Applying to College

Learning experiences that have an impact on our course choice. Previous Experience Family Junior Certificate Transition Year Work Experience Aptitude and Interest Subjects Selected for Leaving Certificate Individual Meetings Careers Classes College Presentations Higher Options and Open Days

Choosing a Course Course Choice Think about: Skills Values Interests Career Informed decisions are better decisions.

Where to look for information CAO Handbook College Literature Online The College or University Guidance Counsellors/teachers Current students/graduates/people doing that job Open days - College visits Parents/older siblings

C.A.O. CAO Application Timetable 2 lists of 10 choices - level 8 and level 6/7 Restricted Application courses Strict order of preference Study ALL preferences carefully Check Application Record Change-of-Mind 1st July (on-line)

CAO Timetable 20th January Application Fee €25 1st February €40 Restricted Applications HEAR and DARE box ticked 1st March HEAR and DARE Forms completed Tick SUSI Grant Box if applicable 1st April Supporting Documentation to be sent

CAO Timetable 5th May -1st July Change of Mind May Carefully check the Statement of Application Record 16th August Leaving Certificate Results 21st August Round 1 Offers 28th August Round 1 Acceptances 31st August Round 2 Offers

Making a C.A.O. Application

Help with preferences 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Dream Courses Banker Courses Brian Howard - Newbridge College

Points to Note Select in order of preference not points. Once you have the points for a particular course all courses below are deleted. You then have to pick between your level 8 or 6 and 7 courses. You may move up your list if points drop in round two or your points increase on a re-check of papers.

Thing to look out for Restricted Courses NUI and University Exemptions Matriculation Requirements HEAR and DARE A large amount of students nationally don’t get their top 3 courses in CAO. Give every selection careful consideration.

Statement of Application Record Before the end of May, you will be sent a Statement of Application Record. It is vitally important that you check. Are all the courses shown and in the correct order? Are all the codes correct? Are the exam numbers correct? Are all exams mentioned? If you have not received a Statement by 1st June contact CAO immediately.

How the points system works Matriculation you have to meet the entry requirements of the college and course. The points of the 6 highest Leaving Certificate Grades are added up together to give the applicants points total. Course points are based on supply and demand. It can be a mistake to try and predict points year to year. The points for courses can rise or fall.

New Points System

Revised Scoring for LCVP Link Modules Award Points Distinction 66 Merit 46 Pass 28

Matriculation

Further Education Routes You can apply online to Cavan Institute and other colleges of education. You have to apply to each college directly. Allows re-entry into the CAO system. Allows are chance to mature and be “ready for college”. Allows to meet other entry requirements.

Types of Post Leaving Cert Courses Media/Drama Outdoor & Animals Performing Arts Social Care & Childcare Travel & Tourism Science & Technology Art and Design Adventure Sports Beauty Therapy Business Computing Engineering Leisure and Recreation

UCAS and other Overseas Applications UCAS Deadline January 15th Fees are dependant on the location of the course but do apply. Elsewhere in the EU There are a range on courses taught through English offered across Europe. Fees can be considerably cheaper and entry requirements can be lower. The website www.eunicas.ie . Can help support students interested in taking this step.

Conclusion Choose courses that accommodate: Skills Interests Values Career Research is the key to good course selection. Remember whatever discipline you do once you get to Level 8, you have huge postgraduate course options.

How you can help!

Useful Websites www.careersportal.ie www.qualifax.ie www.cao.ie www.cavaninstitute.ie www.ucas.co.uk www.eunicas.ie