guidance information for parents of 6 th years bernadette bowen guidance counsellor 19 th january...
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Outline of presentation
Structure and Experience of the year Options Research Applications Accommodation Finance
Structure of the Year September: Settling back(emotional journey ahead),
Student individual meetings begin, UK applications begin October: Closing date for Dent, Med, Vet (UCAS). Open
days, career exhibition, focused research November: CAO process begins December/January: Closing date for UCAS, FE
applications (specific courses require early application), Accommodation
February: 1st Closing date for CAO, Finance,(pre’s) March/April: Assessments, Interviews (orals) May: CAO change of mind begins June: Grant applications July: 1st (closing date for CAO change of mind) August: Leaving cert results, course offers, interviews,
accommodation.
LEAVING CERT YEAR Very stressful and difficult year for
students They need a lot of care and
encouragement – less nagging!! Students are under a lot of pressure – they
are doing 7 subjects, many are doing 8, therefore they need a lot of support over the coming months.
LEAVING CERT YEAR The social life should take a back seat over
the next few months! However students do need to take regular
breaks from study, eat well and get plenty of exercise.
This will ensure that they can retain what they are learning.
However they do need to be studying at the moment as they may be avoiding.
LEAVING CERT YEAR If they are not studying then contact us
but there are no magic solutions! Nobody can make them study, but they can be made aware of the consequences of their decisions!
The aim is that this time next year your son/daughter will be where they want to be, doing something they want to do, like, are good at, and that they are happy.
LEAVING CERT YEAR Career is a life long process and choosing
a course is only one of the first steps, albeit a very important step
Parents, teachers, guidance counsellors hope that students will get it right
How many of us knew what we wanted to do or where our career path would take us when we were 17 or 18?
OPTIONS after the Leaving Certificate
W ork Tra in in g
C A O C ou rses P L C C ou rses
F u rth er E d u ca tion
L eavin g C ert.
POST LEAVING CERT COURSES (PLC’s) - Further
Education (FE) Colleges Offer a range of courses, mostly to FETAC
Level 5 (1 year), some to Level 6 (2 years) Possibility of entry to Higher Education
Institutions (HEI) on completion of course Direct application made to the providers Entry requirements - usually 5 passes in
Leaving Cert and interview No fees, but some charges
National Framework of Qualifications
Level 5 Certificate Level 6 Higher Certificate Level 7 Ordinary Bachelor Degree Level 8 Honours Bachelor Degree
Progression/Links from FE to HEILevel 5 to Level 6/7/8
APPLICATIONS UCAS (UK) Sept to Jan on line system (OCT deadline for Med,
Vet, Dent)
Individual assistance
Direct Entry eg Colleges of Further Education
Apply directly to the college, Application form, Interview, (work exp/shadow
College of FE (from Dec/Jan/Feb onwards)
Advertised notifications
CAO Central Application Office Universities, Institutes of Technology
from November 1st to Feb 1st (Registration)
Stage 1: FACTORS TO CONSIDER BEFORE
APPLICATION Ability Interests Subjects ( in course) Style of learning (Theory/Practical/Combination of both)
Geographical location Finance (Costs and grants) Specific v broad courses Career Implications Research and use contacts Back up Plan
POST LEAVING CERT COURSES
Main Providers in Cork College of Commerce –
www.corkcollegeofcommerce.ie Colaiste Stiofain Naofa – www.csn.ie St. Johns Central College –
www.stjohnscollege.ie Apply from December on the above
websites, interviews in March, May and August
Some courses are competitive so it may an advantage to have some work experience
Central Applications Office – CAO 46 Higher Education Institutions (HEI)
covering Universities, Institutes of Technology, Art Colleges, Specialist Colleges and some Private Colleges (Colleges not covered by the Free Fees Scheme)
The HEI’s offer Level 6 (Higher Cert), Level 7 (Ordinary Degrees) and Level 8 (Honour Degrees) courses
Stage 2: Making an application
Normal cost of application is €45. Normal deadline is 1st Feb
However if they apply by 20th January it is a reduced cost of €35. Courses can be added until 31st Jan 2010.
Application from 2nd Feb to 1st May costs €70/90
Applying online is cheaper and it prevents many of the errors commonly associated with completing a paper application form.
Restricted application courses must be included by 1st February deadline.
APPLYING TO THE CAO Each student has been given a CAO book. This
presentation is not exhaustive so consult the book. The CAO Handbook lists the courses and course codes. Up do date information is on www.cao.ie
The responsibility for ensuring a correct application lies with each applicant.
Applicants to the CAO may choose up to 10 Level 8 Courses and up to 10 Level 6/7 Courses
Courses may be deleted, revised or added during the Change of Mind period (3rd May -1st July )
Stage 3: AFTER SUBMITTING APPLICATION Initial acknowledgement assigning a CAO
number Formal acknowledgement by 15th Feb with
statement of course choices to date. Regular updating - new/ changed courses. Statement of Application Record by end
May at the latest. This should be checked carefully to ensure all information is correct. If not, contact CAO immediately.
TIPS TO HELP COURSE SELECTION Consider interests / aptitudes / enthusiasm Consult students who are doing / have
done the course Research thoroughly what the entire
course entails, as in all years of study. Students may have an incorrect pre-conceived idea of courses
Ask what will the course equip you to do Talk to people who are in the chosen area
of career
TIPS TO HELP COURSE SELECTION Check minimum and specific requirements
for entry to courses Be realistic regarding LC results List courses in GENUINE ORDER OF
PREFERENCE (The CAO Golden Rule) Talk to those willing to assist such as
Guidance Counsellor, Parents, College Representatives, Department Personnel
COURSE SELECTION It is a mistake to base choice of course
only on a students present expectation of examination performance or on the points of previous years
Be realistic but do not try to second guess Exam performance or what the possible points for the course might be.
Again GENUINE ORDER OF PREFERENCE is the best way of ensuring students end up where they want to end up
TIPS TO HELP COURSE SELECTION Students sometimes do not pay enough
attention to the ladder route available in IT’s Starting from a Level 6 course, students may
progress onto a Level 7 and then onto a Level 8 course.
Fill up the spaces in the Level 6/7 option so as to allow for eventualities.
Consider the practicalities of course selection such as moving away from home etc.
COURSE SELECTION It is a mistake to rate the quality of
degrees by their entry points. Points only indicate supply and demand. The points reflect the number of places
available on each course and represent the score achieved by the last student to be offered a place.
If a number of students are tied on points for the last place, then students picked randomly. Denoted by an * - e.g. 385*
COURSE SELECTION Remember the deadline is 1 July so no
major panic However do not allow students to leave it
to the last minute Preferably final choice done by end May Some students misjudge, upwards and
downwards, how they do in the LC and then alter their choice after the LC. This may be unwise and they may not inform or discuss this with their parents!
The Higher Education Access Route (HEAR) HEAR is a 3rd level admissions scheme for
students from socio economically disadvantaged backgrounds
15 HEIs participate – UCC, UCD, DCU, DIT, UCG, TCD, UL, NUIM and teacher training colleges
Students who are eligible for HEAR compete for a number of reduced points places, but they still need to meet minimum and specific entry requirements
DARE (Disability Access Route to Education) DARE is a 3rd level scheme to allow
students with disabilities to compete for one of a number of reserved places in HEIs on a reduced points basis.
A large variety of Disabilities included Medical Evidence of Disability required 11 HEIs participate – UCC, DIT, AIT, DCU,NCI, NUIG, NUIM, UCD, TCD, UL, Mater Dei
HEAR and DARE Applications
Both are available through CAO Form (Box to tick). Forms to fill online by 1st February. Supplementary documentation needed by 1st April
Information Evening being held in Boole 2, UCC at 7pm on Thursday, 28th Jan, 2010
Guides available to all students who wish to apply and these should be completed and brought to Information evening above for assistance.
RESTRICTED COURSES If a student is applying to a restricted
course this MUST be done by February 1st. Restricted courses are clearly highlighted
in the CAO handbook. Restricted courses are those which require
applicants to submit a portfolio or do an interview / audition /
Medicine is a restricted course due to having to do an aptitude test
Research www.qualifax.ie www.careersportal.ie www.careerdirections.ie www.cao.ie www.ucas.co.uk www.postgradireland.com
College Prospectus,web sites (modules) “Student Yearbook and Career Directory” CAO handbook
The OFFER PROCESS Leaving Cert Results expected on Wed., 18th
Aug CAO Offers expected on Mon., 23rd August Your offer notice may contain an offer
for a Level 8 course or a Level 7/6 course or both
If students receive two offers at the same time they may only accept one of them.
If they wish to accept an offer of a place they must carry out the instructions on the offer notice before 5.15pm on the closing date for acceptance printed on the offer notice.
Basis of Admission to CAO CoursesPoints Obtained in Leaving Cert All HEI’s have MINIMUM ENTRY
REQUIREMENTS and some courses have SPECIFIC SUBJECT REQUIREMENTS
Only after these have been met, do points accumulated in the Leaving Cert decide who gets places
The best six results in one Leaving Cert Exam will be counted for points computation
The greater the points scored, the further up an applicant will appear in the order of merit list for their choice of courses.
CAO Procedure
Students cannot change their mind in August. They will be offered their highest preference course they are entitled to and the only choice they will have will be to accept it or reject it. (2 Possible Offers)
However they may be offered a higher preference if the points drop in Round 2.
Examples of Points Scores
3 – B1 (80-84%) at Hons Level = 255
2 - C1 (65-69%) at Hons Level @70pts = 140
1 - B2 (75-79%) at Ordinary Level = 40
Total Points Score = 435
2- A1(90-100%) at Hons Level = 200 Points
1- A2 (85-89%) at Hons Level = 90 Points
1- B1 (80-84%) at Hons Level = 85 Points
2 - B2 (75-79%) at Hons Level = 160 Points
Total Points = 535 Points
1. Business Information Systems
485
2. Commerce UCC 455
3. Finance UCC 440
4. Food Business UCC 335
5. Arts UCC 395
6. Software Development CIT 340
7. Computer Science UCC 380
8. Computing CIT 275
9. Business WIT 335
10. Business UL 420
1. Business Studies CIT 365
2. Office Information Systems CIT 345
3. Tourism CIT4004. Computing CIT 3205. Business Studies WIT6. Commercial
Computing WIT2207. Physics/
Instrumentation CIT 270
8. Business Studies ITT 200
9. Office Information Systems ITT 210
10. Computing ITT170
H. Degrees Level 8 Ord.Degree Level 7 and H.Cert. Level 6
Sample Application 435 points
CAO – DEFERRED ENTRY Students who have been offered a place in a HEI through the
CAO may be permitted, on application to the Admissions Officer, to defer entry to the University for one year. The following is a summary of the procedure to be followed:
Do not accept the offer in the manner shown on the CAO Offer Notice.
Write immediately to the Admissions Office, of the appropriate HEI setting out the reason(s) for the request. Mark 'Deferred Entry' clearly on the envelope.
Part C of the Offer Notice must be attached to the letter.
Full details of procedure in CAO Handbook
ACCOMMODATION The search for college accommodation
starts early each year. If your son or daughter is hoping to
secure on-campus accommodation it would be worthwhile contacting the relevant college now to reserve a place.
Colleges generally manage the on-campus accommodation themselves
Payment is usually made in 2 instalments
On- Campus Accommodation UCC – Accept bookings from 15 Feb and
prospective students are advised to make contact with the Accommodations Office 021 4902276 / 4902475 /4902353
CIT have no on-campus accommodation but from March onwards private student apartments fill up. Digs/houses contact the office in May/June 4326453. www.cit.ie/studentlife
On Campus Accommodation Mary I – Bookings being taken already – Deposit
of €850 (student does not get points, refund of €750). Total cost is deposit plus €2930. Student has own room. Emphasis on security. On-campus is for girls only, 90 places. 061-204503. Off-campus 061-302500
UCD – Does not usually accept applications for its on-campus accommodation until a student has accepted a place. Tel: 01-7161034
Trinity – Accepts applications online only after an offer has been accepted by the student
On Campus Accommodation UL – Accept bookings from late Jan, book on-line,
places usually full by March. Deposit of €250 payable, if student does not go to UL given back €200. Cost €3,500 - €4,500. Tel 061 202331 or www.ul.ie/campuslife
NUI Maynooth – Bookings on-line from Dec. No deposit necessary as places are not given until students accept their CAO offer 01 7083322 www.nuim.ie/services go into residence office
NUI Galway – Bookings taken in Jan. Deposit of approx €800 www.nuigalway.ie/accommodation 091-492364
Off Campus Accommodation Digs – always a popular option with first
year students. This gives the student time to find their feet.
Digs are an excellent option for parents as there is a set price and meals & bills are included.
Again if you contact the accommodation offices of the HEI’s they will give you advice and have lists of digs. Usually only arrange when a student has received a place in a HEI
College Costs Rent €370 Light/Heat/Power € 40 Food €186 Books € 48 Travel € 60 Cloth/Laund/Med €100 Social/Mob/Misc €150 TOTAL € 954 per month8-9 months per year =€ 8,109 (away)Estimated € 4,000 cost (home)
GRANTS College costs include books, transport,
exam fees, accommodation etc. Help is available through grant systems
such as the Higher Education grants scheme available via all local authorities. Applications must be in by the end of August.
Distance from the college as well as the number of dependents a family income has to support are taken into account.
HIGHER EDUCATION GRANTS SCHEME The HE Grant Scheme is Means Tested so
it will involve parents income You apply to your Local Authority You apply on a special form from June…. The form looks for information on wages,
profits, pensions, rent, interest, dividends etc
When Forms are available it is advertised in the press
Income Limits for Grants (08/09)If no of dependents is 3 or less you get
Full maintenance & fees earn < €41,110 Part maintenance (75%) & fees< €42,235 Part maintenance (50%) & fees < €44,720 Part maintenance (25%) & fees < €47,205 Part fees (50 %) only < €51,380
Rates of Ordinary Maintenance Adjacent rate is residence 24km or less2008/9 Non-Adj Rate Adj. Rate
Full Maintenance €3250 €1300
Part Maint(75%) € 2435 €980
Part Maint(50%) € 1625 €650
Part Maint(25%) € 810 €330
HIGHER EDUCATION GRANTS If going to undertake a Level 8 Degree you
apply to Cork County Council 4276891 If going to IT’s to complete a Level 6 or 7
you apply to County VEC 4665000 or Cork City VEC 4273377
If going to a PLC College you apply to local VEC or get from College when registering
Forms available from June onwards and need to be filled up by end of August
HIGHER EDUCATION GRANTS It is important to get your accounts up to
date so that you will have the necessary documents available at the time of application.
ALSO: Tax Relief is available on 3rd level tuition
fees. Further information – Cork – 1890 222 425
See www.studentfinance.ie and www.corkcoco.ie (section on HE Grants)
Higher Education Grants in Operation The grant is in two parts It covers maintenance and fees It will not cover all expenses so students
might need a part-time job It is often not paid until very late in the first
term so be prepared You need to control part time work in
college as failure or drop-out may result If they drop out or fail, the fees will not be
paid for repeating the year or for taking another course!
SCHOLARSHIPS Entrance scholarships are awarded by
HEI’s on the basis of Leaving Cert results. The HEI’s inform students.
Other scholarships need to be applied for such as sports scholarships or scholarships or bursaries from trade unions, etc
Best to check the websites of the relevant HEI’s which are being applied to for information.
LEAVING CERT RESULTS Expected date of issue 18th August When results issued opportunity to view
scripts at end of Aug. Form in with results Mr. O’ Broin deals with applications. Return immediately. Recommended.
After viewing scripts, there is the option to appeal the result @cost of €40 per appeal. Money returned if appeal successful. Statistically 20% upgraded
Appeals back early in October
AVAILABILITY When the Leaving Cert Results come out
usually there are staff in the school, including guidance counsellors
On the day of Round One CAO offers one of the guidance counsellors will be in the school to deal with queries either on the phone or in person from approx 11 till 2
Feel free to contact us at anytime about any of the items tonight or other items.