Seven steps to CAO success
Posted by Francis O' Toole on January 10, 2012
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
