The waiting is over and congratulations to all. And now another wait begins with CAO offers published on Monday August 18.
While these five days of waiting give a certain space for students to absorb their results, try not to anticipate points and do not listen to rumours. No one can tell you the points ahead.
Students whose career choices are outside the CAO system, such as apprenticeships and post-Leaving Certificate courses, can now move ahead. Well done.
CAO offers
CAO offers will be available online from 6am Monday August 18. CAO offers will also arrive in students’ homes on that date. And points will be published in many newspapers.
Where possible, it is good for parents to share this moment with their student, as nothing is certain until that actual offer is received.
Accepting CAO offers
Monday August 25 is the closing date for first round CAO offers. Students may either accept or reject their offers. If uncertain as to course or location, students should visit and discuss the course offered with the individual institutions. Costs may also now come into play.
While second round CAO offers will be made on Thursday August 28 (with Wednesday September 3 closing date ), all students must look on their first round CAO offers as the only offers that they may receive. So treat any first round CAO offer with great respect.
For those students who may choose to defer their course, all details are set out on page 5 of the CAO Handbook 2014. Follow all instructions carefully.
Viewing exam scripts
Students have until Tuesday August 19 to return their request form to their schools, to view their exam scripts. Viewing days will be Friday August 29 and Saturday August 30. All students have until September 3 to submit a subject appeal application.
Vacant places
CAO available or vacant places will re-open on Tuesday August 19. This list will be updated daily. While such re-advertised courses may bring hope and opportunity to students, great care in selection must also be taken.
Direct entry/PLCs
Students can check individual colleges for direct entry courses. Students may also enquire as to possible FETAC/post-Leaving Certificate courses that may be still available.
Helplines and websites
Leaving Cert Helpline is 1800 265 165. The helpline is available Wednesday August 13 and Thursday August 14 from 10am to 7pm; Friday August 15 8am to 7pm; Monday August 18 and Tuesday August 19 8am to 7pm; and Wednesday August 20 8am to 1pm. www.cao.ie www.careersportal.ie www.qualifax.ie
CAO Handbook 2014 – Admissions contacts/ websites all colleges.
Stay calm
These coming weeks are important. If upset or worried ask questions. There are always solutions and answers. So stay calm. And, where possible, do celebrate together in a quiet family way.
Marie Barrett is founder and a director of MBCS, Marie Barrett Career Services, Loughrea. She is author of The Education Guide and contributes to national and local radio education programmes. MBCS works individually with second-level students and parents in individual student career, study, and education planning. Contact 091 841424/[email protected].
