. There are four questions that you should ask when embarking on decisions about which subjects to study.

Ask what subjects are available where you intend to study. Very few schools or colleges offer all subjects available and it is no good wasting time deliberating between archaeology and ancient history if the only subject of that sort on offer where you going to go is classical civilisation. Ask yourself which subjects you think you will actually like. You will work hardest and get the best results if you enjoy your work and are fully committed to it. If you choose subjects out of a sense of duty, or as the result of external pressure, you are unlikely to make the most of them.