THERE is no doubt that you are right , as hardwork can never go out of trend.
But still these factors do matter somewhat brother, I haven't taken CSS attempt as its my first but I have met with 2 top qualifiers personally , both of them accept this TREND phenomenon in CSS.

European history can be preferred on British history on another fact that it's scope is wide while British history has narrow scope but length.
And we should try to choose subjects which are overlapping as this helps a lot , as you can choose European history and int law or int relations.

Best of luck .

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There is always room for improvement , it's the biggest room in the house.