NUI MaynoothNUI Maynooth

Applying to the CAO

The College ExperienceThe College Experience

•Applying to the CAO

•Intended to simplify Applications to Third Level

•Applicants list courses in order of:

Preference NOT Points

•Beware – points alter from year!

The College ExperienceThe College Experience •Career ChoiceCareer Choice!!

•Identify:Identify: Talents /Skills /InterestsTalents /Skills /Interests

•Learning Style / Work to your Learning Style / Work to your strengthsstrengths

•BE INFORMEDBE INFORMED!!

FactsFacts

•45% of employers seek graduates of any discipline

•Quality of degree is far more important than the subjects

•It is better to excel in a subject not in great demand than to be average in one that is.

Transferable SkillsTransferable Skills

• Willingness to Willingness to LearnLearn

• CommitmentCommitment

• DependabilityDependability

• Self MotivationSelf Motivation

• Team WorkTeam Work

•CommunicatiCommunicationon

•CooperationCooperation

•Drive/EnergyDrive/Energy

•Self Self ManagementManagement

•Prior Research is very important

•Transition from Second to Third Level

•Identifying Learning Styles / Course Content

•Career focus / Standard of Qualification

Tips for Success!!

•Application Dates – Paper / Online

•February 1st

•Late applications May 1st

•Change of Mind Form re-entered by July 1st

The College ExperienceThe College Experience

The College ExperienceThe College Experience

Costs

Paper Feb 1st €40 May 1st €80

Online Feb 1st €30 May1st €60

Change of mind = Nil

The College ExperienceThe College Experience

Basic Points Statistics

• Realistic Expectations

(8% > 500 points, average = 310 points)

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CAO Offer Timetable

•Can only move up, never down the list

•Can accept or ignore subsequent offers

•Vacant Place application (www.cao.ie)

•Random Selection (Leaving Cert Pts)

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CAO Offer Timetable

•Mature/deferral/R0 offers in early Aug

•Leaving Certificate results - mid Aug

•Round One Offers - August 21st,2006

•Each list separate. Can accept on-line.

•Offers each week thereafter

•Approx 5,000 re-applications to CAO

•Fees implications – check with Dept. of

Education / Relevant Institution