Extra Time on A-Level exams

Hello everyone,
Before I asked my school officially, I wanted an online opinion on whether I'd be able to qualify for extra time on my a level examinations in may/June.

I don't have any medical diagnosis, however, when reading long extracts and word questions, I struggle to focus and skip past key pieces of information, due to my brain panicking about the time constraint. I’m struggling to express myself but: I’ve never fully read / skimmed an extract bc I’m so anxious about wasting time that I see the words, but they don’t enter my head, leading to me spending more and more time rereading and not answering the actual questions.

I feel as though any amount of extra time would be beneficial, hopefully just to ease nerves, allowing me to better access the questions.

However, I manage to score decently well in all my subjects (maths, Econ, geo) which makes me think that I can continue without it ?

It would just be some extra help/ confort, even if it’s just extra 10m (my exams are all really long lol)

Thanks for the help.

Reply 1

Anonymous #2

Hey,

I managed to get extra time for anxiety due to time - it's exactly as you describe. I get so stressed about the timing that I can't reach my full potential. The extra time really helps me relax by knowing it's there and I don't have to use it but I can if I want too.

Try speaking to your school about this ASAP as exams are soon. This is going to sound silly but you will really need to 'medicalise' what you're saying because sometime they are funny about it not being an actual diagnosis or whatever. For example, instead of saying "I can't concentrate because Im too worried about the time" (they will just say that everyone is stressed about exams and working under pressure) you must say something like "I'm unable to adequately concentrate during exams due to my anxiety and I feel as though this doesn't reflect my true ability and puts me at an unfair advantage."

If you need any more help just let me know!

Reply 2

Anonymous #1

Original post

by Anonymous

Hey,
I managed to get extra time for anxiety due to time - it's exactly as you describe. I get so stressed about the timing that I can't reach my full potential. The extra time really helps me relax by knowing it's there and I don't have to use it but I can if I want too.
Try speaking to your school about this ASAP as exams are soon. This is going to sound silly but you will really need to 'medicalise' what you're saying because sometime they are funny about it not being an actual diagnosis or whatever. For example, instead of saying "I can't concentrate because Im too worried about the time" (they will just say that everyone is stressed about exams and working under pressure) you must say something like "I'm unable to adequately concentrate during exams due to my anxiety and I feel as though this doesn't reflect my true ability and puts me at an unfair advantage."
If you need any more help just let me know!

Thank you so much for your reply!
Are you diagnosed with anxiety? I've been told as I have no diagnosis I need to take a test to see if I'm eligible (idk if this is true). However, from what I've heard, the test has nothing to do with my issues with reading itself which would be no help for my case :/.
I will speak to my school tomorrow hopefully! I also wanted to know if you were doing more stem/humanity options and if that factors in with it.

Thank you so much for your help!

Reply 3

Anonymous #3

Original post

by Anonymous

Hey,
I managed to get extra time for anxiety due to time - it's exactly as you describe. I get so stressed about the timing that I can't reach my full potential. The extra time really helps me relax by knowing it's there and I don't have to use it but I can if I want too.
Try speaking to your school about this ASAP as exams are soon. This is going to sound silly but you will really need to 'medicalise' what you're saying because sometime they are funny about it not being an actual diagnosis or whatever. For example, instead of saying "I can't concentrate because Im too worried about the time" (they will just say that everyone is stressed about exams and working under pressure) you must say something like "I'm unable to adequately concentrate during exams due to my anxiety and I feel as though this doesn't reflect my true ability and puts me at an unfair advantage."
If you need any more help just let me know!

I’ve spoken to my school about needing extra time for something similar and they said that it was too late for me to apply. Do you think it’s worth asking again and do you know when the deadline is for extra time applications?

Reply 4

Anonymous #1

Original post

by Anonymous

I've just read online and the deadline is on the 21st of march I believe! So potentially try asking again!

Reply 5

Anonymous #3

Original post

by Anonymous

I've just read online and the deadline is on the 21st of march I believe! So potentially try asking again!

Yes will do. Lmk if ur able to get it!!

Reply 6

Anonymous #2

Original post

by Anonymous

Nope. I’ve been through CAMHS but never wanted to get a diagnosis. Plus, waiting list times are around 2 years - tell your school that you are looking into a diagnosis but cannot get an assessment before the exam due to waiting list times