Transition to college and CAO Fiona Casey Schools’ Liaison Officer NUI Maynooth

Transition to college and CAO

Fiona Casey

Schools’ Liaison Officer

NUI Maynooth

Overview •Why go to College•How the CAO application system works•Making your CAO application•Transition to College Life•How to ‘succeed’ at College •Questions & Answers

Why go to College?

– Study an area of interest– Clubs & Societies– Opportunities to travel– Summer work – Financial return– Career Development

2nd Level

Institutes of Technology

FETAC

FÁS, TEAGASC, PLC, Fáilte

Ireland, BIM

Course Duration

Level 8: 3 & 4 Yr

Honours Degrees

Level 6: Higher CertificateLevel 7: Ordinary DegreeLevel 8: Honours Degree

Level 5: 1 Year

Level 6: 2 & 3 Years

Universities

CAO System: How it works

• CAO HandbookCAO Handbook• Course CodesCourse Codes• Two lists of 10 choicesTwo lists of 10 choices• Level 8 and Level 7/6Level 8 and Level 7/6• Restricted Application Restricted Application

CoursesCourses• Strict order of preferencesStrict order of preferences• Study ALL preferences Study ALL preferences

carefullycarefully

CAO Application timeline

• November – CAO online application opens

• January 20th – early discounted deadline

closes

• March 1st – closing date for HEAR/DARE

• April 1st – closing date for supporting

documentation for HEAR/DARE

• May 1st – closing date for late applications

• July 1st – closing date for change of mind

• Late August – Round 1 Offers

How it works

• Self-directed learning!• Little parental involvement• Minimal class monitoring ie:

attendance is up to the individual• Homework is not set out• Topics covered in a short period

of time• Reading Lists / Assignment

deadlines

The Typical Day

• Lectures• Tutorials on a weekly / fortnightly basis• Laboratory work / language

labs etc• Library• Students’ Union/Clubs & Socs• Part-time Work

Tips for Success!!• Research course choices well

• Attendance and follow-up work

• Active in clubs and/or societies - meet new friends

• Seek support and advice early if necessary

• Try to get the BALANCE right

• Approx 5,000 re-applications to CAO

• Enjoy the experience of a Lifetime!

I made a mistake

•Do not panic!• It may be a module in a course that

is less than appealing – check it out – Mentor / Lecturer / Tutor

• Truly unhappy – speak with Admissions re. Transfer Options

• Not interested – re-apply next year (fees)

• Very Difficult to sustain this type of study unless one is motivated by it

Research is key

• Career ChoiceCareer Choice!!

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

• Informed decisions ensureInformed decisions ensure rightright resultsresults

• BE INFORMED!BE INFORMED!

(CAO Change-of-mind)(CAO Change-of-mind)

Informed choices = Results

•Open Days29th & 30th November 2013

• Summer School

• Facebook

• Twitter

• gomaynooth.ie

And Finally…

• Thanks for Listening!

• Any Questions?