CAO Deadline Approaching – How do I select the right course for me?
It is a difficult task to select CAO courses with over 1,500 to choose from. Unfortunately, many applicants still fall into the trap of selecting courses based on the CAO points system rather than on personal interests. The normal closing date for applications at a cost of €45 is at 5.15pm on February 1st.
Firstly, it is important to understand the way in which the points system works. Points go up and down based on demand. For example, points for a General Nursing Degree in a college in one of our cities was 476 last year whereas points for the same degree in a more rural part of Ireland was 400. The degrees are the same and graduates exit with the exact same Award and job prospects. The points are higher in the city area due to higher level of population and so more demand and competition on places, therefore pushing the points up.
Another factor in the points system is the number of places available on a particular course. Some courses have 300 places to offer compared to offer courses of 40 places. Therefore, if there are few places, there can be more demand and so, pushing the CAO points up. Some people think that CAO points determine the level of difficulty of the course. This is simply not true. A course at 180 points can have the same level of difficulty as a course at 350 points. The points are simply a selection measure we use in Ireland to access Third Level.
Do not select your courses based on points, select your courses based on genuine order of preference.
Ask yourself the following 3 questions to help you decide:
· What course interests me the most?
· What course content excites me to want to find out more?
· What course ignites my passion?
Parents/ Guardians can help support their young person in selecting the right course and have a huge influence on course choice. Many young people select courses based on the point score and their own predictions as to what they might achieve, rather than what they would most enjoy to study. Points do not determine success. It is more important that when you are talking with your young person about course choice, think about their interests. What do they like to do outside of school? Do they enjoy practical work? Do they like being indoors/ outdoors? Did they do work experience? What did they enjoy most from the experience? What subjects do they most enjoy? What skills does your young person have? Communication, listening, people, numerical, I.T., leadership, etc. What do they value? Adventure, Risk-taking, creativity, control, wealth, education, responsibility, etc. Think of courses that combine all the above factors and that match your young person’s personality.
It is also important to recognise that not all young people are ready for college immediately after Leaving Cert. I have often witnessed very stressed Leaving Cert. students and when I ask them what is wrong, many say “all of my friends know what they want to do when they leave school, and I do not”. It is perfectly okay if you do not know what to do at this stage in your life. Some young people might be more suited to completing a PLC course, one year level 5 programme where they can develop skills and interests away from the pressures of Leaving Cert. There is no one fit for all. Some other young people may prefer to enter an Apprenticeship programme or Traineeship. It is important to recognise yourself as an individual and not compare yourself to your friends and peers. What works for you may not work for them and vice versa.
Of course, you do not need to have all your courses selected by the Feb. 1st. CAO Change of Mind will open in May and you can sort out your course choices then. But do take into consideration the above information when you are finalising your choices. Remember, Restricted courses do have to be on your CAO application by Feb. 1st.
Contact McCullagh Careers today for more information on your CAO application at info@mccullaghcareers.ie or 0872120527.