What are the key dates in a C.A.O. Application?
The Central Applications Office (C.A.O.) processes applications for undergraduate courses in Universities and Institutes of Technology. The Universities and Institutes of Technology retain the function of making decisions on admissions.
The C.A.O. online application facility opened on the 5th Nov. It will close on the 1st Feb. 2021 at 5.15pm. It will cost €45 to make an application. However, if applicants apply before 20th Jan. 2021 at 5.15pm, it will only cost €30. There is a late application deadline of 1st May 2021 and the application fee is €60.
At this stage in the application process, most applicants only need to register. They do not have to have decided on courses or order of preference unless it is a Restricted course.
What is a Restricted course?
Restricted courses are courses that normally require additional assessment procedures other than Leaving Cert. points, for example, an interview, audition, submission of a portfolio or written assessment. For example, many Music, Art and Drama courses are restricted. Restricted courses are identified in the C.A.O. handbook and on college websites. If an applicant wishes to apply for a Restricted course, then they must have applied to CAO by 1st Feb. 2021. The restricted course must be included on an applicant’s course choices list by that date. It cannot be added later like other courses. However, it can be deleted later if the applicant has changed their mind.
What is the Change of Mind facility?
Applicants can make changes to their course choices up to 1st Feb. at 5.15pm at no extra charge. There is a facility after the 1st Feb. up until 1st March for applicants to add courses for an additional fee of €10.
The CAO online Change of Mind facility opens on 5th May and closes on 1st July at 5.15pm. During this period, applicants can add new courses, delete courses, or change the order of preference as many times as they wish free of charge. Many applicants use this facility to finalise their options. When the facility closes on 1st July at 5.15pm, it is final, and your application cannot be changed after this date. Be sure to do your research and don’t leave the application to last minute.
The CAO application system is a very fair and efficient service. The deadlines are final, and it is the responsibility of the applicant to keep up to date with information in relation to CAO. The CAO Handbook has the timetable of events outlined on page two and applicants should familiarise themselves with this. There is also a facility on the CAO website where applicants can complete a Demo CAO application before they begin their own. Go to www.cao.ie , click on “Student Resources” and then click on “Demo Application”. It gives applicants confidence in completing their own application afterwards.
If you have any questions in relation to C.A.O. or your application, contact McCullagh Careers today for an appointment at info@mccullaghcareers.ie or 0872120527.