1. Transition to college and CAO Fiona Casey Schools’ Liaison Officer NUI Maynooth

2. Overview Why go to College How the CAO application system works Making your CAO application Transition to College Life How to ‘succeed’ at College Questions & Answers

3. Why go to College? –Study an area of interest –Clubs & Societies –Opportunities to travel –Summer work –Financial return –Career Development

4. 2 nd Level Institutes of Technology FETAC FÁS, TEAGASC, PLC, Fáilte Ireland, BIM Course Duration Level 8: 3 & 4 Yr Honours Degrees Level 6: Higher Certificate Level 7: Ordinary Degree Level 8: Honours Degree Level 5: 1 Year Level 6: 2 & 3 Years Universities

5. CAO System: How it works CAO HandbookCAO Handbook Course CodesCourse Codes Two lists of 10 choicesTwo lists of 10 choices Level 8 and Level 7/6Level 8 and Level 7/6 Restricted Application CoursesRestricted Application Courses Strict order of preferencesStrict order of preferences Study ALL preferences carefullyStudy ALL preferences carefully

6. CAO Application timeline November – CAO online application opens January 20 th – early discounted deadline closes March 1 st – closing date for HEAR/DARE April 1 st – closing date for supporting documentation for HEAR/DARE May 1 st – closing date for late applications July 1 st – closing date for change of mind Late August – Round 1 Offers

7. How it works Self-directed learning! Little parental involvement Minimal class monitoring ie: attendance is up to the individual Homework is not set out Topics covered in a short period of time Reading Lists / Assignment deadlines

8. The Typical Day Lectures Tutorials on a weekly / fortnightly basis Laboratory work / language labs etc Library Students’ Union/Clubs & Socs Part-time Work

9. Tips for Success!! Research course choices well Attendance and follow-up work Active in clubs and/or societies - meet new friends Seek support and advice early if necessary Try to get the BALANCE right Approx 5,000 re-applications to CAO Enjoy the experience of a Lifetime!

10. I made a mistake Do not panic! It may be a module in a course that is less than appealing – check it out – Mentor / Lecturer / Tutor Truly unhappy – speak with Admissions re. Transfer Options Not interested – re-apply next year (fees) Very Difficult to sustain this type of study unless one is motivated by it

11. Research is key Career ChoiceCareer Choice!! Identify:Identify: Talents /Skills /Interests Talents /Skills /Interests Informed decisions ensurerightresultsInformed decisions ensure right results BE INFORMED! (CAO Change-of-mind)BE INFORMED! (CAO Change-of-mind)

12. Informed choices = Results Open Days 29 th & 30 th November 2013 Summer School Facebook Twitter gomaynooth.ie

13. And Finally… Thanks for Listening! Any Questions?