Mary Lucey of Career Ahead says students can still avail of the CAO Change of Mind option up until the deadline on July 1 and gives some points to consider when making that decision…
Thousands of leaving cert students (and their parents) are stressing over what final choices should be made prior to the CAO change of mind closing date on 1st July.
Below are some of the main points to consider before submitting final course choices. This advice is based primarily on feedback from college students who did not complete their first year in college and they points they wished they knew in advance of making CAO decisions.
Continued below…
Don’t base decisions on perceived elite courses
Students should not base decisions on a course just because it has high entry points. It may not equate to it being the right course for them.
Most entry points are based on supply and demand. For example, a course with very limited places ie Veterinary will have high points, whereas a course that is offered in multiple locations and takes in hundreds of students will have much lower entry points, ie Arts.
I hear the concept of “wasting points” being discussed on many occasions. Students should look at the content of the course and how it suits them rather than focusing entirely on the entry points.
The right course
Students should base choices on what they want they really want to study. It sounds remarkably simple, but if a student selects a course based on a subject/topic/hobby they love, they find it easier to engage with the course content.
They will be eager to get involved in course related extracurricular activities and networking events, which play an enormous part in progressing to employment/further studies when college is over.
It is all the additional add-on extras a graduate accumulates that will differentiate them after their studies.
Continued below…
Base choices on subjects not teachers
Sometimes, in Secondary School, a student is assigned a very engaging teacher for a particular subject. The teacher ensures classes are interesting, stimulating, and positive.
At times, a student selects a CAO course based on this positive association with the teacher, rather than their genuine interest in the subject area.
They need to consider if they would still have an interest and love for the subject if they did not admire or have a good relationship with the subject teacher.
Look beyond a course title
College course titles can be misleading. At times, colleges use course titles that attract students, so it is vital to delve into the content of the course to ensure you have a good understanding of what is involved.
When a course is narrowed-down, it is vital to ensure as much information and insight as possible is gathered – both positive and negative facts.
Go through each module for each semester, and each year. Check out if there is a work placement element. Check out if students can study abroad. Feel free to contact colleges with queries.
20 CAO choices
There are 10 level 8 CAO choices and 10 Level 6/7 choices – as many as possible should be completed to cover every eventuality.
While a student will have preferred options; nobody can predict the future; so, a plan B, C, D strategy should be incorporated when finalising the CAO application form. No course should be listed that they would not be interested in, and happy and willing to accept, if offered.
Level 6/7 Options
Students often only concentrate on completing the level 8 honours degree course choice options, yet by doing so they are not maximising their options. It is important to realise a level 7 ordinary degree can lead to a level 8 honours degree, with lower CAO entry points.
Similarly, in the Technological University sector – it may be possible to commence with a Higher Certificate Level 6 course – which may have lower entry points again. Maximise your CAO course opportunities.
Do not allow others to influence course choices
Friends, family, etc, may have the best of intentions, but the student needs to take responsibility and research and select the course they want to study. Time and time again, parents and friends over-influence students’ choices.
Select a course that will be rewarding (not just financially!)
Students should not select courses because of anticipated status and/or salary levels. Nothing makes a student more miserable then being on a course they do not like and in a lot of cases, they drop out or when they qualify, they retrain or move into another career they are passionate about.
Students should look at all college options
An honours degree is a level 8 degree, whether obtained from a University, a Technological University, through a tertiary route, or through an apprenticeship.
At times, students base their decisions on the perceived status of a college rather than the suitability of a course. Students should also consider the array of apprenticeships available and are expanding into new areas constantly.
Do not allow location to determine course choice
Some students have a destination in mind, irrespective of the course suitability. It is better to select related courses across several colleges, rather than various courses in one college, just so you end up in a particular location.
Will the student be employable?
On completion of the course, the student needs to consider whether they will be employable, or will further studies be required? This is highly relevant when budgeting for college courses.
Will four years turn to six years to facilitate the student securing a paid position. Some college courses have a definite career path attached ie primary teaching, nursing, graphic designer etc while others offer a more general qualification, and specialisms may need to be developed through further studies.
What is the budget?
Students need to be realistic when making their choices and tailor their course location to suit their own and their family’s budget.
In addition to college fees, accommodation, travel, food, etc must all be considered. If students are working part-time to support themselves, location of college may be highly relevant to ensure they can continue in their work position.
It is unfair to put enormous pressure and stress on families for the sake of a student wanted to live away from home. The number of children in the family must also be taken into consideration and how they will all be supported from an educational viewpoint.
Include a local college in your choices
No one can predict the future, certain students just cannot settle away from home, and may want to be closer to home.
It may be possible to negotiate a change of course (if a student has sufficient points and there are places available) to a local college, after the first semester or the first year for example, if listed on the CAO form. Please note, this is completely based on individual college admissions policies and procedures.
Cannot decide on a course?
Students should not feel under pressure to go to college directly after school. I work with leaving cert students time and time again and the stress they feel under to go to college is enormous.
If a student finds themselves in this situation, they may select an unsuitable course just for the sake of going to college, undoubtedly resulting in dropping out. The long-term costs and personal implications associated with dropping can be enormous.
They should look all options in FET, apprenticeships, or work for a year until they are in a better position to make decisions. When the student is ready to progress to further studies – they can then do so.
• Mary Lucey may be contacted at marylucey@careerahead.ie 0879338941 or www.careerahead.ie
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..