A FORMER Abbotsleigh student who is now studying medicine at the University of Sydney is claiming the NSW Board of Studies wrongly refused to grant her special examination provisions in the form of a computer and extra exam time for the 2008 Higher School Certificate.

The 21-year-old woman, who does not wish to be named, was placed fifth in the state in her HSC chemistry exam with a mark in the high 90s in 2007, when she was in year 11. A year later she scored a university entry rank of 99.95, with marks of about 94 per cent in her English and modern history exams.

"My writing became illegible and my hand was cramping" ... former school student. Credit:Ben Rushton

She was granted rest breaks during the exams in response to her application to the Board of Studies for special examination provisions. She has a disability described as a malfunctioning of the wrist. But she believes she should have been granted a computer or extra time to compensate for cramping in her hand after prolonged periods of writing.

Had she been granted a computer or extra time, the student believes she would have achieved much higher marks.