Should you appeal your SQA Result?

I have seen many students feel disappointed on results day that they missed a particular grade just because their score was off a few marks.

It can be really tempting to think of appeal in these cases.

I would think of the situation in a case by case basis and not make rash decisions in a hurry.

You see, appealing could even end up hurting your test results. What if the examiner who has been sent your paper objectively thinks that the responses are not quite there yet for you to receive the grade you expect?

Also, if you are about to enter university, or have a conditional admissions offer from one, as a first step, it can be useful to directly connect with your admissions counsellor at the university to see your options.

They probably have seen similar cases where students have failed short of getting a grade that was mentioned in the conditions of the admission. Not to speculate or give hope, but one of my students who was in a similar situation actually ended up getting into university while not having met all the conditions.

To me, appealing is the last resort. It costs money, takes time, and in most cases, will only make things worse.

You are better off discussing things with your teachers and admissions advisor at your school to make an informed decision you won't regret.