If you’re not happy with your A-level grades, some sixth forms and colleges may allow you to get them re-marked. So, how do you do it and is it worth it?
Whether you are able to get your A-level exams re-marked or not is largely dependant on your sixth form or college, so it may be best to clarify this process with them – ahead of results day.
In some circumstances, some sixth forms or colleges can request that the exam board send your exam paper out for re-marking. Usually you will only be able to request this if your grades are unexpectedly low, or if your results are on a grade boundary, as this can make all the difference when it comes to university places.
If you are thinking about requesting your exam to be re-marked there are some things you should consider:
#1. It works both ways
Getting the exam re-marked doesn’t just mean your grade might go up, remember it could also remain exactly the same, or even come down. With a re-mark, you cannot choose to go back to the original if you find your grades go down. Usually with re-marks the person re-marking the exam will be provided with a transcript, which already includes the previous markers notes, comments, and marks.
#2. Your permission matters
Sixth forms and colleges are sometimes keen to get exams re-marked if the results are on a grade boundary, but remember, they can only do so with your permission.
#3. Priority re-marks
If you’re seeking a re-mark because it affects your university place, you will need a request a priority re-mark. Universities can hold your place pending a re-mark, but exam boards must receive the re-mark request by the 23rd of August.
#4. You have options
There are a range of options for re-marks, from re-counts (to check your marks have been totalled correctly), to total re-marks where the content of your exam paper is reassessed. If a whole class’ grades are unexpectedly low teachers can also request a re-mark of 10% of that class’ papers. If a high number of re-marked papers grades go up, it may boost the grades of the rest of the class. It’s important to be clear about what you want, and what your sixth form, college and exam board can offer you.
#5. It can cost you
Exam re-marks aren’t free, and prices range dependant on the awarding body, so it’s worth looking into this in advance. Whether you pay individually for re-marks, or your sixth form or college do so, is dependant on a variety of factors, so be sure to find out who is responsible for covering this fee.
#6. Finally, is it worth it?
Well, quite simply, it depends! Sometimes things happen for a reason, and plenty of people have had tremendous success at Universities they’ve attended as a result of the Clearing or Adjustment process. Weigh up all your options and make sure you speak with your college or sixth form tutors, as they will know the system better than anyone. If you are pursuing a re-mark, remember to let your university know as soon as possible to find out if they are able to hold a place for you while your wait for your new results.
Whatever you decide to do, we wish you lots of luck for the future 🙂
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