does typing in alevel exams have disadvantages

6

I want to start typing as I have a cyst on my wrist that makes it really painful to write, especially as I do mainly essay subjects, but Im worried that it will give me a disadvantage when applying to uni. will typing downgrade me or act as a disadvantage in any way that may affect my uni applications?
I have also heard they mark more harshly for people who type. is this true, and if so, how much harsher?

Reply 1

Talkative Toad

Volunteer Team

22

Original post

by personal-chef

I want to start typing as I have a cyst on my wrist that makes it really painful to write, especially as I do mainly essay subjects, but Im worried that it will give me a disadvantage when applying to uni. will typing downgrade me or act as a disadvantage in any way that may affect my uni applications?
I have also heard they mark more harshly for people who type. is this true, and if so, how much harsher?

Are you entitled to a word processor because of special access arrangements?

Reply 2

Phelena

13

Original post

by personal-chef

I want to start typing as I have a cyst on my wrist that makes it really painful to write, especially as I do mainly essay subjects, but Im worried that it will give me a disadvantage when applying to uni. will typing downgrade me or act as a disadvantage in any way that may affect my uni applications?
I have also heard they mark more harshly for people who type. is this true, and if so, how much harsher?

As long as you have registered for it, which shouldn't be a problem in your case because you absolutely deserve it, there shouldn't be an issue. I can't personally speak for university admissions but my typed GCSEs were marked fairly and nobody I know had complaints either, so it should be fine for A-Levels.

However, if universities reject you or give you a harsher offer because of it, it would likely violate the Equality Act
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2010/15/section/91 is the section which protects you, I believe.

Reply 3

University of Bath

Official Rep

14

Original post

by personal-chef

I want to start typing as I have a cyst on my wrist that makes it really painful to write, especially as I do mainly essay subjects, but Im worried that it will give me a disadvantage when applying to uni. will typing downgrade me or act as a disadvantage in any way that may affect my uni applications?
I have also heard they mark more harshly for people who type. is this true, and if so, how much harsher?

Hi there,

I personally typed my essay-based exams too and whilst I cannot speak for your school, I think mine were marked quite fairly because arrangements like this are not designed to disadvantage you but to make sure you have the same chance as other people.

I also found that when I went to uni it did not hinder me at all. Unis, like schools, are keen on making arrangements such as typing exams or extra time when people need it and so I'm sure it will not affect you coming to uni at the admissions stage at all. People have all kinds of contextual circumstances when they come to uni and admissions teams are very used to taking these into account fairly alongside everyone else's applications. I think you will be fine - this is clearly something you need and so I am confident you will be under no disadvantage for it 🙂

Hoping this helps reassure you!

Holly
University of Bath

(edited 11 months ago)

Reply 4

personal-chef

OP

6

Original post

by Phelena

As long as you have registered for it, which shouldn't be a problem in your case because you absolutely deserve it, there shouldn't be an issue. I can't personally speak for university admissions but my typed GCSEs were marked fairly and nobody I know had complaints either, so it should be fine for A-Levels.
However, if universities reject you or give you a harsher offer because of it, it would likely violate the Equality Act
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2010/15/section/91 is the section which protects you, I believe.

thank you so much!

does typing in alevel exams have disadvantages

Quick Reply

Related discussions

Articles for you

How The Student Room is moderated