Could I put not receiving any exam accommodations as a mitigating circumstance?

I recently attended a law open day, and they mentioned a section in the application process where you can explain any mitigating circumstances that may have impacted your grades.

I have a language/speech disorder for which I received no help during my GCSEs, because the SEN department believed I was "too smart to get help", even though I would have greatly benefited from using a word processor (my handwriting is atrocious).

I had to fight to get a word processor at the very end of sixth form (yr13) where I only had one mock using a computer, and then I had my final exams.

Would you say I could mention not receiving adjustments despite a diagnosis as a mitigating circumstance? I know for a fact my grades were hindered due to my written language.

Reply 1

Kingston Sarah

Official Rep

Original post

by rainbow.bow

I recently attended a law open day, and they mentioned a section in the application process where you can explain any mitigating circumstances that may have impacted your grades.
I have a language/speech disorder for which I received no help during my GCSEs, because the SEN department believed I was "too smart to get help", even though I would have greatly benefited from using a word processor (my handwriting is atrocious).
I had to fight to get a word processor at the very end of sixth form (yr13) where I only had one mock using a computer, and then I had my final exams.
Would you say I could mention not receiving adjustments despite a diagnosis as a mitigating circumstance? I know for a fact my grades were hindered due to my written language.

Hii

Yes, you can include not receiving exam accommodations as a mitigating circumstance, you had a diagnosis but no reasonable adjustments. This situation was beyond your control and is the type of context universities invite applicants to explain.

All the best
-Sarah (Kingston Rep)

Reply 2

martin7

Original post

by rainbow.bow

I recently attended a law open day, and they mentioned a section in the application process where you can explain any mitigating circumstances that may have impacted your grades.
I have a language/speech disorder for which I received no help during my GCSEs, because the SEN department believed I was "too smart to get help", even though I would have greatly benefited from using a word processor (my handwriting is atrocious).
I had to fight to get a word processor at the very end of sixth form (yr13) where I only had one mock using a computer, and then I had my final exams.
Would you say I could mention not receiving adjustments despite a diagnosis as a mitigating circumstance? I know for a fact my grades were hindered due to my written language.

You could ask your school to include details of this in their reference.

Reply 3

LJMUStudentReps

Official Rep

Original post

by rainbow.bow

I recently attended a law open day, and they mentioned a section in the application process where you can explain any mitigating circumstances that may have impacted your grades.
I have a language/speech disorder for which I received no help during my GCSEs, because the SEN department believed I was "too smart to get help", even though I would have greatly benefited from using a word processor (my handwriting is atrocious).
I had to fight to get a word processor at the very end of sixth form (yr13) where I only had one mock using a computer, and then I had my final exams.
Would you say I could mention not receiving adjustments despite a diagnosis as a mitigating circumstance? I know for a fact my grades were hindered due to my written language.

Hi,

As mentioned above, you can mention not receiving exam adjustments as a mitigating circumstance. You could explain that, despite having a diagnosed language/speech disorder, you weren’t given support during exams until late, which affected your performance.

Hope this helps,

Tayba
Student Rep