As you research the various options open to you in this year's Higher Options conference there is a nice "buzz" about the thought that you will not be attending college until the next millennium. But do not be carried away by the historic implications - your visit here today will have important implications for you for the rest of your life.
The Higher Options conference is a unique occasion because it is the only occasion when all Irish third-level institutions and their British counterparts come together at the same venue. It is almost impossible for any student to say "there is nothing of interest for me here today". Apart from a cross-section of third-level institutions, there are the PLC colleges, many of whom have entry requirements of five passes in the Leaving Certificate. The private colleges with a range of courses, including degree courses are here. So, too, are popular career areas outside the CAO, such as Aer Lingus, the Garda, the Army, the Irish Hotels Federation, CERT, and some of the accountancy bodies, to mention a few. One of the most important factors in making a wise career decision is having all the necessary information. It is essential, for instance, to know which subjects are studied in the first year of a course, what are the alternative routes to a degree or is attending a British college a real option for you?
If, for instance, you are considering a UCAS option then you should encourage your parent to come to the conference to meet the personnel from the colleges in which you have an interest. Having the same information as your parents means that you can sit down with them, early in the year, to discuss the various options open to you.
If you are unsure which colleges offer the courses in which you are interested, consult the UCAS handbook and IT databases such as Qualifax, Ecctis or UCAS GWebsite (www.ucas.ac.uk). Armed with the relevant information, proceed to the stands with a list of relevant questions. You must be patient as staff on the various stands try to cope with the large volume of enquiries they face over the three days. Later on this year you will be filling in two important forms that will have a great bearing on your future. The first form is the UCAS form which must be posted before December 15th this year.
IF YOU are applying to Oxford or Cambridge or courses in medicine your application must be in by October 15th. Most of the UCAS applications arrive in early December, so it makes sense to apply earlier if you are in a position to make up your mind after spending the day at the Higher Options conference.
As you are aware the CAO offers you 10 options for degree courses and 10 for diploma/certificate courses. The problem with such a wide choice is that some students only research their first three options and then include courses about which they know little or nothing.
The CAO system really works for you if you follow the instructions in the CAO handbook. Your choices must be in genuine order of preference - getting the order of preference correct is crucial and the process starts here today with your research. It is important to find out which courses each third-level institution represented at the Higher Options Conference offers you. Check the college and faculty requirements for each course in which you are interested. Remember that no matter what total points you amass in your Leaving Certificate, you will not be awarded a place if you are missing a faculty or minimum grade requirements. Many students believe that the universities alone have degree programmes. So open your eyes to the opportunities afforded by the institutes of technology and the private colleges. Research the alternative routes offered by a certificate/diploma course.
The PLC sector has seen some of the most exciting developments in recent years. Many of the courses on offer have been specifically designed to fill a void in the employment market, so plan to spend some time at their stands and have a copy of their literature. Be realistic about the opportunities open to you. Most colleges have excellent websites, so include them in your research. If you are interested in a British college be sure you have a name for further contact. Ask about open days and interview/assessment procedures for various courses.
Today the full range of possible courses are all together in one setting. Make the most of it. Your visit to the Higher Options conference should be the first step in planning your life after the Leaving Certificate. Plan the day well and you will reap the rewards when you come to make those final decisions later on in the year.
