r/Scotland • u/AnyCharacter4521 • 2d ago

Crash

I had a thought. I’m currently considering Higher physics next year in S6. However, I have a dilemma. I need Advanced Higher physics for university. So, I was thinking. If I taught myself the whole N5 course and higher in the next few months would crashing advanced higher be possible? If so, has anyone done it? Also would a school be open to That thought?

1 Upvotes

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u/samiam221b 2d ago

I would be SHOCKED if the school let you crash advanced higher. Does your course specify you need AH physics?

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u/mattius3 2d ago

I did higher and it was difficult, I then did advanced higher and it was a lot harder. I don't think you could do higher in a few months.

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u/Oopdidoop 2d ago

it will be very school dependent—i would imagine they would be quite reluctant. why do you need advanced higher? where are you wanting to go?

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u/AnyCharacter4521 2d ago

I was looking at Oxford or Cambridge for Physics. Both want it as a mandatory requirement.

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u/Oopdidoop 2d ago

i see. it’s worth asking but i wouldn’t get your hopes up. crashing highers isn’t easy to begin with—and you may be far underestimating the jump from higher to advh. trust me, it’s a different world.

do you by chance take chemistry this year? some colleges at cambridge may allow you to apply for their natural sciences with only two advh sciences (them being chemistry and maths) with physics at only higher (and perhaps go for higher biology as well to be safe!). if this is the case, email ahead for confirmation. try emmanuel.

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u/AnyCharacter4521 2d ago

Yes, I have also looked at other options. One of which is Advanced higher Maths and Advanced higher mathematics of mechanics. Both are Similar, recommended by Oxford and Mechanics is close to physics. Hoping that would be enough.

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u/Oopdidoop 2d ago

in my head you can only take mechanics if you also take physics? this may not be true. i’m also not sure this would be enough for oxbridge—mechanics would not cover all the physics you would surely need. again, i would always recommend shooting the admissions office an email.

i have to ask, why do you want to do physics when you’ve never done it before at all?

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u/AnyCharacter4521 2d ago

Lost story short. Has alway been an idea of mine. However, I didn’t have a teacher for the N5 course. Lost interest due to that and thought I would get 5 higher’s this year and return to do it in s6. I will definitely be crashing Higher physics. Probably, doing Advanced Higher as a mature student. However, I thought that it might have been possible to cut a corner next year. Thanks for the advice. I’ll send Oxbridge an email.

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u/AnyCharacter4521 2d ago

Also, on the mechanics front. Some schools want Advanced maths and physics. However, some only require Higher Maths at an A and choosing Advanced Maths in s6.

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u/Dr_Cruces 2d ago

It’s fairly traditional in England to take an extra year to study for the oxbridge entrance exams. You will be competing against people who already have an A in A-level physics. I doubt a crash course will work. Have you considered doing a 7th year at college?

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u/AnyCharacter4521 2d ago

Yes, totally. I was just wondering if it was possible to Jump ahead and if I did, how hard it would have been. After reconsideration I think this will be the best approach. Thanks for the advice!