When it comes to filling out your CAO application form, it is normal to feel slightly overwhelmed by the bewildering array of course options – particularly when you are still working out what it is you want to do.
But as the list of courses continues to evolve and grow each year, the single most important guideline for filling out your CAO application remains unchanged: Follow your heart – and pick the course that is best suited to you.
If an applicant selects courses based on passion and aptitude, they won’t be disappointed. Too often, students believe that they should not ‘waste’ points – and this can lead to added stress and unhappiness further down the track.
The first deadline in the CAO application process is Wednesday, January 20th, at 5:15pm. That’s the cut-off point for making your online application on www.cao.ie at the reduced fee of €25.
After this date, the standard fee of €40 applies.
Monday, February 1st, at 5:15pm is the main deadline for CAO applications. Late applications after this date may still be made for a fee of €50 (online) and €80 (paper).
The key is to establish your genuine order of preference. There are two lists to fill out: the Level 7/6 course list and the Level 8 course list. There are 10 choices on each one. We recommend you fill all 20 spaces.
You should consider carefully what options are available at Level 7 and Level 6 even if your preference is to complete a Level 8 course.
Remember, the preference list for Level 7 and Level 6 courses is completely separate to the preference list for Level 8 courses. This means that applicants can list these courses without jeopardising their Level 8 options.
Whatever you choose, make sure it is something that you feel excited about. You are more likely to succeed in finding a career, which also invigorates you.