Seven steps to CAO success

It’s is vital that students take the CAO application process seriously – it will have a huge influence on your future. These key tips will help.

The phone calls and emails begin in October and usually continue until Christmas. They are from anxious students or parents, concerned about wrong CAO choices. Students want to know how they can “escape ’’ from a college course which does not suit their skills and aptitudes. Parents want to know how they can rebuild the shattered confidence of their son or daughter and how they can avoid the very high cost of a repeating a first year under graduate course.

These are not isolated cases. Up to 30 per cent of first year under graduates will drop out and/or fail their college course. Many more will drift onward in a course which was never the right fit for their skills.

It’s easy to see how such mistakes are made.

At this time of year, Leaving Cert students are focused on the forthcoming mocks, on the orals and practicals and on assignment work.

The CAO process can seem like a nuisance. Campus life is still some distance away ; something to worry about next September.

This is a daft way to approach the CAO application process because – like it or not – your college choices will have a huge influence on your future.

My advice? Over the next fortnight take the time to research your college choices carefully. The following are some key tips.

* Be honest with yourself- choose the course that suits your skills and aptitudes, not one which will impress your friends and family;

* Talk to those who are taking the course this year. Ask them for the pro and cons- and make an informed decision.

* Don’t opt for a high points course if it does not suit.

* Ask yourself honestly – are you ready to commit the next four or more years to your chosen course. Is it the best fit for you?

* Talk to your teachers, guidance counsellor and parents/guardians about your possible choices. They have good advice to offer- take it!

* Inform yourself fully about your chosen course and campus. Gather information on the course online and visit the campus . Get an idea of what your student life will be like for the next four years.

* Don’t sleepwalk your way into a college course which does not suit.

PS: Submit the CAO form before the February 1st deadline, but use the Change of Mind process in June if you are still undecided

Irish Times

Entry points for colleges to rise

Entry points for colleges to rise
A study commissioned by Minister for Education Ruairi Quinn last year suggested that a cap on student numbers may be necessary

SEÁN FLYNN, Education Editor Irish Times
The points race for entry to third-level colleges is set to intensify this year with record numbers expected to apply for places.
As thousands of students submit their CAO choices this month, career experts expect a marked increase in points – especially for high-demand courses in science, technology and agriculture which appear to offer better job prospects.

But points for broad-based courses in arts and business – the pillars of the CAO system – could also rise.

More than 40,000 students are set to make their initial application to the CAO before the February 1st deadline.

Students can, however, also use the “change of mind” process in June to finalise their options before the July 1st deadline.
Several factors are combining to put upward pressure on points, including:

* The extra 25 bonus points available to the 8,000-plus students set to take higher-level maths in the Leaving Cert.

* The fall in the number of Irish students applying to colleges in Britain because of higher tuition charges – and the expected increase in British students applying to less expensive Irish colleges.

* The inability of many colleges to meet increased student demand because of cuts in staff and funding.

* An increase in applications from those who are struggling to find jobs or apprecenticeships.

The new bonus points system – designed to boost the take-up for higher-level maths – will be applied for the first time this summer. Students who secure a D3 or better in higher-level maths in the Leaving Cert will gain an extra 25 CAO points if maths is counted among their six best subjects.

Career experts say the 8,000-plus students expected to take higher-level maths will enjoy a significant advantage in the race for places in coveted courses such as medicine, healthcare, and science and technology.

The 20 per cent drop in applications by Irish students to British colleges will also put upward pressure on points.

English colleges can increase fees to £7,000-£9,000 from September but the increase has seen applications from Ireland drop from 2,352 to 1,899 in the past year.

This could also increase applications from British students to Irish colleges as they are liable only for the €2,250 student contribution charge. In particular, Trinity College Dublin – the top ranked Irish university – expects more applications from Britain.

Several Irish colleges – especially the seven universities – are already at capacity. Many are in no position to provide additional places.

Last year, a study commissioned by Minister for Education Ruairí Quinn suggested that a cap on student numbers may be necessary.

The report from the Higher Education Authority underlined the grave funding crisis facing the sector as it seeks to accommodate record numbers of students with less income.