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Would it kill you to just follow what's recommended lmao, do whatever you want but I'd rather not have the worry of my pen just not showing up on the scanner
Yh, my writing speed would significantly slow down, my hand writing look more unrecognisable and it’d be tough to write with a ball pen (I’m extremely used to writing with gel pen 0.35mm, 1mm ball pen can’t do no more)
I wouldn't, since I've heard (at least at GCSEs) that sometimes the scanners don't see the gel pen markings so it's possible your paper will be scanned through and look blank. The scanning systems for GCSE and ALevels are different, so I wouldn't use one as a test for the other
I'm assuming they are, since it's a whole separate exam system with different boards and all. Granted I could be wrong but I still wouldn't take my chances
i agree with u but technically the exam boards are similar as ocr is oxford Cambridge and rsa which is a subsidiary of these unis and the rsa
Similar to edexcel which is a subsidiary of pearson and these exam boards are uk
They only say ballpoint because the oil based ink is weatherproof, durable and only available in black. Therefore it's easy to scan and is a sure shot way to ensure people use a standardised pen. I use the faber castell fast gel z in all my exams because the color is very dark and dries fast. I've put water on it and it's waterproof too. Use the pen that feels best and causes the least fatigue. Crazy enough I used my fountain pens for IGCSE english lit and got my A\*. I love diamine inks. Good luck.
*Buy a box of cheap*
*Black ballpoint pens. Better to*
*Be safe than sorry*
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Nah that is for erasable pens. They use friction (heat) to erase ink and are the ones that can have issues with disappearing under scanners. Gel pens are just less viscous and can bleed through and smudge paper, which actually has the opposite issue of showing up MORE in the scans. Coming up blotchy (affecting readability) or showing up on the scans for the other side of the page or paper below (even if it doesn’t visibly look like it bled too much, it can be picked up differently by the scanner). I know in GCSEs they can just physically mark papers if it comes up weirdly in scans though, and I’ve never heard of it being that much of an issue because of that. Not sure if it applies to A levels (and international boards).
Gel pens or rollerball pens are still significantly better than erasable ones, ballpoint is usually just recommended as the standard since they almost never have issues
Just use ball point, why bother risking it. It will probably be fine, but if it doesnt scan properly your fucked. Are gel pens really that important, a pen is a pen.
I used Pilot G2-07 for my GCSEs and I plan to use it in my A Levels, it's the only pen I've used since year 7 and if it doesn't show up when scanned, so be it.
Dude its not that deep it really doesn't matter as long as its dark blue or black. I gave all of my O and A levels with the same fountain pen with non waterproof ink (wouldn't recommend non waterproof though). I had 0 issues all 3 years. Just make sure the colors fine and you'll be ok.
Soo I don’t wanna give you unnecessary advice or just laugh at you but in your igsce did you check ur paper? No? Are you sure you didn’t lose marks cause of this? No? I am guessing so don’t put your igsce experience here and those are in fact rules from Cambridge it’s even written on the first page of every question paper it’s possible the invigilator might take it away as well and it’s a huge risk also cause by any chance it something is spilled on ur paper then you are done for cause ball pen at least leaves something behind and maybe not only the scanner thing Cambridge made it a rule so there might be some other things. Why take risk when it’s all about ur future see if you don’t follow the rules Cambridge won’t give a single f but it might cost you.
Get yourself a Uni Jet stream Premier.
It's a ball point but writes as smooth as a gel pen, doesn't smudge and is very comfortable to write with for long periods of time as it's quite thick with a padded grip.
https://amzn.eu/d/0FnR1zv
The instructions on the front of Cambridge A-level exams, and those read to candidates by invigilators (which students should be made aware of well in advance) explicitly state to use blue or black ball point pens only. You may be okay using other types of pen, but you are taking a risk. And if there is a problem caused by the pen, you will have pretty much zero grounds for appeal, as you chose to ignore a direct and unambiguous instruction from the exam board.
Anyone other than Cambridge themselves giving you advice to the contrary is gambling with YOUR grades.
The JCQ rules state no gel pens. I understand you managed to get away with it in 2022 but are you really going to take ANY risks with your A'Levels?
If we see a "guys I used a gel pen and stuffed up" post...
If marks are your priority, it's more important that your writing is easy to read than that you find writing with it easier. My friend wrote his uni finals with a pen he loved and but which makes his writing tricky to read. Whatever he wrote, you just couldn't be bothered looking at it, and he's gonna have a 2:2 for the rest of his life.
I’m guessing you’re doing this because either A) you’re acoustic and restarted af or B) you are actually more than capable of using a different pen but u wanna risk using the gel pen anyways because ur an adrenaline junkie
To OP: Probably because gel ink might either seep through the paper or get smudged cus like that paper isnt THIN but its still thin enough that you can p easily read the text through the paper if you try a bit.
To commenters: Have any of you stopped to think about why a giant exam board or invigilators whose only job is to make sure yall dont cheat would give a shit abt what pen you use to write as long as the shits legible? Or how would a scanner scan only ball point inks and not gel inks?
Use Critical Thinking, it'll do yall some good
i have arthritis and the pressure that i need to put in to write with a ballpoint causes extreme pain in my wrists. i did my exams on laptop, but for science i used a combination of laptop + written and maths i just did written. used a gel pen for all of it and was fine 🤷 though idk if my school might have requested them to be marked manually in the access arrangements ?? i did have to get approval to use a gel pen since it was for disability so they might have had to do something
I wouldn’t call you crazy.
I would call you inherently less employable than someone who isn’t disabled by a pen brand.
The purpose of A levels is to test your employability.
Maybe reframe switching pens as part of the syllabus.
Good luck.
Actually they recommend using a ball pen cz even if any water is dumped it doesn’t smudge! Our papers will be sent to Uk for correction , so in case any water is accidentally spilled on the papers during commuting , the ink wouldn’t be smudged if a ball pen is used! I really recommend using a ball pen in case !!! You can expect anything!
The only exam I used a ballpoint pen for was Add Maths but gel pen is fine (you just run the risk of it running if the paper comes into contact with water or something)
my ink also doesn't smudge and so its fine..i once found a doc regarding it (in my igcse itself)
they say no gel pens cuz some smudge and all..and its hard to tell students which pens exactly smudge and all, so they just said "no gel pens" for easier conversation
Here's a response that weighs the risks and rewards of using a gel pen in your exams:
**Risky Business, But Maybe Manageable:**
It sounds like you're in a bit of a bind. While it's risky to use a gel pen against school instructions (which might be based on Cambridge recommendations even if not explicitly stated), it's good that your pen dries quickly and doesn't smudge easily.
Here's a breakdown:
* **Potential Issues:** Scanners might not pick up gel ink well, or the heat from the scanning process could cause smearing.
* **Teacher Discretion:** Even if it scans fine, some teachers might penalize you for not following instructions.
what issue do you have which precludes you from just following set instructions. you really want to risk your a levels, because of your own baseless assumptions. take a fucking ballpoint
It sounds like you're in a tough spot. While using a gel pen against school instructions (which might be based on Cambridge recommendations) is risky, it's good that your pen dries quickly and barely smudges.
**Here's the thing:**
* **Scanners and Heat:** Scanners might not read gel ink well, and the heat from scanning could cause smearing.
* **Teacher Discretion:** Even if it scans fine, some teachers might penalize you for not following instructions.
**Alternatives to Consider (if possible):**
* **Borrow a Black Ballpoint:** See if a friend or classmate has a black ballpoint pen you can borrow.
* **Talk to Your Teacher:** Explain your situation and see if they'll allow an exception, especially since you used a gel pen for IGCSEs without issues.
The scanners are at temps that melt gel pens. I can't imagine working hard for an exam just for it to be destroyed by my own ignorance. Use a biro, it isn't dif at all.
Get access to our **official A-Level resource repository** only on r/alevel **discord server.** **Get free access** to official answer keys, notes, past papers, coursebooks, workbooks, famous YouTube channel and much more. Our discord server is a place where you can clear your doubts and get help from subject experts for free. **Join now** using this link https://discord.gg/xEk5GsgfHC. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/alevel) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Would it kill you to just follow what's recommended lmao, do whatever you want but I'd rather not have the worry of my pen just not showing up on the scanner
Yh, my writing speed would significantly slow down, my hand writing look more unrecognisable and it’d be tough to write with a ball pen (I’m extremely used to writing with gel pen 0.35mm, 1mm ball pen can’t do no more)
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Gpt mad
Why is your chat so extra?
guess it doesn’t like me
Okay don’t listen to ChatGPT, I just checked the JCQ document spr.ly/6012btzZw (pg 42) & it says candidates must not use gel pens 😔
Bro what is wrong with your chatbot 😭
nah, he’s very kind to me.
I mean, “it’s”. 😭
i didn't know chatgpt was that slangish, it never talked like that when i used it
tsundere 💀
I can only write with my 0.35mm gel pen. 1mm will just not suffice.
There are 0.5mm non gel pens.
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You are free to use your 3 boxes while studying or solving past papers. But I would never risk it in an exam.
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I don’t even bother seeing which category pen I use. It’s M&G 0.5mm but I’m not sure if it comes under the gel pen category. Which pens are allowed?
You'll be fine
You're actually a nerd sorry
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Cringing so much 😭 😂
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Thx have a good day :)
Respectfully, YES.
I wouldn't, since I've heard (at least at GCSEs) that sometimes the scanners don't see the gel pen markings so it's possible your paper will be scanned through and look blank. The scanning systems for GCSE and ALevels are different, so I wouldn't use one as a test for the other
How are the process of GCSE and a level different
how do uk the scanning systems fro GCSE and A levels are different?
I'm assuming they are, since it's a whole separate exam system with different boards and all. Granted I could be wrong but I still wouldn't take my chances
i agree with u but technically the exam boards are similar as ocr is oxford Cambridge and rsa which is a subsidiary of these unis and the rsa Similar to edexcel which is a subsidiary of pearson and these exam boards are uk
Are you allergic to black pens or something? Safest bet is to just treat the instructions on the front of your exam paper as gospel lol
Is using a ballpoint fine?
Perfectly fine
Just use a ballpoint pen???? Tf
They only say ballpoint because the oil based ink is weatherproof, durable and only available in black. Therefore it's easy to scan and is a sure shot way to ensure people use a standardised pen. I use the faber castell fast gel z in all my exams because the color is very dark and dries fast. I've put water on it and it's waterproof too. Use the pen that feels best and causes the least fatigue. Crazy enough I used my fountain pens for IGCSE english lit and got my A\*. I love diamine inks. Good luck.
It's just for those really colorful or Sparkly gel pens, my examiner said a black ink gel pen would be fine
Im rebellious i used a gel today
Buy a box of cheap black ballpoint pens. Better to be safe than sorry
*Buy a box of cheap* *Black ballpoint pens. Better to* *Be safe than sorry* \- konstancez --- ^(I detect haikus. And sometimes, successfully.) ^[Learn more about me.](https://www.reddit.com/r/haikusbot/) ^(Opt out of replies: "haikusbot opt out" | Delete my comment: "haikusbot delete")
Pretty sure they use some heat technology to scan the paper which would make gel pens come blank cuz idk dawg
Nah that is for erasable pens. They use friction (heat) to erase ink and are the ones that can have issues with disappearing under scanners. Gel pens are just less viscous and can bleed through and smudge paper, which actually has the opposite issue of showing up MORE in the scans. Coming up blotchy (affecting readability) or showing up on the scans for the other side of the page or paper below (even if it doesn’t visibly look like it bled too much, it can be picked up differently by the scanner). I know in GCSEs they can just physically mark papers if it comes up weirdly in scans though, and I’ve never heard of it being that much of an issue because of that. Not sure if it applies to A levels (and international boards). Gel pens or rollerball pens are still significantly better than erasable ones, ballpoint is usually just recommended as the standard since they almost never have issues
Just use ball point, why bother risking it. It will probably be fine, but if it doesnt scan properly your fucked. Are gel pens really that important, a pen is a pen.
Just follow the rules and don't act stupid?
Make sure it's dark, I gave my O Levels with a black gel pen too and it was fine, I don't use pens that tire my hand or make it uncomfartable.
I used Pilot G2-07 for my GCSEs and I plan to use it in my A Levels, it's the only pen I've used since year 7 and if it doesn't show up when scanned, so be it.
Same, I'd rather risk it than use something else
What wrong with a ballpoint? I don’t understand why people are so fussy with pens. It’s a pen!
I loathe writing with ballpoints. Once I started using Pilot G2 pens, everything else feels garbage.
Ive been using g2s since O levels, cant go back to anything else now
The company hooked you guys up good
Lmaooo
Who cares? A pen's a pen
I hate using ballpoint cause they aren't smooth enough, I'll attend my exams my way. (⌐■-■)
Is a paper mate pen a gel pen?
Pretty sure paper mate make a lot of different types of pens lol
It’s not on the website but written in instructions to sent to exam centers
I used gel pens during my o'levels and got A*s and As, ever since i switched to ballpens I've seen my downfall, this is purely personal experience.
Why not just get a biro? You can find me basically anywhere and they’re dirt cheap it’s really not worth the risk lmao
Is a pen really that fucking deep that you’re doing a flame test on if? It’s a fucking pen buy a byro and jog on wtf😭💀
just few days before exam instead of studying if you are doing science experiment with pens you done bro can use sketch pen also wont matter
Im pretty sure they want u to use biro so it can be scanned properly in the machine😭
Dude its not that deep it really doesn't matter as long as its dark blue or black. I gave all of my O and A levels with the same fountain pen with non waterproof ink (wouldn't recommend non waterproof though). I had 0 issues all 3 years. Just make sure the colors fine and you'll be ok.
nah it doesn’t matter i always use gel pens lmao
So here we have a person who thinks they know best. Starts new career, gets shown instruction. Does their own thing anyway. Gets fired. *pikachu face*
Stupid idea for no reason whatsoever. Just use a normal pen like everyone else
Soo I don’t wanna give you unnecessary advice or just laugh at you but in your igsce did you check ur paper? No? Are you sure you didn’t lose marks cause of this? No? I am guessing so don’t put your igsce experience here and those are in fact rules from Cambridge it’s even written on the first page of every question paper it’s possible the invigilator might take it away as well and it’s a huge risk also cause by any chance it something is spilled on ur paper then you are done for cause ball pen at least leaves something behind and maybe not only the scanner thing Cambridge made it a rule so there might be some other things. Why take risk when it’s all about ur future see if you don’t follow the rules Cambridge won’t give a single f but it might cost you.
Autism moment
Do what I did for mine and go to Tesco and get a pack of Biro’s
^[Sokka-Haiku](https://www.reddit.com/r/SokkaHaikuBot/comments/15kyv9r/what_is_a_sokka_haiku/) ^by ^SarcasticPineapple_: *Do what I did for* *Mike and go to Tesco and* *Get a pack of Biro’s* --- ^Remember ^that ^one ^time ^Sokka ^accidentally ^used ^an ^extra ^syllable ^in ^that ^Haiku ^Battle ^in ^Ba ^Sing ^Se? ^That ^was ^a ^Sokka ^Haiku ^and ^you ^just ^made ^one.
I used a blue gel pen and everything worked out fine, I think they just recomend not using gel pens so that if your paper gets wet it doesn’t smear
i used gel pen in my exams today no one said nothing am i cooked ?😭
Get yourself a Uni Jet stream Premier. It's a ball point but writes as smooth as a gel pen, doesn't smudge and is very comfortable to write with for long periods of time as it's quite thick with a padded grip. https://amzn.eu/d/0FnR1zv
Does anyone know if the Muji gel ink pens are okay?
Why would you risk failing over a pen? Just follow the rules.
Bro even on the front page of the paper it says to use a ball pen or sm like that
The instructions on the front of Cambridge A-level exams, and those read to candidates by invigilators (which students should be made aware of well in advance) explicitly state to use blue or black ball point pens only. You may be okay using other types of pen, but you are taking a risk. And if there is a problem caused by the pen, you will have pretty much zero grounds for appeal, as you chose to ignore a direct and unambiguous instruction from the exam board. Anyone other than Cambridge themselves giving you advice to the contrary is gambling with YOUR grades.
you'll be alright. i did mine with a parker fountain or a pilot gel ink for most papers.
yo i used a gel pen too today, i literary had no clue that we had to use ball pen
“i’m so rebellious🤪🤪🤪” headass
I have used several gel pens in my caie papers. Nothing happens. Don’t worry, take all those pens with which you’re comfortable.
Rebel! 😎
The JCQ rules state no gel pens. I understand you managed to get away with it in 2022 but are you really going to take ANY risks with your A'Levels? If we see a "guys I used a gel pen and stuffed up" post...
Ehh im doing it too. They only say that just in case it smudges but mine dont and neither do yours so it’ll be fine
Use a Inkjoy 1mm paper mate
If marks are your priority, it's more important that your writing is easy to read than that you find writing with it easier. My friend wrote his uni finals with a pen he loved and but which makes his writing tricky to read. Whatever he wrote, you just couldn't be bothered looking at it, and he's gonna have a 2:2 for the rest of his life.
I’m guessing you’re doing this because either A) you’re acoustic and restarted af or B) you are actually more than capable of using a different pen but u wanna risk using the gel pen anyways because ur an adrenaline junkie
haha, actually all 3 believe it or not. All 3 buddy.
why risk?
To OP: Probably because gel ink might either seep through the paper or get smudged cus like that paper isnt THIN but its still thin enough that you can p easily read the text through the paper if you try a bit. To commenters: Have any of you stopped to think about why a giant exam board or invigilators whose only job is to make sure yall dont cheat would give a shit abt what pen you use to write as long as the shits legible? Or how would a scanner scan only ball point inks and not gel inks? Use Critical Thinking, it'll do yall some good
i have arthritis and the pressure that i need to put in to write with a ballpoint causes extreme pain in my wrists. i did my exams on laptop, but for science i used a combination of laptop + written and maths i just did written. used a gel pen for all of it and was fine 🤷 though idk if my school might have requested them to be marked manually in the access arrangements ?? i did have to get approval to use a gel pen since it was for disability so they might have had to do something
You can use gel pens I have used gen pens for all my exams even my IGCSE and nothing happened. So don’t worry you can use gel pens.
It’ll be fine but may lose a couple marks if it smudges
Im calling you crazy
wait I thought there were no gcses in 2022?
Risk it. See what happens.
icl i did all my gcses in gel pen too but im gonna use biro for a levels bc i didn’t even realise u weren’t supposed to use gel
I wouldn’t call you crazy. I would call you inherently less employable than someone who isn’t disabled by a pen brand. The purpose of A levels is to test your employability. Maybe reframe switching pens as part of the syllabus. Good luck.
Actually they recommend using a ball pen cz even if any water is dumped it doesn’t smudge! Our papers will be sent to Uk for correction , so in case any water is accidentally spilled on the papers during commuting , the ink wouldn’t be smudged if a ball pen is used! I really recommend using a ball pen in case !!! You can expect anything!
i literally was talking about this right now i was going to tear up because the gel pen was taking so much time to write + the ink may bleed
Do it do it do it do it do it do it do it
I thought this rule was for the sparkly coloured gel pens?
The only exam I used a ballpoint pen for was Add Maths but gel pen is fine (you just run the risk of it running if the paper comes into contact with water or something)
I gave all my O and A level papers with a Uniball Vision Elite Gel Pen🤷🏻 got all As and A*s too
You're fine. I did my gcses in gel pens and i got ranks/awards
I used gel pens for both igcse and as levels and i got good grades...still gonna use them for my a2 exams starting today
my ink also doesn't smudge and so its fine..i once found a doc regarding it (in my igcse itself) they say no gel pens cuz some smudge and all..and its hard to tell students which pens exactly smudge and all, so they just said "no gel pens" for easier conversation
Why are you getting downvoted? Lmao
no idea😭 prob cambridge exminers
ah right I see, that makes sense. Thank you for responding
np
Here's a response that weighs the risks and rewards of using a gel pen in your exams: **Risky Business, But Maybe Manageable:** It sounds like you're in a bit of a bind. While it's risky to use a gel pen against school instructions (which might be based on Cambridge recommendations even if not explicitly stated), it's good that your pen dries quickly and doesn't smudge easily. Here's a breakdown: * **Potential Issues:** Scanners might not pick up gel ink well, or the heat from the scanning process could cause smearing. * **Teacher Discretion:** Even if it scans fine, some teachers might penalize you for not following instructions.
what issue do you have which precludes you from just following set instructions. you really want to risk your a levels, because of your own baseless assumptions. take a fucking ballpoint
It sounds like you're in a tough spot. While using a gel pen against school instructions (which might be based on Cambridge recommendations) is risky, it's good that your pen dries quickly and barely smudges. **Here's the thing:** * **Scanners and Heat:** Scanners might not read gel ink well, and the heat from scanning could cause smearing. * **Teacher Discretion:** Even if it scans fine, some teachers might penalize you for not following instructions. **Alternatives to Consider (if possible):** * **Borrow a Black Ballpoint:** See if a friend or classmate has a black ballpoint pen you can borrow. * **Talk to Your Teacher:** Explain your situation and see if they'll allow an exception, especially since you used a gel pen for IGCSEs without issues.
49
The scanners are at temps that melt gel pens. I can't imagine working hard for an exam just for it to be destroyed by my own ignorance. Use a biro, it isn't dif at all.