Facing exams can be a stressful time, and sometimes, unexpected circumstances can make the pressure even more intense. If you've experienced a situation that has significantly impacted your ability to prepare for or perform in your exams, you might be eligible for special consideration. This article will guide you through understanding what special consideration is and provide you with an Exam Special Consideration Sample Letter to help you articulate your situation effectively to your educational institution.
Understanding Exam Special Consideration
Exam special consideration is a process designed to acknowledge and address circumstances that have negatively affected a student's performance in an assessment. It's not about getting an easier exam, but rather ensuring that external disruptions don't unfairly penalise your academic record. The importance of a well-written Exam Special Consideration Sample Letter cannot be overstated , as it serves as your formal request for this support and clearly outlines the impact of your situation.
When applying for special consideration, you'll typically need to provide evidence to support your claim. This could include:
- Medical certificates from a doctor.
- Death certificates for a close family member.
- Statements from relevant professionals (e.g., counsellors, police reports).
The type of consideration offered can vary, but commonly includes:
- A grade adjustment to compensate for lost marks.
- The opportunity to resit the assessment without penalty.
- An extension for coursework.
| Type of Circumstance | Typical Evidence Required |
|---|---|
| Illness | Doctor's note covering the exam period. |
| Bereavement | Death certificate or a letter from a relevant authority. |
| Other Significant Events | Official documentation (e.g., police report, statement from support services). |
Exam Special Consideration Sample Letter for Illness
Dear [Name of appropriate contact, e.g., Examinations Officer, Head of Department],
Subject: Request for Special Consideration - [Your Name] - [Student ID] - [Module/Course Name]
I am writing to formally request special consideration for my recent [Module/Course Name] examination, which took place on [Date of Exam]. Unfortunately, I was suffering from a severe case of [mention illness, e.g., influenza, food poisoning] from [Start Date of Illness] to [End Date of Illness], which significantly impacted my ability to prepare for and perform effectively in the exam. I have attached a medical certificate from my GP, Dr. [Doctor's Name], to support this application.
Prior to falling ill, I had diligently prepared for the examination. However, the severity of my symptoms, including [mention specific symptoms, e.g., high fever, extreme fatigue, nausea], made it extremely difficult to concentrate or recall information during the exam. I believe this illness has unfairly affected my performance, and I would be grateful if you would consider this when assessing my results.
Thank you for your time and consideration of this matter.
Yours faithfully,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Student ID Number]
[Your Contact Email]
[Your Contact Phone Number]
Exam Special Consideration Sample Letter for Bereavement
Dear [Name of appropriate contact, e.g., Examinations Officer, Head of Department],
Subject: Request for Special Consideration - [Your Name] - [Student ID] - [Module/Course Name]
I am writing to request special consideration for the [Module/Course Name] examination held on [Date of Exam]. Regrettably, I experienced the bereavement of my [Relationship to deceased, e.g., grandmother] on [Date of passing], which has been a deeply distressing time for myself and my family. I have attached a copy of the death certificate for your reference.
The period leading up to and immediately following the funeral on [Date of Funeral] was understandably very difficult. The emotional impact and the need to support my family meant that my focus and study time were significantly disrupted. I believe this challenging personal circumstance has had a detrimental effect on my performance in the examination.
I would appreciate it if you could take this into account when reviewing my exam results.
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Student ID Number]
[Your Contact Email]
Exam Special Consideration Sample Letter for Unforeseen Personal Circumstances
Dear [Name of appropriate contact, e.g., Examinations Officer, Head of Department],
Subject: Request for Special Consideration - [Your Name] - [Student ID] - [Module/Course Name]
I am writing to formally request special consideration for the [Module/Course Name] examination that took place on [Date of Exam]. I experienced a significant unforeseen personal circumstance on [Date of event] which greatly impacted my ability to prepare for and sit this examination. This involved [briefly explain the nature of the circumstance without excessive detail, e.g., a serious issue with my housing, a family emergency requiring my immediate attention, an accident].
As a result of this event, I was [explain the impact, e.g., unable to access my study materials for three days, severely distracted and anxious, required to travel urgently]. I have enclosed [mention evidence, e.g., a letter from the housing association, a supporting statement from a university support service, a police report] to corroborate my situation.
I believe this unforeseen disruption has unfairly disadvantaged my performance, and I kindly ask that you consider this when assessing my examination results.
Yours faithfully,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Student ID Number]
[Your Contact Email]
Exam Special Consideration Sample Letter for Disability or Long-Term Condition Flare-Up
Dear [Name of appropriate contact, e.g., Examinations Officer, Disability Support Services],
Subject: Request for Special Consideration - [Your Name] - [Student ID] - [Module/Course Name]
I am writing to request special consideration for the [Module/Course Name] examination held on [Date of Exam]. I have a pre-existing [mention condition, e.g., chronic fatigue syndrome, debilitating migraines, significant anxiety disorder] which was exacerbated during the exam period. My condition, which is managed with [mention if applicable, e.g., medication, therapy], experienced a flare-up from approximately [Start Date of Flare-up] to [End Date of Flare-up].
This flare-up resulted in [explain the impact, e.g., extreme fatigue, difficulty concentrating, increased pain, overwhelming anxiety], making it exceptionally challenging to focus on the exam questions and recall information effectively. I have provided supporting documentation from my [mention source, e.g., specialist consultant, university disability support advisor] which details my condition and the impact of the recent flare-up.
I would be very grateful if you could consider this information when reviewing my examination performance.
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Student ID Number]
[Your Contact Email]
In conclusion, navigating the process of requesting special consideration for your exams can seem daunting, but a clear and concise Exam Special Consideration Sample Letter can make all the difference. By providing accurate information, supporting evidence, and explaining the genuine impact of your circumstances, you give yourself the best chance of receiving fair consideration. Remember to always check your institution's specific guidelines and deadlines for submitting these requests.