Dumb Ways to Die: A Level Edition

I miraculously managed it through the first semester of A Levels despite

innumerable empty bottles of Sting, tear-stained past papers, and many restless
nights. People will tell you that "it's only A1" and "it's not that horrible," but don't
fall for their lies. They are your enemies.

Trust me when I say that the move from O Levels to A Levels is a nightmare in
and of itself, but if you're anything like me and prone to making terrible mistakes
that haunt you day after day, it's another level of agony you wish you could escape.

Having said that, I've made my own and witnessed others make their fair share of
mistakes. I can't claim to have learnt much, but I'm hoping out there is smarter than
me and will use our suffering to their advantage by avoiding our
shortcomings. Therefore, without any further ado, here is a list of things to avoid
like plague to reach the end of this dreary, dark abyss otherwise known as A
Levels alive.

Procrastinating
I mean, this one is universal and something we're all acquainted with, yet some
people (including me) still struggle with it every day. We put things off for another
day, another moment that never comes until exam week. Bring on the waterfalls
and hollow promises like "just let me pass this time, I swear I'll work better for the
next test." Seriously, take it from our seniors: do your best to complete tasks when
they come your way. You'll be doing yourself a massive favor.

Opting for Sciences

Take it from me: there are a plethora of inventive ways to wreck your life. Why
would you select this? A Level science is like a leech: it clutches you and slowly
sucks your life and soul. I mean, two scientific courses together is OK, but three?
YOU'RE DONE.
Don't even get me started on those of us who voluntarily subject ourselves to the
agony of further maths. Do you really loathe your lives so much? It cannot
possibly be me, and it shouldn't ever be you either
Join Debates Camp

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 3:30 to 7 PM, everyday

Do I need to elaborate?

This is not to argue that Debates is a bad thing. On the contrary, it is a really
useful practice that will benefit you in the long term. However, it is a significant
commitment, and if you believe you will be unable to balance it with your
academics and social life (which I was recently taught is a thing), do not pursue
it. Make your life easier for yourself.

Selecting the October November Series

Our seniors made the grave mistake of scheduling their O level examinations in
the middle of their A Levels. We watched as they spent the majority of their A1
wailing about how this decision had wrecked their lives. One would think that
following this, the Batch of 2023 would adopt a more cautious approach, but it
appears man cannot learn until he suffers by himself. Many of us skipped the July
series in favor of the October/November series, and once their exams ended and
the hard reality of A1 set in, the cycle repeated. And now we see them sobbing.
Sigh.

The point is, if you find yourself in a situation where you may need to do A
Levels and O Levels side by side, run for your life.

Leave SAT for A2

Do not attempt this. According to what I've heard, this is arguably the worst thing
you could do to yourself. As soon as A2 begins, you will be swamped with work,
and starting with SAT prep will be a difficult feat. Furthermore, given the
pandemic epidemic and frequent cancellation of the test, it's strongly advised that
you take it now rather than later, lest you find yourself perilously near to college
application deadlines with no SAT score to rely on.
To summarize, A Levels have been...interesting. I struggle to find the perfect
term to characterize it. Given that it has only just began, there is a lot more to
deal with, see, and experience. It’s a long way down. Good luck, comrade!