This article was first published in 2018 and updated in 2024.
We've discussed how to pick the right subjects for you. But how about what not to do? Some former secondary students open up about what they wish they'd known when they chose their options.
Students share what they wish they'd known when choosing their exam subjects.
Student 1: You’re gonna drift towards something your friends are doing, but really try and stray away from doing that, like I did.
Student 2: You know those robotic babies in the movies? The one’s that cry and you get to take home, so one of the teachers had that at the fair and I was just like, yeah, I’m doing childcare!
Student 3: I mean, when you’re picking your GCSEs they tell you, don’t pick what your friends are picking, don’t pick based on your teacher, but I did.
Student 1: My favourite French teacher went on maternity leave, and I was really panicking then, because I thought ‘oh no, my favourite teacher’s not going to be able to teach me my GCSEs’.
Student 4: Don’t choose the subject on the promise that you’re going to be taught by a certain teacher. It doesn’t work like that.
Student 5: Don’t let a bad teacher necessarily take you off picking a subject, because you will probably get a different teacher, and you are taking it for the subject.
Student 1: She came back for the second year, and it worked out for the best.
Student 6: By not picking a science GCSE that meant I couldn’t take it on to A Level.
Student 3: For example, with French, because I heard so many people say how good it looked on their CV, I thought, maybe I should be thinking like that as well, and so I picked French, but realised again, a bit too late, that it wasn’t really for me.
Student 2: Because of the science grades I got, they weren’t as high for the A Level I wanted to do, which was psychology, so because of that, I gave up on my dreams of being a psychologist, but don’t worry guys I’ve got another dream.
Student 6: Keep your options open and as wide as possible, pick a science, pick a language, because you don’t know, down the line those things might be necessary.
Student 2: Just because you chose a certain subject, doesn’t mean you have to do something related to that in the future.
Student 5: Don’t be arrogant and think that you kind of have all the knowledge, ask your teachers about if they think the subject suites you, think about what you’re good at as well.
Student 4: You need to not stress yourself out too much, and choose subjects that you’re going to be happy doing for the next two or three years, because you can’t put all of your effort into something you don’t care about.
Top tips on choosing your options from young people who have made ALL the mistakes:
- Don't just pick a subject because your mates are doing it - it's your life!
- Don't pick a subject on the spur of the moment or because it sounds new and fun, as it could wear off
- Don't pick a subject just because it is taught by your favourite teacher. Likewise, try not to avoid a subject just because you’re not too keen on a teacher: there are no guarantees that you'll be taught by the same person
- Don't avoid a subject that you may want to take onto further education, as you may need a secondary school qualification for it first
- Don't presume you know everything about how a subject will be taught and ask your teachers for as much information as possible
- And, perhaps, most importantly: don't stress out too much, and pick subjects you feel you will enjoy doing for the next two years. Good luck!
These tips were all offered by real-life students in 2018. Compulsory subjects vary depending on where you are in the UK and sometimes on your school. For information on the guidelines around options in your nation, see:
The Ultimate Options Guide 2025
Everything you need to know about choosing your GCSE subjects in England
GCSEs in Northern Ireland: What are my options?
If you need support
You should always tell someone about the things you’re worried about. You can tell a friend, parent, guardian, teacher, or another trusted adult. If you're struggling with your mental health, going to your GP can be a good place to start to find help. Your GP can let you know what support is available to you, suggest different types of treatment and offer regular check-ups to see how you’re doing.
If you’re in need of in-the-moment support you can contact Childline, where you can speak to a counsellor. Their lines are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
There are more links to helpful organisations on the BBC Bitesize Action Line page for young people.
Myths about choosing your options: Busted!
When you choose your options, everyone has an opinion! We help you find out what's true and what's just a myth.
How to choose your options wisely for the future you want
Life coach Mark Anderson gives a step-by-step guide to making a good decision when picking your subjects.
The Ultimate Options Guide 2026
Find out more about some of the subjects that may be on offer when choosing your GCSE or National options.
