Hello! I have a conditional offer (A*A*A) and my A-level exams start in about 2 weeks. Sadly, my grandmother passed away on Saturday but since I didn't feel so close to her I'm not sure how much it's going to affect my exam performance. I'm considering applying for the "extenuating circumstances" thing because it would be a shame to miss my offer because of this but I don't want to take it as an advantage. Thoughts? (p.s. thanks so much for this blog, it's so helpful and all the best!)
First of all, I’m sorry to hear that. It’s good of you to worry about taking advantage - but I think it’s quite fair for you to consider asking for consideration.
To clarify - if I have understood correctly, the actual Cambridge ECs form can only be submitted during the initial application process to describe long-term problems. I think you would be looking at special consideration from the exam boards: more information about this here. This should help you get an idea of what kind of a difference it would make if you were awarded it.
So here’s what I would say: You know your situation best, but it is still a close relation even if your personal relationship with her wasn’t that intimate and can be a bit of a shock. If your parents, for example, are struggling more with their grief, or if it’s going to cause upheaval in other ways, that can impact on you too.
Given that applying for special consideration would be a process of discussing it with the exams officers at your school and, if they agree, having them submit an application for assessment by the exam board, I don’t think you would need to feel like you were being deceptive or taking advantage. Recent death of a relative is listed right there on the list of reasons to award it. Your teachers and the exam board will be fair about judging whether it’s appropriate to give you the consideration. Of course you’re not obliged to ask your school about it if you really doubt it will be necessary, but I would say you don’t need to feel guilty if you do.
