[rag07]

Hey there, I'm 18 years old and currently doing my A levels. I really want to go into wildlife conservation and research - it is something that I am very interested in and always have been. I am especially interested in big cats, primates and animal evolution. This really isn't a whim as I really want to do this as a living and can't imagine doing anything else with my life.

There is just one very big problem. My A levels are English Lit, Philosophy and Art with and AS is Maths and I have a place in Bristol uni for a course in Philosophy. Don't get me wrong, I love philosophy, but i really want to do zoology - not only cos of the degree itself but because it will allow me to go into the career I really want to be in - as a valued, contributing team member anyways. I know this is all my own fault - I should have sorted myself out much earlier but it just didn't occur to me to make a career out of something which is as much of a hobby to me as this is. I know I sound stupid but I feel so frustrated that I have let this happen.

I can't just decline and reapply next year because, firstly I need biology and preferably some other science (would my maths AS be enough for this second requirement?) to do zoology and secondly my parents are pressuring me to just get a degree asap so they won't be happy with a gap year.

Is there anything I can do? Or am I just going to have to accept that it is too late? Will a philosophy degree get me anywhere? Please can someone help me!

Thanks for reading about my pickle and I hope you can help.