Many students get obsessed with points when thinking about their college options. There are many courses for which points are only one of the requirements. Points are only a factor when a student applies for a course where there are more students than college places. Basic entry requirements are equally important.
Check out the entry requirements thoroughly as there is a requirement to apply for “restricted courses” by February 1. Explore all of the courses in the sector you are considering to ensure, first of all, that you actually want to go to college, and that you know exactly what is involved in the course/s you hope to study. “If you fail to prepare, you prepare to fail.”
Entry requirements
In order to meet the entry requirements for your chosen courses, you must ensure that you have the correct subjects and the minimum entry requirement, for example, do you have the subjects at the correct level at higher or ordinary level? If you do not meet the minimum entry requirements you will not be offered a place unfortunately.
Many colleges have two types of entry requirements, general entry requirements and specific subject entry requirements
Whether you are a current Leaving Cert student or a mature student (over 23 years of age ) and are embarking on a third level education course in autumn 2021, your journey will in many cases involve a CAO application. That means registering online through the Central Applications Office.
Use college websites and the college prospectuses of the HEIs (higher education institutes ) to carry out your research. Many colleges are now offering virtual open days and webinars which will help you enormously when trying to make the correct course/career choice for you. If you are a Leaving Cert student your guidance counsellor will also help and support you in school.
However, there are also alternative access routes to higher education. This may require a direct entry application, which is the case for PLC courses (post Leaving Cert ), where you will have to apply to the PLC college directly.
Applicant's responsibility
It is very important as a student for you to know that it is your full responsibility to ensure that your application is complete and correct. This also includes your ensuring that you do not disclose your password to anyone or leave your screen unattended as your application contains all your personal information. Those courses require more than your Leaving Cert results, for example you may be required to produce a portfolio of work, or attend an audition or an interview. If you hope to study medicine this autumn you are required to sit a Health Professionals Admissions Test which is being held on February 20 and 21.
Seeking an exemption from Irish or a modern language
If you wish to seek an exemption from Irish or a modern language you may need to contact the admissions offices of the college you hope to attend for further details. Some colleges require you to apply directly, while in the case of NUI institutions you apply to them centrally. Please be aware that in order to attend any NUI you must have six matriculation subjects. If you have been granted an exemption from Irish or another modern language, that means that you can attend a course which requires a third language or Irish because of this exemption. However you must still have six other subjects which are required for matriculation. Students generally who have been diagnosed with a specific learning difficulty, for example, dyslexia or students with ADD or ADHD, can apply for exemptions.
