URGENT UG EXAM ADVICE – Please read!
1. PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, check/re-check your exam timetable NOW
Log on to my.tcd.ie at https://my.tcd.ie/urd/sits.urd/run/siw_lgn - it may have changed since it was put up. Note the details and put reminders in your diary or phone. Mistakes are easily made and can be difficult to sort out. If you have any queries, e-mail askexam@tcd.ie
2. Bring your anonymous exam number and Student Card
Log on to my.tcd.ie, find your exam number and bring it with you to each exam. DON’T FORGET TO BRING YOUR STUDENT CARD TOO (The App is not acceptable for exams).
Give yourself plenty of time to arrive at the exam venue without having to rush, especially if you are not familiar with it. It’s a good idea to arrive 15 minutes early to settle in. It is your responsibility to arrive at the right place at the right time. There are links to maps of the venues when you click on the room number on your exam time-table in my.tcd.ie.
4. DO NOT SIT EXAMS IF YOU ARE NOT FIT TO DO SO
Illness (even with a medical cert) will not be accepted as an excuse for doing badly in an exam. The mark for a specific paper cannot be changed because you were unwell. Once you have sat an exam, it CANNOT be discounted because you were sick.
So if you are not well enough to sit exams, go and get a medical certificate and bring it to your tutor asap/within 3 days. Please note the med cert must be signed and dated and you must be seen by the doctor at the time of the illness. See http://www.tcd.ie/undergraduate-studies/assets/documents/EvidenceofadmisAppeal%2027-01-16%20(1).pdf for details. If there are supplemental exams for your course/year (JF, SF, some JS), you may, through your tutor, request permission to defer to Supplementals. If there are no Supplementals (some JS, most SS or 5th years), up to 2 papers may, if possible, be rescheduled during the exam period provided solid medical evidence is available.
5. Feeling unwell in the middle of an exam?
Don't just run away: call one of the invigilators and explain your situation. If it is appropriate, they will bring you to the Health Centre/Nurse. You may then be able to complete the exam later that day.
6. Missed an exam or arriving too late?
Immediately contact your tutor (put their number in your phone now!) or your course/department office. If you are not able to get in touch with them or whoever is covering for them during their absence, contact the Senior Tutor's Office (House 27, 01 896 2551/1095/2004, stosec@tcd.ie). If nobody has left the exam venue, it may be possible for you to sit the examination.
Try to practice some relaxation exercises: a couple of minutes focusing on your breathing can help a lot. Check
http://www.tcd.ie/Student_Counselling/counselling/podcasts/
http://ie.reachout.com/thirdlevel
or http://ie.reachout.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/SelfHelpExam.mp3 for some useful advice, including podcasts.
During the exam, it may help to take a short break. Ask the invigilator for permission, leave the room and do a couple of stretches or take a few deep breaths.
8. Thinking of doing an all-nighter? Think again!
Remember that thinking clearly and being able to use your knowledge appropriately to answer the questions asked is often more important than adding to your knowledge base. A good night sleep is likely to be much more beneficial than a night spent cramming. And read the questions carefully!
Read more:
Results will be published on your portal (my.tcd.ie) or on BlackBoard (MyModule) and/or on local noticeboard at various dates, depending on your course. More details at https://www.tcd.ie/academicregistry/exams/results/#. Information on Appeals and re-checks, including new guidelines on exceptional circumstances and evidence/documentation is at http://www.tcd.ie/undergraduate-studies/academic-progress/appeals.php
It’s always a good idea to ask the examiner for feedback, in particular if you are due to sit Supplementals. Most schools/departments organise a time when you can do this. You may also contact the examiner directly. Do this as soon as you get your results, don’t wait until the week before supplementals.
Finally, remember you have a tutor who is there to help with academic and personal problems. Check My.tcd.ie if you are not sure who your tutor is! https://my.tcd.ie/urd/sits.urd/run/siw_lgn
12. Further exam guidelines
Read more:
check https://www.tcd.ie/academicregistry/exams/assets/local/guideexam.pdf for further guidelines regarding exams.