Shaun Smyth didn't get enough points for law in UCD but has an alternative route - via an arts degree - worked out to eventually study his first choice

Despite an excellent points tally of 505, Union of Secondary Students (USS) president Shaun Smyth has missed his first choice - law at UCD - by 15 points. A 10-point hike on last year's points requirment hasn't helped his cause either.

He says: "Despite all the media hype and so on about points dropping, I never ruled out the possibility of a points rise in law and, as it happened, all the requirements for arts-oriented courses spiraled."

Shaun Smyth feels that he was "scuppered" by the "infamous" biology Leaving Cert paper, and is also frustrated by missing a much needed A in classical studies.

"Examiners seem reluctant to give As in classical studies and there is quite a high failure rate. I'm hoping to get my B2 up to an A in a recheck."

Shaun Smyth hopes that getting a boost in rechecks of his French, history and classics papers might nudge him into the law bracket, but he's not holding out much hope for an improved second round offer.

Having received an offer of his third choice, arts in UCD, he has worked out a route to law from there.

"I've accepted arts and, if I don't get law in the second round or through rechecks, I'll complete the arts degree and then apply for a legal course," he explains.

He feels that an arts combination of English, history and politics will give him a good grounding for a future legal career.

Shaun Smyth is certain to loom large in the world of student politics - no matter what course of study he takes.

This is despite an admission that his commitment to the USS may have interfered with his studies.

"I am lucky to have got 505 points, given my work with the union last year. Still, I plan to take an active role in student politics at third-level.

"As for a career in politics - you never know."

Louise Holden