1. Coláiste Mhuire Mullingar
CAO Information evening
TUESDAY 6th DECEMBER 2016

2. Agenda Applicants Responsibilities. General points regarding the CAO.
Entry Requirements and the Points System.
Making an application.
How places are allocated by CAO.
After submitting the application.
Other Options.
DARE: Disability Access Route to Education.
HEAR: Higher Education Access Route.
Questions?
Brian Howard - Newbridge College

3. It is the applicants responsibility to:
Research thoroughly all the courses for which he/she is making application.
Be ‘au fait’ with all aspects of the application system used (CAO) for these courses, i.e., procedures, dates, fees, rules, etc...
If there are any questions, problems or doubts about the CAO system, contact CAO or myself.
Ask early – don’t leave it until it may be too late to do anything.
Brian Howard - Newbridge College

4. Students Higher Options in September Weekly careers classes
Visits from universities/colleges
Individual consultations with Guidance Counsellor

5. Useful Resources To assist with course research / application
Publications
College Prospectuses – 2017 Entry
CAO Handbook 2017
University/College websites – go to open days!
Newspapers
The Irish Times
Tuesdays Education Section
January 11 Special College Supplement Series of articles - Brian Mooney
The Independent
Careers Articles – Aoife Walsh
Whatever you read in any non official literature, always check the details in the college’s or CAO’s official literature.
If there is a difference between the information use the info. in the official literature.
Brian Howard - Newbridge College

6. Internet People Guidance Counsellor
Qualifax – Irish courses database
CAO – Contains links to course websites
Careersworld –
College websites (Addresses in CAO Handbook)
People
Relatives
Past pupils
Admissions/Academic staff of colleges
Guidance Counsellor
One to one meeting – check entry requirements
Access to sources of information
Appointments for parents
Talking to academic/admissions staff  by visiting the college, , phone, open days, guest speakers here to school.
Brian Howard - Newbridge College

7. CAO – General Information
Centralised application system for 43 Irish 3rd level institutions, including 5 fee-paying colleges.
Every 6th year should now have a CAO Application Pack which includes:
2017 CAO Handbook – application and course information
Paper application form
Application fee bank giro form
Application Dates and Fees
Paper Application
Fee
Payment Method
Normal
25/€45
Bank Giro Form (BGF)
Late
€90
Online Application
Normal/discounted Jan 20th
€45/25
BGF or Credit/Laser Card
€70
Change of Mind
No Fee
---
Fee Paying Colleges – DBS, Portobello, Griffith, HSI, American College.
Be careful, these are not clearly labelled as such in handbook.
We will bring the banks into the college here to facilitate the payment of the bank giro from. (21 January)
Brian Howard - Newbridge College

8. CAO – General Info.
There are 3 types of courses students can apply for under the Nat. Qualifications Framework.
These are applied for on 2 separate lists on a single form:
Level 6 & 7 Courses
Level 8 Courses
Ordinary Degrees (7) Higher Certificates (6)
Honours Degrees (8)
Up to 10 Course Choices
Both lists are processed completely separately.
Look at Handout regarding how courses are clearly laid out and the restricted courses.
Extra assessments – Interviews, Portfolios, Music tests, Aptitude tests.
The courses are clearly labelled in the CAO Handbook
N.B. – Care must be taken with courses marked ‘Restricted’.
These courses cannot be applied for after February 1st due to extra assessments required.
Brian Howard - Newbridge College

10. Minimum Entry Requirements
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS These must be satisfied before “points” are considered.
Minimum Entry Requirements
E.g. UCD
Pass 6 subjects
At least 2 H5’s
Pass in:
Irish
English
Another Language
Mathematics*
Science Subject*
Specific Subject Requirements
E.g.s
Engineering(UCD)
H4 Maths
Veterinary Medicine(UCD)
H5 Chemistry
French Law(UCD)
H4 French
Entry Requirements - To check these consult college literature.
If all Entry Requirements are met  applicant is deemed ‘Qualified’ to apply.
Brian Howard - Newbridge College

11. POINTS SYSTEM
Points are calculated from ONE sitting of the Leaving Certificate only.
Points total is calculated from SIX best subjects
Bonus points are awarded for Honours Mathematics
Entry Requirements can be satisfied over more than one sitting of the Leaving Certificate
Brian Howard - Newbridge College

12. Genuine Order of Preference
Making an application
Applications can be made online or by paper form – use one method only.
Always keep proof of sending application: online – print screen receipt, paper – obtain certificate of post.
Form is very straight forward to fill out.
**VERY IMPORTANT**
Students must fill out both course lists in:
Genuine Order of Preference
They should not put down courses on the basis of their predictions of next years cut off points or their own points scores.
Why? – Look at how places are allocated.
Online is recommended – cheaper, faster, easier and safer.
Retain proofs and record of application carefully.
Most school applicants have to fill out Part A (pages 1 and 2 of paper form) only as Standard Applicants.
Brian Howard - Newbridge College

13. Course Cut Off Points = 335*
Science – UCD
100 places to be offered
Course
Merit
Lists
Science – Maynooth
100 places to be offered
Applicant
Position
Points
Score 1
560 2
535 3
525 4
520 5
510 6 7
505 8
500 9
490 -- 15
455 16
445 17
440 18
435 19
420 20
410 21
405 98
340 99
335
100
330
101
325
102
315
103
310
104
305
105
295
182
265
Applicant
Position
Points
Score 1
560 2
535 3
525 4
520 5
510 6 7
505 8
500 9
490 -- 15
455 16
445 17
440 18
435 19
420 20
410 21
405 98
345 99
340
100
335
101
102
103
315
104
310
105
305
182
265
 Last
place to
be filled
 Random Selection to be used
Course Cut Off Points = 330
Course Cut Off Points = 335*
Brian Howard - Newbridge College

14. A Students Course Preferences - Example
All Lower Preference Courses Disappear From Students Preferences
Students
Points
Total
= 445
Cut Off Points for Course NO NO
YES
YES NO
YES NO
YES
YES
YES
Brian Howard - Newbridge College

15. ROUND 2 Round 2 cut off points - 455 Round 2 cut off points - 460
7 round one places not accepted
3 round one places not accepted
 Last place to
be filled - Round 1
 Last place to
be filled – Round 1
 Last place to
be filled - Round 2
 Last place to
be filled - Round 2
Round 2 cut off points - 455
Round 2 cut off points - 460
Brian Howard - Newbridge College

16. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 So – what is the best way to fill in the courses?
Dream Courses
Realistic Courses
Banker Courses
Brian Howard - Newbridge College

17. Places Allocation Note:
The position of a course in a student’s preference order does not in any way affect their chance of getting a place on that course.
The exact same procedure takes place for both lists on the form, hence students may get get 2 offers in August – one from each list, may accept only one.
Students should think carefully about not accepting one of these offers, as they may not receive any further offers.
Regardless of whether or not they accept a course in round 1, they will still be offered a higher preference course in subsequent rounds if they become entitled one.
Brian Howard - Newbridge College

18. After Making Application
Receive CAO number and Statement of Course Choices – check this carefully.
Some students may be called for extra assessments.
Receive Statement of Application Record – check details carefully.
Change of Mind facility becomes available – use sparingly and carefully.
Leaving Cert. Results are sent to CAO.
Places are allocated and offered by post and online.
Students accept, reject or defer offered places.
Further rounds of offers are made until all course places are filled.
Between February and October, if away at any stage make sure someone knows to open any CAO correspondence and knows what to do with it.
If there is a change of address don’t forget to let CAO know.
Use CAO number in any future correspondence.
Brian Howard - Newbridge College

19. CAO TIMETABLE 2017 ENTRY 1st February, 2017
Closing date for receipt of normal applications
Before/By 21st February, 2017
Receive Statement of Course Choices
1st May, 2017
Closing date for receipt of late applications
Before/By 31st May, 2017
Receive Statement of Application Record
From late May, 2017
Change of mind forms may be sent.
1st July, 2017
Latest date for receipt of change of mind form in CAO.
Late August, 2017
First round of offers will commence.
Applicants should apply early - take January 26th as the closing date – do not wait until right up to February 1st. Leave time for things to go wrong.
If a student doesn’t receive their Statements by the dates mentioned contact CAO immediately – there could be a problem.
Brian Howard - Newbridge College

20. Other Options Post Leaving Certificate Courses
Progression from Further to Higher operates in 2 main ways;
(1) HELS- Higher Education Links Scheme links specific courses to reserved higher education places, e.g. Nursing, childcare, engineering
(2) Pilot – IT’s and some HEIs award LC points up to a max of 400 on an open competition basis. ‘Distinctions to Points’
Research preferred course, check colleges for links/reserved places and then decide on which PLC suits you.

21. Other Options Apprenticeships Defence Forces/Cadetship Gardaí
Direct to Employment

22. DARE /HEAR DARE: Disability Access Route to Education.
SEN students. Physical/Psychological/Academic
HEAR: Higher Education Access Route.
This scheme has now been extended to students in all schools.
Means Tested.
Students from socio-economically
disadvantaged areas.

23. Well-being Keep communication open Exercise Nutritious diet
Facilitate study needs
Mobile devices
Assure students that there are options if they don’t get points they want
Avail of supports in school

24. Be proactive!

25. Student Supports Extra Classes after school:
Biology, Accounting, Maths etc...
Learning Support classes:
Maths ( Higher & Ordinary) x2
English (Higher & Ordinary) x2
Extra Classes in school:
Art History, Career Guidance

26. Student Supports IT Resources & Computer Room Access: Most Lunchtimes
After School everyday - 4pm – 5.30pm
Friday Afternoon pm – 4pm
Supervised Study:
€3 per evening pm – 6.30pm
AIT Bridging Programme
Monday 12th December

27. Student Supports Individual Guidance & Counselling Sessions
Exam Focused School Trips:
Geography(Enniskillen)
Biology (Glendalough)
Art (Gallery Study, Drogheda)
Technology (PEM Engineering)
Chemistry (NUI Maynooth)
English (Hamlet Performance, Athlone)
Gaeilge Oral Workshop (Gym)

28. Reminder. PARENT-TEACHER MEETING Wednesday 14th December 4. 15pm – 6
Reminder!! PARENT-TEACHER MEETING Wednesday 14th December 4.15pm – 6.45pm