1. Applying to College

2. 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

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

4. 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

5. 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)

6. 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

7. 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

8. Making a C.A.O. Application

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

11. 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.

12. 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.

13. 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.

14. 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.

15. New Points System

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

17. Matriculation

18. 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.

19. 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

20. 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 . Can help support students interested in taking this step.

21. 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.

22. How you can help!

23. Useful Websites www.careersportal.ie www.qualifax.ie www.cao.ie