1. MAKING CHOICES

2.  ASSESS YOURSELF  Knowing what you are good at... Or not so good at  Knowing what you like, and have a passion or a flair for...  School subjects; interests; skills; experience; achievements …  Knowing your abilities and strengths – the focus should be on ABILITY and not disability  BE MOTIVATED!  Motivation is key – you wont be interested otherwise (you can have all the intelligence in the world but motivation and interest are key factors to achieving success)  Knowing that you are willing and happy to dedicate 3 to 4 years to your course  UNDERSTAND your course or the core competencies of your chosen degree programme BEFORE you commence your studies – this is one of the most important aspects of your research e.g. how many years is your degree?; is there a placement?; do I need a 3 rd language?; do I need (H) in a particular subject?

3.  RESEARCH !!!  ASK !!!

4.  If you are finding it difficult to start, then ask those who are closest to you …  Parents/Guardians  Sisters/Brothers  Relations  Friends  Class teacher/Guidance Counsellor

5.  MAKE NOTES on what you like (or dislike!):  Are you drawn to Sciences, Engineering, Health Sciences or Business or Law or the Humanities?  If you are drawn to a certain discipline, why is that?  Do you have the skills for that course?... Problem solving skills, ICT skills, Interpersonal Skills etc.  Have you a concern over your learning difficulty, on-going illness or disability?  TALK:  To someone who has done the course you are interested in  Talk to the course coordinators in the college – OPEN DAYS  Talk to a professional working in that area  Talk to the Disability Support Service (DSS)

6. TIP!: when talking to a careers adviser in a university, or seeking advice on your course(s) of interest from a student or a lecturer, don’t just ask “what is biochemistry?”, “what is applied psychology?”, “what is law?” this highlights that you have not done your research...it will not impress... Research the course(s) first www.ucc.ie/study and then ask more relevant questions.www.ucc.ie/study OPEN DAYS are great for doing research – you can get all the answers to your questions but you must have your questions prepared! Prepare = List of questions = List of answers (for further tips on this please see COLLEGE OPEN DAYS)

7.  ONLINE:  www.ucc.ie/study www.ucc.ie/study  www.qualifax.ie www.qualifax.ie  www.cao.ie www.cao.ie  www.careers-ireland.ie www.careers-ireland.ie  www.careersportal.ie www.careersportal.ie  www.ucc.ie/dss www.ucc.ie/dss  www.ucc.ie/careers www.ucc.ie/careers

8.  ASK QUESTIONS :  “What do I want to learn/study?” “Why do I want to study in this area?”  “What will I enjoy learning most?”  “What will this degree programme offer me?”  “Are there particular challenges in this course for me?”  “What are they and how will I overcome them?”

9. ▪ Education – one that best suits your abilities – that plays to your strengths ▪ Social experience – you will be in the college for at least 3 years – its where you will meet new friends that you will have for life – clubs and societies ▪ Work experience/Placement – does your degree have a placement ? – do you know what this involves? – how do you prepare for your placement? – how do I disclose that I have an learning difficulty, significant on-going illness or disability? (for more information on disclosure please see…link) ▪ Travel – opportunity to study or work abroad ▪ Sport – Mardyke Fitness Centre http://www.ucc.ie/en/sport/http://www.ucc.ie/en/sport/

10.  There might be several reasons that you are not ready for 3 rd level:  perhaps you are unsure of which course to commit to?  perhaps you did not get the points you needed?  maybe you want to undertake a foundation course first? Don’t worry … there are other options available

12. Remember a college prospectus can only show so much so:  do your research online  attend open days  explore the university  sit in a lecture theatre  go to the library, cafes  MOST IMPORTANTLY - TALK to the right people and get information!

13. Student who has obtained their place in UCC calls into register in the DSS (Disability Support Service) Submit supporting documentation to DSS (e.g. your PPS, Reports from Medical Consultant, or relevant specialist in field, Educational Psychologist Report ) Needs Assessment carried out Supports (Based on Needs Assessment) put in place For further information on supports please see www.ucc.ie/dss www.ucc.ie/dss

14.  Getting Ready … this is YOUR responsibility and preparation is the key  Getting In … Make sure you tick YES to question 5 and opt in for DARE on the CAO form www.accesscollege.ie Remember many students enter UCC on merit with the required points or more,so make sure you are well prepared for the Leaving Cert and do your very bestwww.accesscollege.ie  Staying In … attend your lectures; avail of the supports put in place for you and inform the college if you’re having difficulty  Getting On … gettingready for labour market – make sure to be get involved in clubs & societies in college … become part of UCC WORKS http://www.ucc.ie/en/careers/uccworks/ http://www.ucc.ie/en/careers/uccworks/  Employers don’t just want graduates with good degrees, they want all round graduates who are team players, show enthusiasm, are involved in extra curricular activities