University of York - English - How lenient are they?

Hi, I've applied for English Literature as my firm with English/Linguistics as my insurance, both at the University of York and I have a question:

I used to be really confident in getting an A in literature and AAB (at the least) overall but I've recently begun to struggle with anxiety and stress which has caused my Literature grade to slip from A to B.

I'm really scared now for these exams - specifically my Literature exam and I was just wondering if there's any lenience at all? I know an A is essential for English Literature but I also do English Language which I think I could get an A/A* in which would hopefully make my grades look more like B A/A* A if I do get a B in Literature so I don't know if that would have any impact at all.

I am really trying to prepare the best I can for my first Literature exam on Friday but I am just so scared. I do have it in mind that I'm going to try for the English Language and Linguistics course (which does not say that you must get an A in literature) in clearing if I can get it but I'd rather not go to clearing at all if I can help it. Does anyone have any advice (other than the obvious being to just get an A in Literature)?

Reply 1

Anonymous #1

I feel as though I should also probably mention that I am on the waiting list for an ASD assessment. If that has any impact on any leniency, I'd also like to know.

Reply 2

bethroberts223

Original post by Anonymous

Hi, I've applied for English Literature as my firm with English/Linguistics as my insurance, both at the University of York and I have a question:
I used to be really confident in getting an A in literature and AAB (at the least) overall but I've recently begun to struggle with anxiety and stress which has caused my Literature grade to slip from A to B.
I'm really scared now for these exams - specifically my Literature exam and I was just wondering if there's any lenience at all? I know an A is essential for English Literature but I also do English Language which I think I could get an A/A* in which would hopefully make my grades look more like B A/A* A if I do get a B in Literature so I don't know if that would have any impact at all.
I am really trying to prepare the best I can for my first Literature exam on Friday but I am just so scared. I do have it in mind that I'm going to try for the English Language and Linguistics course (which does not say that you must get an A in literature) in clearing if I can get it but I'd rather not go to clearing at all if I can help it. Does anyone have any advice (other than the obvious being to just get an A in Literature)?

Hey, not sure if this is helpful at all, but I'm also applying for English lit at York as my firm choice and my first exam is this Friday, but I've been slipping from an A grade to a B grade which is incredibly frustrating and worrying me too. My friend had an ASD assessment recently and she got extra time on exams, but I'm not sure if this could be factored in. Mostly I'm just cramming quotes and context at the moment and looking back at feedback from my mocks. If you can, I'd do a practice essay, because that made me feel more confident. Hope this helps, and good luck for your exam! :smile:

Reply 3

University of York

Official Rep

Hi there, thanks for reaching out and sorry to hear you're feeling anxious about your exams.

The department admissions team will be able to give you a clear answer about this, you can contact them via email [email protected] or by giving them a call on +44 (0) 1904 323366. They're a really helpful, friendly bunch and will be happy to answer any concerns or worries!

Hope this helps and best of luck in your exams

Reply 4

Anonymous #2

Original post by Anonymous

Hi, I've applied for English Literature as my firm with English/Linguistics as my insurance, both at the University of York and I have a question:
I used to be really confident in getting an A in literature and AAB (at the least) overall but I've recently begun to struggle with anxiety and stress which has caused my Literature grade to slip from A to B.
I'm really scared now for these exams - specifically my Literature exam and I was just wondering if there's any lenience at all? I know an A is essential for English Literature but I also do English Language which I think I could get an A/A* in which would hopefully make my grades look more like B A/A* A if I do get a B in Literature so I don't know if that would have any impact at all.
I am really trying to prepare the best I can for my first Literature exam on Friday but I am just so scared. I do have it in mind that I'm going to try for the English Language and Linguistics course (which does not say that you must get an A in literature) in clearing if I can get it but I'd rather not go to clearing at all if I can help it. Does anyone have any advice (other than the obvious being to just get an A in Literature)?

Hi I’ve been researching unis admission grades via the what do they know website - freedom of information now so accessible and you can view other requests many relate to offers to those with missed grades (lots of worrying year 13 out there). My general impression is where possible unis are flexible especially for humanities subjects, and they would prefer to take a student who dropped a grade but chose them and have planned on going there than pick up a clearing student who never selected them (stats show clearing students more likely to drop out and so it’s a financial safe guard for unis to prefer students who actively applied to them). So I would say keep working hard and stay optimistic - next year universities I think will have to declare the actual grades achieved by those offered a place, not just entry requirements and that will help students understand the reality of results day. Wishing you luck !

Reply 5

Anonymous #1

Original post by University of York

Hi there, thanks for reaching out and sorry to hear you're feeling anxious about your exams.
The department admissions team will be able to give you a clear answer about this, you can contact them via email [email protected] or by giving them a call on +44 (0) 1904 323366. They're a really helpful, friendly bunch and will be happy to answer any concerns or worries!
Hope this helps and best of luck in your exams

Thank you! I'll definitely get in touch after my exams.

Reply 6

Anonymous #1

This was very helpful, thank you so much for replying. I've been in the exact same situation with my grades slipping from As to Bs in literature, I'm just hoping I can pull off an A for these exams. I hope the exam last week went well for you, and I wish you the best of luck for Paper 2 next week! 😊

Reply 7

chughes02

Original post by Anonymous

Hi, I've applied for English Literature as my firm with English/Linguistics as my insurance, both at the University of York and I have a question:
I used to be really confident in getting an A in literature and AAB (at the least) overall but I've recently begun to struggle with anxiety and stress which has caused my Literature grade to slip from A to B.
I'm really scared now for these exams - specifically my Literature exam and I was just wondering if there's any lenience at all? I know an A is essential for English Literature but I also do English Language which I think I could get an A/A* in which would hopefully make my grades look more like B A/A* A if I do get a B in Literature so I don't know if that would have any impact at all.
I am really trying to prepare the best I can for my first Literature exam on Friday but I am just so scared. I do have it in mind that I'm going to try for the English Language and Linguistics course (which does not say that you must get an A in literature) in clearing if I can get it but I'd rather not go to clearing at all if I can help it. Does anyone have any advice (other than the obvious being to just get an A in Literature)?

Hi, slightly different situation but definitely have some insight.
I was covid alevel class of 2020, so my grades were actually just made up! My initial goal was to study literature at UoY, with no back up really. Then when my grades came in (ABC) they told me there was no space for me, and offered me a place in linguistics instead. I took that place and ended up loving it.
All this being said, I think it just depends on how many applicants there are each year, and what the outcomes are for their grades. As far as I can tell this is what they base their leniency off.
I’d think if you were one grade off that they will likely still offer you a place in literature, as long as there aren’t too many people with higher grades than you. I obviously don’t know what their thoughts are this year, but I do know the admissions team are very helpful and got me on the linguistics course with no issues.
Good luck!!

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