The Student Room Group

Adjustment: English Literature.

I’ve applied to study English Literature this year with Bath Spa University as my conditional firm choice. Bath Spa want 320 points, with 260 coming from a full A level and a B in English Lit.

I also selected De Monfort University as my insurance choice (despite them offering unconditional if I made them my firm) and they want 280 points, with 180 coming from at least 2 A levels including a C in English Lit. The benefit of this being it seems very likely they would accept me if my grades didn’t improve as well as the fact I’d be living at home.

As it stands with my grades being:
English Literature A
Media Studies B
Geography E
Creative Writing: B (This is a prediction based on coursework which hasn’t received a final grade as we were made to choose an AS extension at the start of Year 13)

I felt that my choices were realistic rather than unambitious. When I went to Bath Spa’s open day, I instinctively felt that I wanted to go there the course, the people and the location were all appealing to me. The only thing that disappointed me was the league table rankings but I couldn’t complain given that I didn’t really revise for Geography in Year 12 (and as a result I’m retaking it along with my A2 exams).

I confirmed my choices at the end of February but in the recent weeks afterwards I discovered the University of Reading’s course and requirements of ABB with a B in English Lit - significantly in my scenario they would only accept full A level grades. Unfortunately I was not aware of the course when I was making my five choices - I’ve not been to an open day or ordered a prospectus, I’ve only researched around the course online. I’ve spoken to my Geography teachers and they believe I could achieve a C and with Media there is potential to move up to an A. It’s highly unlikely however I can’t help but wonder if I were to get ABC or even AAC - would I be able to get a place through adjustment?

(Side note: I’d also require Disability support so I’m guessing that would hinder my chances even further.)
Original post by HannahMFO
I’ve applied to study English Literature this year with Bath Spa University as my conditional firm choice. Bath Spa want 320 points, with 260 coming from a full A level and a B in English Lit.

I also selected De Monfort University as my insurance choice (despite them offering unconditional if I made them my firm) and they want 280 points, with 180 coming from at least 2 A levels including a C in English Lit. The benefit of this being it seems very likely they would accept me if my grades didn’t improve as well as the fact I’d be living at home.

As it stands with my grades being:
English Literature A
Media Studies B
Geography E
Creative Writing: B (This is a prediction based on coursework which hasn’t received a final grade as we were made to choose an AS extension at the start of Year 13)

I felt that my choices were realistic rather than unambitious. When I went to Bath Spa’s open day, I instinctively felt that I wanted to go there the course, the people and the location were all appealing to me. The only thing that disappointed me was the league table rankings but I couldn’t complain given that I didn’t really revise for Geography in Year 12 (and as a result I’m retaking it along with my A2 exams).

I confirmed my choices at the end of February but in the recent weeks afterwards I discovered the University of Reading’s course and requirements of ABB with a B in English Lit - significantly in my scenario they would only accept full A level grades. Unfortunately I was not aware of the course when I was making my five choices - I’ve not been to an open day or ordered a prospectus, I’ve only researched around the course online. I’ve spoken to my Geography teachers and they believe I could achieve a C and with Media there is potential to move up to an A. It’s highly unlikely however I can’t help but wonder if I were to get ABC or even AAC - would I be able to get a place through adjustment?

(Side note: I’d also require Disability support so I’m guessing that would hinder my chances even further.)


If you get AAC (or even ABC or AAD) then Reading might be interested - and the great thing about Adjustment is that you wouldn't lose your firm choice while you explore your chances with Reading.

They aren't allowed to discriminate against you on the grounds of disability.
Reply 2
(Thank you for your response, I found it helpful and it was considerate of my circumstances)

Original post by ageshallnot
If you get AAC (or even ABC or AAD) then Reading might be interested - and the great thing about Adjustment is that you wouldn't lose your firm choice while you explore your chances with Reading.


So you don't think I'm being naive to consider them despite not physically visiting them? (And also because there's no guaranteed chance of the uni's course being listed with open spaces?) :smile: Because I was concerned my post would make me come across that way!

Original post by ageshallnot
They aren't allowed to discriminate against you on the grounds of disability.


Whew! I've been told that before but obviously I'm always cynical!
Original post by HannahMFO
(Thank you for your response, I found it helpful and it was considerate of my circumstances)



So you don't think I'm being naive to consider them despite not physically visiting them? (And also because there's no guaranteed chance of the uni's course being listed with open spaces?) :smile: Because I was concerned my post would make me come across that way!



Whew! I've been told that before but obviously I'm always cynical!


It's always better to visit a uni than not to do so, but many students do perfectly well without.

Reading has been in Clearing for English Lit for the past two years - though this year could be different, of course.

Cynicism is an admirable trait! I know what you mean and there could be genuine problems depending on your needs. Disability support can range from helping with dyslexia through to providing specialist accommodation for a student with mobility issues. I would imagine the latter would be more of a problem for a uni because there are a finite number of such rooms.

Of course, there is the question of when you actually tell them...
Reply 4
Original post by ageshallnot

I know what you mean and there could be genuine problems depending on your needs. Disability support can range from helping with dyslexia through to providing specialist accommodation for a student with mobility issues. I would imagine the latter would be more of a problem for a uni because there are a finite number of such rooms.

Of course, there is the question of when you actually tell them...


I've spoken to the De Monfort team in person about them doing my Study Needs Assessment because it would be local but obviously I can't sort out what support I need until I've finished my Student Finance - which I nearly have.

I have a spinal condition but I'm not wheelchair bound. My recent GP letter that I obtained as part of looking into getting DSA allowance states my issues with walking/standing/sitting for long amounts of time so I was concerned with accomodation because if I did get a place with adjustment, I wouldn't get priority in choosing as I would applying normally with Bath Spa and so I might end up living a distance that I would struggle to commute to and from.

However DMU did say sometimes universities offer taxi service which is paid for... so I guess there's a potential problem solved but I suppose I won't know what Reading will offer until results day and whether my grades allow for adjustment.
Reply 5
It is a risky procedure but if you really want to go reading then you can apply through extra. I know you've already firmed your university but you can get out of it. I called up my firm uni and they released me into extra. This way you won't have to wait till extra but if you don't find a place by the end of June then it means you will have to go into clearing. I am currently going through extra.


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Reply 6
Original post by r-t
It is a risky procedure but if you really want to go reading then you can apply through extra. I know you've already firmed your university but you can get out of it. I called up my firm uni and they released me into extra. This way you won't have to wait till extra but if you don't find a place by the end of June then it means you will have to go into clearing. I am currently going through extra.


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Thank you for your response.
That's a useful idea although I don't think I'd be willing to risk losing my firm at this moment in time with my current grades. I'd rather wait until results day when I know that my grades have improved and I'd be more likely to get in with those. I would like to go to Reading but I don't think I'm desperate enough that I'd follow the risk you suggested. I'd be happy at Bath Spa if I didn't get ABC/AAD or higher - I think my concern would only be if it came to results day, I had improved and I couldn't get into Reading.
Reply 7
Original post by HannahMFO
Thank you for your response.
That's a useful idea although I don't think I'd be willing to risk losing my firm at this moment in time with my current grades. I'd rather wait until results day when I know that my grades have improved and I'd be more likely to get in with those. I would like to go to Reading but I don't think I'm desperate enough that I'd follow the risk you suggested. I'd be happy at Bath Spa if I didn't get ABC/AAD or higher - I think my concern would only be if it came to results day, I had improved and I couldn't get into Reading.


Ok. Good luck with whatever direction you go in :smile:


Posted from TSR Mobile
Original post by HannahMFO
Thank you for your response.
That's a useful idea although I don't think I'd be willing to risk losing my firm at this moment in time with my current grades. I'd rather wait until results day when I know that my grades have improved and I'd be more likely to get in with those. I would like to go to Reading but I don't think I'm desperate enough that I'd follow the risk you suggested. I'd be happy at Bath Spa if I didn't get ABC/AAD or higher - I think my concern would only be if it came to results day, I had improved and I couldn't get into Reading.


If on results day your grades are better than expected, you will have a range of options open to you- adjustment is one of them, and there may be a lot of good courses in adjustment that might take you. Equally, if you really wanted to go elsewhere, you could take a gap year and reapply.
Reply 9
Original post by SlowlorisIncognito
If on results day your grades are better than expected, you will have a range of options open to you- adjustment is one of them, and there may be a lot of good courses in adjustment that might take you.


So just to clarify - if I'm predicted ABD by my teachers - as long as I get ABC/AAD minimum I'll be able to use Adjustment?

Original post by SlowlorisIncognito
Equally, if you really wanted to go elsewhere, you could take a gap year and reapply.


My Dad suggested a gap year, but my form tutor left on the last day of term and he was my referee - so if I did have a gap year - wouldn't I struggle to find another referee?
(edited 9 years ago)
Original post by HannahMFO
So just to clarify - if I'm predicted ABD by my teachers - as long as I get ABC/AAD minimum I'll be able to use Adjustment?


You need to exceed the terms of your firm offer in order to enter adjustment- So you'd need more than 320 points- This means getting above ABB, or say AAD + a C in your AS level. It wouldn't matter about exceeding the requirement for a B in English Lit, though.
Original post by HannahMFO
So just to clarify - if I'm predicted ABD by my teachers - as long as I get ABC/AAD minimum I'll be able to use Adjustment?



My Dad suggested a gap year, but my form tutor left on the last day of term and he was my referee - so if I did have a gap year - wouldn't I struggle to find another referee?

It's not about predicted grades - it's exceeding the offer.

It's normal to use your school reference if you take a gap year. It will be kept on file and you can just tell them what, if anything, needs to be updated.
Reply 12
Original post by SlowlorisIncognito
You need to exceed the terms of your firm offer in order to enter adjustment- So you'd need more than 320 points- This means getting above ABB, or say AAD + a C in your AS level. It wouldn't matter about exceeding the requirement for a B in English Lit, though.


Original post by Carnationlilyrose
It's not about predicted grades - it's exceeding the offer.
Sorry I should have been more clear with what I was trying to ask - I was confused because Reading didn't accept AS levels only full A2 I didn't know whether exceeding Bath's offer of "320 points, with 260 coming from a full A level and a B in English Lit." would allow me adjustment. Also I dropped History at AS because I got an E in that so if I add up my current points as it stands and pretend I didn't improve at all - that's 120+100+40 (260) for my A2 and then 50+20 (70) for my AS that would put me on 330 points for Bath Spa - so if that happened on the day would I have exceeded the offer?

(Also I appreciate both your responses you've been immensely helpful I'll have to give you both reps tomorrow because TSR won't let me today :/ )
(edited 9 years ago)
Original post by HannahMFO
Sorry I should have been more clear with what I was trying to ask - I was confused because Reading didn't accept AS levels only full A2 I didn't know whether exceeding Bath's offer of "320 points, with 260 coming from a full A level and a B in English Lit." would allow me adjustment. Also I dropped History at AS because I got an E in that so if I add up my current points as it stands and pretend I didn't improve at all - that's 120+100+40 (260) for my A2 and then 50+20 (70) for my AS that would put me on 330 points for Bath Spa - so if that happened on the day would I have exceeded the offer?

(Also I appreciate both your responses you've been immensely helpful I'll have to give you both reps tomorrow because TSR won't let me today :/ )


I'm glad you've found our responses helpful :smile:.

If you want to enter adjustment you just need to exceed your offer- which 330 points would do. It's then a separate decision from the individual uni(s) as to whether they want to accept you. Does that make things clearer?
Reply 14
Original post by SlowlorisIncognito
I'm glad you've found our responses helpful :smile:.

If you want to enter adjustment you just need to exceed your offer- which 330 points would do. It's then a separate decision from the individual uni(s) as to whether they want to accept you. Does that make things clearer?


Yes that makes a lot more sense - you and the others were all incredibly helpful! Also the section "Think carefully" on this article has made me aware of the financial issues with adjustment such as paying for accommodation deposits.

As well as the part where it says 'Just because you can go to a 'better' or more prestigious university, doesn't mean you should.' has reminded me that although Reading is more prestigious that doesn't mean I should rule out Bath Spa - as it might be the best option for me after all!
Original post by HannahMFO
Yes that makes a lot more sense - you and the others were all incredibly helpful! Also the section "Think carefully" on this article has made me aware of the financial issues with adjustment such as paying for accommodation deposits.

As well as the part where it says 'Just because you can go to a 'better' or more prestigious university, doesn't mean you should.' has reminded me that although Reading is more prestigious that doesn't mean I should rule out Bath Spa - as it might be the best option for me after all!


There can be issues with going to uni through adjustment- but equally, the financial amounts will be relatively small compared to the amount you'll spend on your total degree, so I wouldn't let smaller issues put you off.

However, I would make sure you can access appropriate accommodation if you need adaptions to your mobility issues. The uni should help you with this, but some unis are better than others at providing support. I would definitely get something in writing (via email is ok) with regards to accommodation and disability support before accepting your offer.

Equally though, if you do decide you'd be happier at Bath Spa between now and results day, there is nothing wrong with that :smile:

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