Steps to take if you are considering appealing results

COLLEGE CHOICE:THE MOST common question yesterday was students asking how they could view their exam paper and perhaps make an appeal.

First, you should consult the Leaving Certificate Results Appeal Process booklet that accompanies your statement of results.

This will help you decide whether or not to lodge an appeal against a result. With the exception of external candidates, all applications for viewing of marked exam papers should be made through your school.

The closing date for receipt of completed application forms in schools is next Tuesday, August 18th.

External candidates should follow the instructions that accompany their provisional statement of results.

When will the viewing of exam papers take place?

Viewing will be in your school on Friday, August 28th and Saturday, August 29th.

You must be present to view a script and you may bring a person of your choice with you. This may be a parent, or possibly a teacher, who has agreed to view your script with you. There is no obligation on teachers to make themselves available, but most are happy to help.

Will I have a copy of the marking scheme while viewing my script?

When you are viewing your script, along with your nominated other person, you can compare your script against the marking scheme to see whether a recheck request might be appropriate.

Can I see the marking schemes before I view my scripts?

You can access the marking scheme on the State exams website at www.examinations.ie and your school will also have copies of the marking schemes available during the review days.

How do I appeal a grade in any subject?

The fee per standard subject, refundable in the case of a successful appeal, is €40. All appeal applications must be with the State Examinations Commission by 5pm on Wednesday, September 2nd. Results of appeals will be issued in early October.

Be careful though: many candidates return their appeal form without proof of payment; either the stamped

personalised bank giro, if paid at the bank, or the internet confirmation record if paid online by credit card. Such incomplete applications can invalidate the appeal request.

How do I calculate my points score?

You should log onto the points calculator facility the Qualifax website at www.qualifax.ie.

All colleges use the common points system, but there are a few variations. The University of Limerick awards bonus points for higher level maths, as does the DIT for a number of their courses. Many colleges also award points for A and B grades in foundation level maths and Irish. Full details of the points system are on page 8 of your CAO handbook and also on its website at www.cao.ie.

How can I get results if I am out of the country?

Results were available online and by phone from midday yesterday. Access to the online results service, which requires the use of your examination number and unique candidate personal identification number, is through www.examinations.ie.

Students also have the option of accessing their results by telephone using their pin and examination numbers. Details of the phone service, which requires the use of a touch-tone phone, are: 1530-719290 for callers within the Republic of Ireland (calls cost 33c per minute including VAT. Calls from pay phones and mobiles may cost extra); 00353-1-6885312 for callers outside the Republic of Ireland (international call rates apply).

Over the CAO season, careers expert Brian Mooney will be guiding you through the process

Helpline: 1-800-946942