The Right A-Level Subjects for Ivy League & Top U.S. Colleges

Are you confused by which courses you should take in you’re A-level. It is actually relatively simple. By the time you are finished reading this Blog, you should know what classes you need to take because there are the right A-Level subjects and the wrong A-Level Subjects. In this Blog, I’ll walk you through the best subject combinations based on your intended major—business, humanities, or engineering. And there is a bonus, keep reading and you will get a general rule of thumb at the end to determine what scores you require for each college.

Why A-Level Subject Choice Matters for Ivy League Admissions

Before we dive into subject combinations, let’s talk about something even more fundamental: your academic interest. Your academic interests help colleges figure out:

1. What you want to study

2. Why you're drawn to it

3. And how you've already explored that interest

Whether you're leaning toward economics, english, or engineering—your A-Level subjects are your first academic signal. They show colleges you’re serious about the major you have selected. Do you really think you can get into a Biology program if you have not taken a single science throughout your high school career? Umm very unlikely and that is why I share 13 common academic myths here. But while that is obvious, what is not as obvious is how your A-Level subjects can make or break your application—especially in the context of US college admissions. But while that is obvious, what is not as obvious is the other complimentary classes you need to choose – I got you.

To be frank, choosing your A-Levels isn’t complicated—but many students overthink it or choose classes based on what sounds easy. And then wonder why their applications don’t stand out. Here's the truth: if you’re serious about US college admissions, your subject choices matter more than you think.

Here’s a simple strategy to get it right:

1. Choose subjects that match your intended major (so if you want to be a computer science major, take every math & coding class you can get your hands on; if you want to pursue economics in college, take every business, international trade, economics class you can get your hands on etc.

2. If you’re aiming for selective colleges, go for rigor—top colleges care deeply about challenge level. So when there are two options for a particular subject and one is harder (e.g. Mathematics & Further Mathematics)– choose the harder one. Simple.

So that is the basic logic, but I still want to write down exactly what combinations work for the 3 most common majors. 

1. Business, Economics & Finance

2. Engineering

3. Humanities (Law, English, Science, Policy)

Okay let’s get into course combinations for IB students.

Best A-Level Subjects for Business, Economics & Finance

Core Subjects to Prioritize:

• Economics – Strongly recommended

• Mathematics – Crucial for all business/finance tracks

  • Further Mathematics if you're aiming for LSE, Cambridge, or Wharton

• Business Studies – Optional. Can show interest but isn’t as academically respected

  
  

Supporting Subjects:

• English Literature or Language – Strengthens communication and writing

• History or Politics – Adds depth to economic thinking

• A second language – Adds international context

  
  

Sample Combinations:

• Option A – Traditional & Strong:Economics, Mathematics, English Literature

• Option B – Quantitative Focus (for Finance):Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Economics

• Option C – Balanced with Interest-Based Pick:Mathematics, Economics, Business Studies

Best A-Level Subjects for Engineering  & STEM Majors

Core Subjects to Prioritize:

• Mathematics – Non-negotiable

• Further Mathematics – Strongly recommended for top engineering programs

• Physics – Essential across all branches

• Chemistry – Especially for chemical or biomedical engineering

• Computer Science – Recommended for software/electrical fields

  
  

Supporting Subjects:

• English – Required by U.S. colleges (Literature or Language is fine)

• Economics – Good for engineering + entrepreneurship

• Design Technology – Acceptable but not a substitute for core sciences

  
  

Sample Combinations:

• Option A – General Engineering: Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry

• Option B – Software/Electrical Focus:Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science

• Option C – Top Tier Target (Cambridge/MIT):Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Physics

By the way, if you want insights into the best Ivy League STEM Extracurriculars, then check out this blog post here.

Best A-Level Subjects for Humanities (Law, Politics, Writing)

Core Subjects to Prioritize:

• English Literature – Highly recommended

• History – Excellent for analytical and essay-writing skills

• Politics or Philosophy – Strong additions for law or public policy

• Economics – Useful for development, politics, IR

• Global Perspectives & Research (GPR) – Good for research-based majors

  
  

Supporting Subjects:

• Math (if needed, pick Core or AS) – For well-roundedness

• A second language – Shows global engagement

• Psychology, Sociology, or Geography – Can deepen social understanding

  
  

Sample Combinations:

• Option A – Traditional Law/Humanities Track:English Literature, History, Politics

• Option B – IR/Political Science Focus:History, Economics, Global Perspectives

• Option C – Balanced, Strategic, Light Math:English Literature, Economics, Psychology

Okay so now that we are through the subject combinations – you hopefully say – oh.  That is self-explanatory.  But don't stop at academics! Make sure you know what you need to do to get your entire profile ready for the big leagues.

How U.S. Colleges Evaluate A-Levels (Not Just Grades)

Unlike the USA Grades indicator (GPA), you will notice that most colleges do not print the required A-Level scores.  Based on the past achievements of my students, here is how you can think about it.

Top U.S. Colleges (Ivy League, MIT, Stanford, etc.)

• Expect A*AA or better, ideally with the A* in a subject related to your intended major

• Further Mathematics and traditional subjects are viewed most favorably

• For engineering or economics, AAA with strong math is common

  
  

Mid-Tier Selective Colleges (NYU, Boston U, etc.)

• AAB to AAA, depending on subject mix

• Less emphasis on Further Math, but still value academic rigor

  
  

Less Selective Colleges

• ABB to BBB may be acceptable

• Broader flexibility in subject choice

Do checkout this video, I explain how international applications are reviewed differently — and why understanding this could make or break your strategy.

Final Takeaway: Building an Ivy-Ready Academic Profile Early

Okay so what are the takeaways? Subject selection matters. So do a lot of other aspects of your academics. I highly suggest you check out the Blog “Why Perfect Grades Aren't Enough for The Top 5 Colleges” for a wholistic understand of what admissions officers care about when they talk about satisfying the academic criteria – its more than A-Level scores!

Choosing A-Level subjects isn’t about playing it safe or copying what everyone else is doing.

It’s about building a narrative—one that tells colleges: “I know what I want to study, and I’m preparing for it seriously.”

And this is where most applicants get it wrong—they pick subjects without a strategy, then wonder why their application doesn’t stand out. If you're aiming for the Ivy League, or any top U.S. college, you need to think bigger.

Whether you're trying to figure out how to get into Ivy League, or just want to explore the best extracurriculars for U.S. college applicants, your subject choices are the foundation of your story.

It’s all part of smart college profile-building strategies for top U.S. universities—something too few students take seriously early enough.

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Frequently Asked Questions About A-Level Subjects & Ivy League Admissions

Which A-Level subjects are best for Ivy League STEM programs?

Mathematics, Further Mathematics, and Physics are the strongest foundation. For computer science or engineering, these subjects carry significantly more weight than applied or lighter options.

Does choosing easier A-Levels hurt Ivy League admissions?

Yes. Ivy League admissions officers evaluate course rigor, not just grades. Easier subject choices raise concerns about academic risk, even with high scores.

Are A-Levels enough to get into the Ivy League?

Strong A-Levels are necessary but not sufficient. Admissions also evaluates essays, extracurricular depth, honors, and recommendations. Subject choice sets the academic baseline.

How do I get into Ivy League colleges as an international student?

Ivy League admissions look for academic rigor, subject alignment with your intended major, and evidence you can handle advanced coursework. A-Level choices are one of the earliest academic signals.