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CAO 2021

Welcome to our special 2021 Leaving Cert and CAO hub for everything you need to know about calculated grades, CAO offers, and other post-secondary options

Photo: N/A, License: N/A, Created: 2013:07:18 16:30:45

In-depth research into the course you wish to study, along with where you want to study it, are key to third-level success. File photograph: iStock

It’s time to decide on your college course choices for 2021

Should you change your choice? Review your courses now and reap the rewards later

Universities prepare for return to campus

Universities prepare for return to campus

Third-level colleges preparing for more in-person tuition in next academic year

Will CAO points rise? We've answered your most frequent questions

Will CAO points rise? We've answered your most frequent questions

Guidance counsellor Brian Mooney joined Irish Times education editor Carl O'Brien to answer all your college and Leaving Cert queries during a recent Facebook Q&A

Reviewing your choices

Thinking of changing your course selection?

Thinking of changing your course selection?

Now is the time to review your CAO course selection in order to get them right by the July 1st deadline.

Alternatives to the degree route for school leavers

Alternatives to the degree route for school leavers

Many programmes are designed with local employers and are attuned to their needs

Study Choices

What type of third level institution should I opt for?

What type of third level institution should I opt for?

What are the different types of third level learning institutions in Ireland?

College choices at a glance: 10 CAO courses, 10 careers

College choices at a glance: 10 CAO courses, 10 careers

A selection of courses you can apply for through the CAO process

Why arts? A foundation for further development

Why arts? A foundation for further development

Many school leavers opt for an arts degree before specialising in another area

Why law? Legal expertise is invaluable across a wide range of industries

Why law? Legal expertise is invaluable across a wide range of industries

There is no shortage of places to study law in Ireland

Arts profile: ‘I knew that I absolutely loved Irish’

Faye Murphy graduated from UCC with a BA honours in Irish and French in 2018

Why study science? An abundance of career opportunities!

Why study science? An abundance of career opportunities!

Science pays well but is also constantly changing and new opportunities regularly arise

Pandemic impact

How might Covid-19 affect students’ third-level choices?

How might Covid-19 affect students’ third-level choices?

The pandemic has accelerated the digital transformation but how will course choice be impacted?

Maynooth University: ‘We are planning for a number of scenarios’

Maynooth University: ‘We are planning for a number of scenarios’

We asked Maynooth University about preparations for the autumn

‘IT Sligo is prepared for a return to campus’

‘IT Sligo is prepared for a return to campus’

We asked IT Sligo a few questions about preparations for the autumn

Key dates for 2021 CAO applications

Key dates for 2021 CAO applications

Timeline for this year’s college application process

Advice

Leaving Cert survival guide for stressed students (and their parents)

Leaving Cert survival guide for stressed students (and their parents)

Take a deep breath: anxiety is only here for a short time and soon it will be gone

My son wants to drop Leaving Cert exams and opt for accredited grades. Is this wise?

My son wants to drop Leaving Cert exams and opt for accredited grades. Is this wise?

Sitting exams maximises your grades potential and chances of securing your top course

Also in Education

Forty-two thousand applicants amended their course application preferences during May and June

CAO course choices: Health sees largest cohort of first-choice applicants

Figures indicate an increase in applications from 77,813 in 2020 to 84,526 this year

CAO Change of Mind All you need to know about making the right college choice

Homeschool hub Our guide to the best teaching and learning resources online

Student Hub The online resource for third-level students in Ireland

Advice: Brian Mooney

CAO Countdown

Smart Choices University not the only route: All you need to know about higher education

Feeder schools listings Access historical feeder school data using our dedicated searchable app.

@ExamWatch

Tweets by @Examwatch

They gym is often the first port of call for students checking out a college’s sports facilities. Photograph: iStockphoto/Getty Images

Open Days Everything you need to know about third-level virtual open days

Homeschool hub Our guide to the best teaching and learning resources online

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