Reviewing your possible choicesHaving researched all the courses on offer through the Qualifax website at www.qualifax.ie and having identified a range of potentially suitable courses, students should discuss your options with their school/college guidance counsellor.
You would also be well advised to take into consideration any advice your parents may have on the options you are considering.
Their experience of life can be invaluable in informing your ultimate list of preferred courses. If you do not have access to professional guidance support, a list of private practitioners is available at www.igc.ie
Check out the college
During this process, you should also be checking out the colleges on your options lists.
This might take the form of a visit to the third-level campus if you have not already taken time to do so.
You could also talk to current students of the college and to students taking the course you are considering.
You should also watch out for information evenings offered by colleges, which take place throughout the year.
Remember that colleges are constantly seeking your attention and your application, so they will always be happy to answer any questions you may have.
Making your application
In recent years, most applicants have been using the CAO online application process and submitting their applications online.
The CAO is offering applicants the incentive of paying €10 less if they complete their application by January 20th. I would advise all potential applicants to make their CAO application immediately, as you can always vary your list of courses over the next six months.
What are the benefits of using the online application?
The online application system does not allow candidates to make simple errors, such as listing today’s date as their date of birth or making mistakes in application codes, so it is ultimately more efficient.
You can apply online from any computer, whether from school, home or a public library, if necessary. Online applications can be made at www.cao.ie
How can I get a CAO application pack?
If for some reason you do not yet have a CAO application pack, you can get one by sending an e-mail to help@cao.ie giving your name and address. The CAO will post out a pack immediately.
You could also phone the CAO at 091-509800.
Why do applicants often select the wrong courses?
Many applicants select a course with which they end up struggling, mainly due to the fact that they did not properly explore the subjects taught throughout the three to four years of the programme, and end up failing their examinations or dropping out before the end of the programme.
What can applicants do to avoid this pitfall?
Do not select courses without researching fully every component outlined in its prospectus, including the compulsory modules, class contact hours, and practicals and tutorials where they apply.
Secondly, read thoroughly the course literature published by all the colleges. Studies show that 30 per cent of all undergraduate students fail to complete their initial course choice.
This suggests that a minority of college applicants are not particularly focused on the application process and have no particular desire to attend college at this stage, but feel obliged to apply because everybody else seems to be doing so.
If you can identify with this sentiment, then maybe college is not for you right now.
How can I improve my chances to staying the course?
Select your courses based on what you genuinely want, not based on where friends are going or which college has the coolest image, the highest points or the best social life.
All these considerations pale into insignificance if you end up hating your lectures and eventually dropping out of the course.
Don’t be careless with your lower preferences.
Remember, depending on your examination result and the points required for each of your course choices, it is possible that you will be offered any of your choices, so fully research any that you intend to list.
When must I apply?
Ideally, you should complete your online application at the €35 “early bird” fee, by Tuesday next, January 20th.
If you miss that date for some reason, you should complete the application by February 1st, which will cost you €10 more. February 1st is also the final date for listing restricted application courses, which I will deal with tomorrow.
If you miss the February 1st deadline, you may pay a double fee of €70 for on-line applications up to the 1st May 2008, but cannot include any restricted application courses.
Can I change my mind?
More than 38,000 applicants used the change-of-mind facility in June 2008. This facility is available up to the final date for this option, which is July 1st, a full two weeks after the end of the Leaving Certificate exams.
Is it possible to predict the points for my course this year?
No, because points are determined firstly by three main factors: the number of places which are offered, the number of students who apply for the course in 2009 and the overall Leaving Certificate results.
The good news is that the number of places offered by colleges is increasing all the time and new players are entering the market, particularly in the private sector.
Therefore I believe that for the next number of years at least, the points requirement will either stay in or about their current levels or may even fall moderately.
- Tomorrow: restricted application courses.
