Advice: Brian Mooney | The Irish Times

In some courses, up to 15 per cent of the places available in 2021 are already allocated to 2020 Leaving Cert students. Photograph: Cyril Byrne

Will CAO points rise even higher this year?

Ask Brian: 2021 may be the most competitive yet in the competition for third-level places

The coming days are important for all 2021 Leaving Cert students who are considering their final options for accredited grades, because the State Examinations Commission portal is due to open today and close on Friday, April 30th. File photograph: iStock

How many written Leaving Cert exams should my daughter opt for in June?

Students who sit written exams have greater control over their eventual results

To be eligible for student funding, you must meet several eligibility criteria including nationality, place of residence, previous further/higher education, approved course, and income. Photograph: iStock

Can my son apply for a grant even if he doesn’t have a college offer yet?

Applicants don’t need results or offers – you just need to show your preferred course

The pandemic has done huge damage to the normal emotional and psychological growth of many of our young people.

My 15-year-old has lost self-confidence due to school closures. How can he rebuild it?

There are excellent programmes which aim to develop young people’s soft skills

Technological advances mean schools can easily help reconnect childhood friends. Photograph: iStock

How can my school start up a past pupils’ union?

Technological advances mean schools can easily help reconnect childhood friends

Trinity College says its E3 education is designed to give graduates the skills they need to create solutions that enable society to live sustainably and equitably. Photograph: iStock

My daughter wants to help tackle climate change. Are there courses in this field?

Ask Brian: A growing number of colleges are offering courses in sustainability

There are now 80,000 applicants seeking places through the CAO in 2021, which is an additional 6,000 applicants in 2020 numbers. Photograph: Cyril Byrne

I’m worried CAO points will go through the roof this year. What are my options?

Ask Brian: All signs are that CAO points will not be returning to 2019 levels anytime soon

Students who sat the postponed Leaving Cert at the end of last year may choose the highest combination of results from their calculated grades and the written exams. Photograph: iStock

My daughter missed out on medicine – will she have a better chance in 2021?

Ask Brian: The class of 2020 has more options to combine Leaving Cert grades with Hpat results

When choosing Leaving Cert subjects, be sure to check the minimum entry requirements for courses you are interested in. Photograph: iStock

My son needs to choose his Leaving Cert subjects – but isn’t sure what to opt for

Ask Brian: Be sure to examine entry requirements for courses he is interested in

Many teachers are working more than twice their contracted hours and would have a far more balanced quality of life if they could return to their classrooms. work. Photograph: iStock

Why are we still paying teachers if they won’t return to the classroom?

Ask Brian: Teachers are delivering online to their students and working longer hours

Irish is a minimum entry criteria for some third level courses, but you may be entitled to an exemption. Photograph: iStock

My daughter isn’t studying Irish. Will she be locked out of college courses?

Ask Brian: Irish can be an entry criteria but she may be entitled to an exemption

Students who are eligible for a grant under Susi are entitled to use that funding when registered to study in a university within the UK or Northern Ireland. File photograph: iStock

I’m thinking of studying in a UK university. What post-Brexit fees will I face?

Irish students will not pay international fees – but costs may jump nonetheless

Our broadband is woeful. How can my daughter sit the online Hpat?

Technological requirements to complete the test will be daunting for many students

There is a shortage of Spanish teachers in the Irish education system. Photograph: iStock

My daughter is fluent in Spanish. How can she get a second-level teaching job?

Teaching Council has revised subject requirements for would-be teachers

There are acute shortages of teachers in some key subjects – especially science, languages and home economics. Photograph: iStock

I’m thinking of becoming a secondary teacher. What qualifications do I need?

Ask Brian: You should have studied at least one subject from post-primary curriculum at degree level

The most important action for mature CAO applicants is to apply immediately to ensure all your paperwork is in order. Photograph: iStock

I’m in my 40s and thinking of college next year. Should I apply now?

CAO applicants required to submit extra paperwork should start preparing now

Remote learning is putting a huge strain on students, particularly first years. Photograph: iStock

My son isn’t logging onto lectures. I worry that he’ll drop out of college

Remote learning is putting a huge strain on many students, particularly first years

No need to panic: the normal closing date for CAO applications is February 1st, but the deadline for course choices in most cases is July 1st. Photograph: iStock

My daughter is stressed about her CAO choices. Is time against her?

An initial list must be submitted by February 1st but this can be fully amended later

Transition year is aimed at personal development and a lack of focus on Leaving Cert subjects or career aspirations should not give rise to concern.

My daughter hasn’t a clue what she wants to do after school

Ask Brian: Students can access a variety of websites to explore options

Law graduates have a basket of skills which can be applied across a multiplicity of occupations. Photograph: iStock

My son studied law but doesn’t want to be a solicitor. Does he have other options?

Legal qualifications are useful across many areas including compliance and governance

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