Dear Andy,
A few years ago I was in a similar position. After completing an economics degree I decided I wanted to be an engineer.
I had good numeracy skills and could handle formal mathematics but lacked any of the requisite physics qualifications. I had to spend a year doing a single physics a-level. (I also did a masters during the year to fill my time). Of course if your daughter is intelligent she could do it in the same year As her german qualifications.
You can sit a-levels at different times of the year and often at your local embassy.
In many ways, whilst this will take extra time it may be of benefit To the admission process in other ways.
Studying an a-level by yourself, booking into exams and passing would be a considerable achievement for a student before university. This would be looked on favourably.
Sitting the uk exam would demonstrate comittment of the long held ambition to study in the UK.
Sitting an english exam would underline her english skills. Many foreign students in uk universities still get onto courses whilst having poor english skills. Universities like a good verification.
It is my understanding that German youths stududy at a later age than in the UK. Universities in the UK put great emphasis on demonstrating maturity and time management skills for entrants. The extra year would be of benefit.
UK university entrance dececision makers prefer to give offers to those who already have qualifications rather than those who have yet to sit the exams. It is a matter of risk and ensuring the correct supply of incoming students. As your daughter will have the bulk of her grades already, deferring for a year whilst she does the alevel will put her in a good position.
I have applied to many uk universities over the last decade And ddone three degrees. If you want any more advice then PM me.
as someone else asked. What was the age of her last chemistry qualificatio?
Charles
