Options for SchoolOptions for SchoolLeavers 2014/15Leavers 2014/15

Information Talk for Sixth Information Talk for Sixth YearsYears

CBC MonkstownCBC Monkstown

Thursday 20Thursday 20thth November, November, 7.30pm7.30pm

TopicsTopics

The CAO Application SystemThe CAO Application System Trinity Feasibility StudyTrinity Feasibility Study The DARE and HEAR SchemesThe DARE and HEAR Schemes The PLC Application SystemThe PLC Application System The UCAS Application SystemThe UCAS Application System The Maintenance Grants SystemThe Maintenance Grants System (SUSI)(SUSI) Adjusting to college lifeAdjusting to college life

THE CAOTHE CAO

The Application The Application

System for System for Higher Higher

Level CoursesLevel Courses

THE CAO SYSTEM… THE CAO SYSTEM… HOW IT WORKS HOW IT WORKS

• The institutions in the CAOThe institutions in the CAO• The points system The points system • Order of preference of coursesOrder of preference of courses• The application feeThe application fee• Important dates to rememberImportant dates to remember• The change of mind processThe change of mind process• The offers stageThe offers stage• Deferring an offerDeferring an offer

Colleges in the CAOColleges in the CAO

The CAO processes The CAO processes applications to applications to courses in courses in

over 4over 455 Colleges Colleges

7 7 Universities Universities

1155 Institutes of Institutes of Technology Technology

6 6 Colleges of Education Colleges of Education

88 Independent Colleges Independent Colleges

1010 Other Colleges Other Colleges

Typical Examples ofTypical Examples ofDublin InstitutionsDublin Institutions

Universities – UCD, TCD, DCUUniversities – UCD, TCD, DCU ITs – DIT, IADT, IT TallaghtITs – DIT, IADT, IT Tallaght Education – Froebel, St. Pat’s, Mater Education – Froebel, St. Pat’s, Mater

DeiDei Independent – DBS, Griffith CollegeIndependent – DBS, Griffith College Other – NCI, RCSI, NCADOther – NCI, RCSI, NCAD

CAO CAO RequirementsRequirements A student A student mmayay have to have to fulfil fulfil 3 types3 types of of

requirements to requirements to be eligible forbe eligible for a a college coursecollege course

1.1. The The CollegeCollege Matriculation Matriculation rrequirementequirement

2. 2. TheThe specific specific coursecourse requirement requirement3.3. The The pointspoints requirement – requirement –

calculated from calculated from a a total of total of the the best best six six Leaving Certificate Leaving Certificate resultsresults

ExamplesExamples

1.1. College RequirementCollege Requirement e.g. UCD 6 e.g. UCD 6 passes including 2 honours @ higher passes including 2 honours @ higher level and passes in Irish, English and level and passes in Irish, English and another language (unless a student is another language (unless a student is exempt from Irish and/or a third exempt from Irish and/or a third language)language)

2.2. Course RequirementCourse Requirement e.g. e.g. Veterinary Veterinary Medicine, UCD: TheMedicine, UCD: The above above requirements, requirements, in addition a minimum HC3 Chemistry in addition a minimum HC3 Chemistry and OD3 Mathsand OD3 Maths

3.3. Points requirementPoints requirement e.g. Commerce, e.g. Commerce, UCD 2014 – 490 pointsUCD 2014 – 490 points

Level 7 and Level 8 Course Level 7 and Level 8 Course RequirementsRequirements

There are two lists of courses in the CAO systemThere are two lists of courses in the CAO system Level 8 - Honours Bachelor Degrees – Level 8 - Honours Bachelor Degrees –

The Requirements are:The Requirements are: 6 passes to include 2/3 Honours on higher 6 passes to include 2/3 Honours on higher level papers + Points + certain subject level papers + Points + certain subject combinations for certain degreescombinations for certain degrees

Level 7/6 - Ordinary Bachelor Degrees / Level 7/6 - Ordinary Bachelor Degrees / Higher Certificates – Higher Certificates – The Requirements are:The Requirements are:5 Passes + Points5 Passes + Points

Points AllocationPoints Allocation

Higher LevelHigher Level A1A1 --- --- 100100 A2A2 --- --- 9090 B1B1 --- --- 8585 B2B2 --- --- 8080 B3B3 --- --- 7575 C1C1 --- --- 7070 C2C2 --- --- 6565 C3C3 --- --- 6060 D1D1 --- --- 5555 D2D2 --- --- 5050 D3D3 --- --- 4545

Ordinary LevelOrdinary Level A1A1 --- --- 6060 A2A2 --- --- 5050 B1B1 --- --- 4545 B2B2 --- --- 4040 B3B3 --- --- 3535 C1C1 --- --- 3030 C2C2 --- --- 2525 C3C3 --- --- 2020 D1D1 --- --- 1515 D2D2 --- --- 1010 D3D3 --- --- 55

Maths Bonus PointsMaths Bonus Points

Bonus points were introduced for Bonus points were introduced for Honours Honours Maths in 2012. An extra 25 Maths in 2012. An extra 25 points will be points will be awarded to all Higher awarded to all Higher Maths results. Maths results.

The bonus points are added to the The bonus points are added to the Maths Maths result first and then a student’s result first and then a student’s best six best six results are calculated.results are calculated.

How the ‘points’ requirement How the ‘points’ requirement for for

each course workseach course works Each college decides on how many places they wish Each college decides on how many places they wish

to offer for each course.to offer for each course. The number of applications will be determined by the The number of applications will be determined by the

number of applicants each year, i.e. popularity of the number of applicants each year, i.e. popularity of the course.course.

Places will be offered to applicants in order of merit Places will be offered to applicants in order of merit as determined by their points.as determined by their points.

The published ‘points’ for a course are the points The published ‘points’ for a course are the points achieved by the last applicant/s offered a place that achieved by the last applicant/s offered a place that year in each courseyear in each coursei.e. everyone offered a place had at least those points i.e. everyone offered a place had at least those points

Thus the minimum ‘points’ can change from year to Thus the minimum ‘points’ can change from year to yearyear

CAO online - CAO online - ww.cao.ieww.cao.ie

Click on ‘apply’ Click on ‘apply’ to make to make application – scroll to application – scroll to bottom of page and click bottom of page and click on proceed with on proceed with applicationapplication

ClickClick onon ‘ ‘interactive interactive demo’ demo’ to do practise applicationto do practise application

Click on ‘my application’ Click on ‘my application’ to view your applicationto view your application

IMPORTANT DATESIMPORTANT DATES2020thth Jan Jan 5.15pm – Online discounted rate applies €25 – after this date 5.15pm – Online discounted rate applies €25 – after this date

€40€40

11stst Feb Feb 5.15pm – 5.15pm – Normal Normal Application Closing dateApplication Closing date Restricted Application Restricted Application mustmust be included by this date be included by this date. .

EEach applicant is allotted a CAO number ach applicant is allotted a CAO number on applicationon application

11stst MayMay 5.15pm - 5.15pm - Late Application Closing Late Application Closing date date

55thth May May Online change of mind facility becomes available Online change of mind facility becomes availableApplicants Applicants may alter their applications may alter their applications as many times as as many times as

they wish they wish

By end of MayBy end of May All applicants will receive a Statement of Application All applicants will receive a Statement of Application RecordRecord

1st July1st July 5.15pm - Closing date for Change of mind 5.15pm - Closing date for Change of mind

THE APPLICATION FEETHE APPLICATION FEE

EARLY ON-LINE APPLICATION (BEFORE JANUARY 20EARLY ON-LINE APPLICATION (BEFORE JANUARY 20THTH) ) €€2525

NORMALNORMAL APPLICATION APPLICATION €€4400

PAY ON-LINE BY LASER OR VISA CARDPAY ON-LINE BY LASER OR VISA CARD OR OR

PRE-PAY IN THE BANK PRE-PAY IN THE BANK WITH FEE PAYMENT FORMWITH FEE PAYMENT FORM

LATE ONLINE APPLICATIONLATE ONLINE APPLICATION €50 €50

Course ChoicesCourse ChoicesLevel 8Level 8 Level 7/ Level 6 Level 7/ Level 6 Hons Degrees Hons Degrees Ord Degrees and Ord Degrees and

CertificatesCertificates

PrefPref Course codeCourse code__________________________________1._______________1._______________2._______________2._______________3._______________3._______________4._______________4._______________5._______________5._______________6________________6________________7._______________7._______________8._______________8._______________9._______________9._______________10.______________10.______________

PrefPref Course codeCourse code__________________________________1._______________1._______________2._______________2._______________3._______________3._______________4._______________4._______________5._______________5._______________6._______________6._______________7._______________7._______________8._______________8._______________9._______________9._______________10.______________10.______________

Order of preferenceOrder of preference

Course choices for each list must be put Course choices for each list must be put in order of preferencein order of preference

11stst July 5.15 is the final date for deciding July 5.15 is the final date for deciding thisthis

Each list is considered separatelyEach list is considered separately An offer may be made from both lists in An offer may be made from both lists in

any round of offersany round of offers Only one of these can be accepted in any Only one of these can be accepted in any

roundround

Changing your mind!Changing your mind!

Students may change Students may change their mind on-line as their mind on-line as often as they like up often as they like up to the 1st Julyto the 1st July

They can add new They can add new courses and alter the courses and alter the order of preferences order of preferences at no extra costat no extra cost up up to this dateto this date

The CAO OffersThe CAO Offers Applicants are listed in Applicants are listed in

order of merit for each order of merit for each course they have chosencourse they have chosen

They will be offered the They will be offered the first course on each list first course on each list for which they become for which they become eligibleeligible

All their course choices All their course choices below these offers will be below these offers will be deleted from their listsdeleted from their lists

They may be offered a They may be offered a higher choice in a further higher choice in a further round if they become round if they become eligible, even if they have eligible, even if they have accepted an offeraccepted an offer

The rounds of offersThe rounds of offers

Leaving Cert Results – Leaving Cert Results – Wednesday 12Wednesday 12thth August August

1st Round Offers – 1st Round Offers –

Monday 17Monday 17thth August August

2nd Round Offers – 2nd Round Offers – Wednesday 26Wednesday 26thth August August

Further offers made up Further offers made up until until mid mid OctoberOctober (after (after State Exam completion State Exam completion of rechecks)of rechecks)

Accepting an offerAccepting an offer CAO gives a week for CAO gives a week for

acceptances to be madeacceptances to be made On line acceptances On line acceptances

possible from any possible from any location, i.e. if you are location, i.e. if you are awayaway

CAO numbers are CAO numbers are needed to access offers needed to access offers and to make and to make acceptances on lineacceptances on line

Offers may also be Offers may also be accepted by postaccepted by post

Deferrals – How?Deferrals – How? Most collegesMost colleges will consider deferrals will consider deferrals Write to Write to the the admissionadmissionss office of the office of the

college, marking college, marking the the envelope ‘envelope ‘deferred deferred entryentry’’ and and enclose the Offer Notice from enclose the Offer Notice from CAO CAO

This must reach the college This must reach the college 2 days 2 days beforebefore the ‘Reply Date’ the ‘Reply Date’

N.B. The aN.B. The applicant pplicant must reapplymust reapply the next the next yearyear through the CAO to keep the through the CAO to keep the deferred placedeferred place

Trinity Feasibility StudyTrinity Feasibility Study

New entry system to Law, History New entry system to Law, History and Ancient and Medieval Historyand Ancient and Medieval History

Max 625 LC point + 625 points from Max 625 LC point + 625 points from Relative Performance Rank mark + Relative Performance Rank mark + 625 for personal statement625 for personal statement

Please see Ms O’Connor if interested Please see Ms O’Connor if interested in applyingin applying

HEAR and DARE HEAR and DARE SchemesSchemes

The HEAR and DARE Schemes have been The HEAR and DARE Schemes have been introduced to promote equality of access introduced to promote equality of access to all irrespective of social class, age or to all irrespective of social class, age or disabilitydisability

HEAR HEAR applicants must meet a range of applicants must meet a range of financial, social and cultural indicators to financial, social and cultural indicators to be considered for a reduced points place be considered for a reduced points place and extra college supportand extra college support

DARE is for school leavers who have the DARE is for school leavers who have the ability to benefit from and succeed in ability to benefit from and succeed in higher education but who may not be able higher education but who may not be able to meet the points for their preferred to meet the points for their preferred course due to the impact of their disability. course due to the impact of their disability.

The DARE SchemeThe DARE Scheme The DARE scheme is an admissions The DARE scheme is an admissions

scheme which has been put in place to scheme which has been put in place to offer places on reduced points and extra offer places on reduced points and extra college support to school leavers with college support to school leavers with disabilitiesdisabilities

Eligible students must complete the DARE Eligible students must complete the DARE form online with their CAO application form online with their CAO application and provide evidence of their disability to and provide evidence of their disability to CAO – see CAO – see www.accesscollege.iewww.accesscollege.ie for for specific criteriaspecific criteria

The HEAR SchemeThe HEAR Scheme The HEAR Scheme is an admissions scheme The HEAR Scheme is an admissions scheme

which has been introduced to offer places on which has been introduced to offer places on reduced points and extra college support to reduced points and extra college support to school leavers from wider socio-economic school leavers from wider socio-economic backgrounds. backgrounds.

There is a range of financial, social and There is a range of financial, social and cultural indicators to be considered. cultural indicators to be considered.

Eligible students must complete the HEAR Eligible students must complete the HEAR form online with their CAO application and form online with their CAO application and provide evidence to the CAO of their provide evidence to the CAO of their circumstances.circumstances.

See See www.accesscollege.iewww.accesscollege.ie for specific criteria for specific criteria

PLC CollegesPLC Colleges 200 PLC Colleges in the country200 PLC Colleges in the country 22,000 students every year apply22,000 students every year apply c. 1000 coursesc. 1000 courses Mostly 1 year certificate Mostly 1 year certificate and 2 year and 2 year

diploma diploma coursescourses Vocational in orientationVocational in orientation 2000 places on ‘links scheme’ to 2000 places on ‘links scheme’ to

HigherHigher LLevelevel Colleges – FETAC Colleges – FETAC

PLC FactsPLC Facts No Points requiredNo Points required First come first servedFirst come first served Interview for coursesInterview for courses Low registration fees Low registration fees

<€500 (including tax)<€500 (including tax) Grants available if Grants available if

eligibleeligible Links to Links to HigherHigher level level

courses availablecourses available Work experienceWork experience

PLC ApplicationsPLC Applications Each college has Each college has separateseparate application form application form Many of these applications are available Many of these applications are available

onlineonline No strict closing date as applications are No strict closing date as applications are

dealt with in date orderdealt with in date order Some courses very popular so students Some courses very popular so students

should apply early ie. Pre-Science/certain Art should apply early ie. Pre-Science/certain Art portfolio coursesportfolio courses

Application fee required for some collegesApplication fee required for some colleges This is refundable if not offered a placeThis is refundable if not offered a place Places offered before end of school yearPlaces offered before end of school year

PLC Application PLC Application ProcedureProcedure

1. Send application form to each college 1. Send application form to each college

2. Attend informal interview2. Attend informal interview

3. Fulfil requirements, usually 5 passes in 3. Fulfil requirements, usually 5 passes in the Leaving Certificate, pass interviewthe Leaving Certificate, pass interview

4. Places given on first come first served4. Places given on first come first served

5. Confirm attendance after Leaving Cert 5. Confirm attendance after Leaving Cert rresultsesults

PLC LinksPLC Links Many PLC courses linked to Higher Many PLC courses linked to Higher

Education courses e.g. pre-science in Education courses e.g. pre-science in BIFE links to ScienceBIFE links to Science

5% of places on certain courses reserved 5% of places on certain courses reserved for PLC applicantsfor PLC applicants

Distinctions in some modules necessary Distinctions in some modules necessary for access to courses at Higher levelfor access to courses at Higher level

The number of links are increasing every The number of links are increasing every year e.g. UCD Science, DIT Businessyear e.g. UCD Science, DIT Business

There is now a points system for PLC There is now a points system for PLC candidates with maximum points of 400candidates with maximum points of 400

PopularPopular PLC Colleges PLC Colleges Bray Institute of Further EducationBray Institute of Further Education Blackrock Further Education Institute Blackrock Further Education Institute

(formerly Dun Laoghaire Senior College)(formerly Dun Laoghaire Senior College) Dun Laoghaire College of Further EducationDun Laoghaire College of Further Education Sallynoggin College of Further EducationSallynoggin College of Further Education Stillorgan College of Further EducationStillorgan College of Further Education Ballsbridge College of Further EducationBallsbridge College of Further Education The Liberties CollegeThe Liberties College of Further Education of Further Education Inchicore College of Further EducationInchicore College of Further Education Ballyfermot Senior CollegeBallyfermot Senior College

The UCAS SystemThe UCAS System Application system for courses in the UKApplication system for courses in the UK N. Ireland, Scotland, England and WalesN. Ireland, Scotland, England and Wales Up to Up to 55 courses in alphabetical order courses in alphabetical order Closing date 15th JanuaryClosing date 15th January Conditional offers by EasterConditional offers by Easter Accept one Accept one course course offer as offer as firmfirm choice choice Accept one other Accept one other course offer course offer as back-upas back-up www.ucas.comwww.ucas.com Any students interested to see Ms. Any students interested to see Ms.

O’Connor asapO’Connor asap

College Fees College Fees

No tuition fees in college - CAO or PLCNo tuition fees in college - CAO or PLC Registration fees in college - CAO and PLCRegistration fees in college - CAO and PLC CAO 2015 entry - €3CAO 2015 entry - €3000000 per annum per annum PLC - PLC - €€770 + 0 + €€22550 + €200 new gov. tax 0 + €200 new gov. tax

approxapprox However those eligible for a Maintenance However those eligible for a Maintenance

Grant will not have to pay registration fees Grant will not have to pay registration fees in CAO or Government tax in PLC in CAO or Government tax in PLC colleges. However the grant does not colleges. However the grant does not cover PLC fees.cover PLC fees.

Maintenance GrantsMaintenance Grants

Eligibility for Eligibility for the the grant is dependent on grant is dependent on parents’ incomes for the year prior to parents’ incomes for the year prior to attending collegeattending college

SUSI was introduced in 2013 to process grant SUSI was introduced in 2013 to process grant applications and should be open in April / May applications and should be open in April / May 20152015

Application forms Application forms are now accessed online on are now accessed online on www.studentfinance.iewww.studentfinance.ie and on and on www.SUSI.iewww.SUSI.ie

Copies of Birth Certificates and proofs of Copies of Birth Certificates and proofs of income for income for the the previous yearprevious year – e.g. P60 and – e.g. P60 and P21 will be required if eligible for a grantP21 will be required if eligible for a grant

Grant RatesGrant Rates

There are two Grant Rates possibleThere are two Grant Rates possible The The nnon-adjacent rateon-adjacent rate – – for students for students who live more than who live more than 45 kilometres from 45 kilometres from college. The maximum possible in college. The maximum possible in ‘1‘12/’2/’13 13 waswas €3€3,025 per annum,025 per annum The The aadjacent ratedjacent rate - for students who - for students who live less than 45 kilometres from college. live less than 45 kilometres from college. The maximum possible in ‘The maximum possible in ‘112/’2/’1313 was was €€1,215 per annum1,215 per annumThere There isis also a top- up grant available for also a top- up grant available for grantgrant--holders who satisfholders who satisfyy certain means certain means tested conditionstested conditions, which in ’12/’13 was , which in ’12/’13 was approximately equal to €5915 and €2375 approximately equal to €5915 and €2375 for the non-adjacent and adjacent rate for the non-adjacent and adjacent rate respectively respectively

Adjusting to college lifeAdjusting to college life Join sports teams and societies and get involvedJoin sports teams and societies and get involved Go to Go to allall your lectures, classes and especially your lectures, classes and especially

tutorialstutorials Make new friendsMake new friends – introduce yourself to your – introduce yourself to your

class matesclass mates Keep on top of assignments and ask tutors for Keep on top of assignments and ask tutors for

extra help if neededextra help if needed Attend social events in college but mind yourself Attend social events in college but mind yourself

especially if there’s drink involved!especially if there’s drink involved! Try using a planner to help you stay organisedTry using a planner to help you stay organised Introduce yourself to your lecturersIntroduce yourself to your lecturers Keep an open mindKeep an open mind Look on the bright side, a positive attitude keeps Look on the bright side, a positive attitude keeps

the stress levels lowthe stress levels low

ConclusionConclusion Be aware of important datesBe aware of important dates Understand the various systemsUnderstand the various systems Research all the options availableResearch all the options available Make plans for Make plans for allall possible outcomes possible outcomes Be realistic in making goalsBe realistic in making goals Be aware of the many options availableBe aware of the many options available Seek guidance in making choicesSeek guidance in making choices