Your A Level subjects shape your university options for years. This guide covers the four ideas that matter, the combinations that keep the most courses open, and what each of the 19 junior colleges offers. Advice by Mr Eugene Toh.
| 1 | Keep university options open |
| 2 | Stay motivated and interested |
| 3 | Play to your strengths |
| 4 | Balance the workload |
The best A Level subject combination is one that keeps your university options open, keeps you motivated, plays to your strengths, and balances the workload. The most flexible combinations, such as PCME (Physics, Chemistry, Maths, Economics) or BCME (Biology, Chemistry, Maths, Economics), are accepted across the widest range of courses, and Economics in particular is valued across business, law, the social sciences and public policy.
At 17 it is normal not to know exactly what you want to read at university. Your combination should protect your options, not narrow them early. Some subjects are gatekeepers (Physics for engineering, Chemistry for medicine), while Economics and Mathematics are multipliers, recognised across many faculties.
JC is a two year effort, and motivation is what sustains consistent work. A subject you find genuinely interesting is far easier to revise. If you enjoy reasoning, real world issues and structured argument, Economics tends to resonate.
Your grades matter more for admission than how impressive the subjects sound. Choose subjects that fit how you think. Economics is highly scalable: you do not need O Level Economics to do well, and progress comes from learning the answering frameworks.
Pair content heavy subjects with skill based ones so no single term overwhelms you. Economics works well as a bridge, combining logical reasoning like Mathematics with essay writing like General Paper.
| Combination | What it tends to unlock |
|---|---|
| Physics, Chemistry, Maths, Economics | The most flexible science combination: opens engineering, computing, medicine related, business, finance and the social sciences. |
| Biology, Chemistry, Maths, Economics | The medicine, dentistry, pharmacy and life sciences route, while Economics keeps business and social science doors open. |
| Physics, Chemistry, Maths plus a contrasting subject | A strong, conventional science load for the most competitive STEM and medicine courses. |
| English Literature, History, Economics, Maths | A versatile humanities mix; Maths and Economics keep quantitative courses such as business and the social sciences open. |
| Geography, History, Economics with Maths or a language | Strong for law, public policy, the social sciences and the humanities. |
| Two science and two arts subjects | Offered at some colleges; keeps the widest possible range of courses open if you are undecided. |
A guide, not a rule. Exact prerequisites vary by course and university, so check the programme requirements for anything you are aiming at.
What each of the 19 junior colleges offers, its distinctive subjects, and its cut-off. Compiled from the schools' own materials, sorted by 2026 competitiveness.
Subject offerings, combinations and cut-off figures change from year to year and vary by school. This page is compiled from the school's own website and public sources and is a point of reference only. It may be incomplete or out of date, so always confirm the current subjects and requirements directly with the school.
Economics is one of the most chosen A Level subjects, and not by accident. It is recognised across business, finance, the social sciences, law and public policy, it pairs naturally with both the sciences and the humanities, and it trains the structured, evaluative thinking that universities value. It is also scalable: many students pick it up fresh in JC and do well with the right guidance.
If you take it, starting with the right answering technique is the surest route to an A. Our JC Economics programme is built around exactly that, a weekly marked essay or case study from the author of the H1 and H2 TYS answer keys.
The best combination is one that keeps your university options open, keeps you motivated, plays to your strengths and balances the workload. Flexible combinations such as PCME or BCME are accepted across the widest range of courses.
PCME is Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics and Economics, one of the most flexible A Level combinations because it is accepted across engineering, computing, the sciences, business, finance and the social sciences.
No. Economics can be picked up fresh in JC. It rewards learning the answering frameworks rather than prior content, so many students start it in JC and do well with the right guidance.
Offerings vary by college. Use the by college section above to see what each of the 19 junior colleges offers, and confirm the current subjects with the school.
The notes are free to read because the concepts should be. Join the mailing list for the 112 page Summary and Diagrams pack, drawn the way ETG teaches them, plus new chapters and worked answers as we publish. You can also follow along on Telegram.
Form not loading? Open the sign-up form.
A good combination sets you up; the habits you build in the first months decide the grade. If Economics is on your list, a free trial lesson with a specialist ETG economics tutor is a good place to begin.