CAO 2018

From choosing your course to preparing for life in college. Everything you need to know about the 2018 CAO application process

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There are many routes to a third-level qualification. Photograph: iStock

Thinking about college? Follow our six-step guide to navigating the CAO process

Register your details now – you can determine your final course preferences later

How to get to college when you don’t have the means

How to get to college when you don’t have the means

Many students receive financial help but preparation is key when it comes to securing the correct level of funding

CAO: The dos and don'ts to help guide your child's choice

CAO: The dos and don'ts to help guide your child's choice

Avoid the traps: Parents can offer vital support, but their knowledge is often outdated

The battle for college: Should you go with your head or your heart?

The battle for college: Should you go with your head or your heart?

What factors should you consider when deciding on what career path you wish to take

Employers rate further education graduates as highly as college graduates

Employers rate further education graduates as highly as college graduates

Multinational firms concerned over standard of foreign languages among school-leavers

What happens if you make the wrong choice

What happens if you make the wrong choice

We talk to graduates who made the wrong call when they filled out the CAO form

Key dates for CAO applications

Key dates for CAO applications

Timeline for the 2019 college application process

CAO countdown: Industries facing skills shortages battle to attract school-leavers

CAO countdown: Industries facing skills shortages battle to attract school-leavers

Thousands to apply for courses ahead of this month’s application deadline

Download

Download: 2018 CAO First and Second Round Offers

Download a PDF document of this year’s points for level 8 and level 6/7 courses

Download: 2018 Leaving Cert results

Download a PDF document of this year's Leaving Cert results by grade and subject

CAO Round One 2017 offers are available from 6am onwards.

Download: 2017 CAO points for all college offers

Download PDFs of our comprehensive list of level 8 and level 6/7 courses

The Student Hub at the Higher Options conference at the RDS today.

Higher Options: Ireland’s largest college fair hosts thousands at RDS

Representatives of universities and third-level colleges and institutions that cater for all levels are present

Results 2018: Tips

Tips for surviving your first year in college

Tips for surviving your first year in college

First year in third level can be a challenge but there are steps you can take to help ease the transition

The Leaving Cert results are out – what happens next?

The Leaving Cert results are out – what happens next?

Not achieving the hoped-for results does not spell disaster – you have options

What to do when you are unhappy with your Leaving Cert grades

What to do when you are unhappy with your Leaving Cert grades

If you feel you should have done better, you can view your script to decide if it’s worth having it rechecked

How do I apply for a place in a UK university?

How do I apply for a place in a UK university?

UCAS: EU students will continue to have access to loans and grants even if their course ends after Brexit

Advice

‘I want to work in the fitness sector. What’s the best course to do?’

‘I want to work in the fitness sector. What’s the best course to do?’

Ask Brian: It makes sense to invest extra time for professional quality training

Ask Brian: My daughter wants to teach. What’s the best entry route?

Ask Brian: My daughter wants to teach. What’s the best entry route?

There are lots of options - just be sure your degree meets Teaching Council requirements

My son is exempted from languages. Can he still go to third level?

My son is exempted from languages. Can he still go to third level?

Ask Brian: Rules vary across colleges and individual programmes

Ask Brian: Is a PLC course a good option for studying science?

Ask Brian: Is a PLC course a good option for studying science?

Many colleges set aside places for students who have completed Post-Leaving Cert courses

CAO applications: Eight things you need to know

CAO applications: Eight things you need to know

CAO countdown: Research your options thoroughly – and then trust your instincts

Ask Brian: ‘My daughter wants a year out. Should she still apply to the CAO?’

Ask Brian: ‘My daughter wants a year out. Should she still apply to the CAO?’

College is just one of many options but It’s worth registering in case of a change of mind

Also in Education

Employers rate further-education graduates slightly higher than college graduates in areas such as team working, commercial awareness and entrepreneurial skills. File photograph: Getty Images

Too many people in Ireland going to college and unsuited to it

It seems increasingly clear that student aptitude should determine learning pathways

College advice

The results are in: how did our diarists do?

The results are in: how did our diarists do?

Irish Times’ Leaving Cert diarists from Coláiste Éinde in Salthill share their reaction to the results

Small USI team carries the fight for Irish students

Small USI team carries the fight for Irish students

Blocking student loan scheme priority for new president as group looks to shed ‘lazy’ perceptions

The college experience – more than just a degree

The college experience – more than just a degree

University is where you will gain knowledge you can use throughout your life. We spoke to six university presidents for their take on what third level has to offer

’I was nervous entering college. It had to be a new chapter for me’

’I was nervous entering college. It had to be a new chapter for me’

From entering first year to life beyond, four succesful graduates tell their stories of third-level education

Third-level improvements for students with disabilities

Third-level improvements for students with disabilities

Colleges and universities provide broad range of support services for people who need them

University challenge: Sorting out your accommodation

University challenge: Sorting out your accommodation

As you prepare for college we outline what you might need to know about looking for lodgings

School and college: Making the transition

School and college: Making the transition

Education consultant Catherine O’Connor has some tips for those starting at third level

Brian Mooney: Still hoping for college? Check ‘Available Places’

Brian Mooney: Still hoping for college? Check ‘Available Places’

CAO ‘Available Places’, private colleges, study abroad and FE colleges are some options

Download

Download: 2018 CAO First and Second Round Offers

Download a PDF document of this year’s points for level 8 and level 6/7 courses

Download: 2018 Leaving Cert results

Download a PDF document of this year's Leaving Cert results by grade and subject

CAO Round One 2017 offers are available from 6am onwards.

Download: 2017 CAO points for all college offers

Download PDFs of our comprehensive list of level 8 and level 6/7 courses

LIVE: CAO 2018 Helpdesk

Have you questions about your CAO offer or Leaving Cert results? Guidance counsellor Deirdre Garrett is manning the helpdesk today from 10am-1pm.

Analysis

The changes introduced to the Leaving Cert in these three core subjects over recent years, such as the allocation of 40 per cent of marks for the oral Irish component, and the awarding of bonus points in maths, has resulted in substantial increases in higher level participation Photograph: Cyril Byrne

More students taking higher level subjects and fewer failing

New grading system sees major increases in higher-level participation

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

College open days offer the opportunity to inspect facilities at the institution of your choice. Photograph: iStock

Open Days Find out how to make the best use of the third level open day season

CAO Countdown

My Experience

Advice: Brian Mooney

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

CAO Queries Read all the questions put to our helpdesk about the CAO on Tuesday Aug 22nd

The first days in the new surroundings of college can be daunting for many students

School and college: Making the transition Catherine O’Connor has some tips for those starting at third level

@ExamWatch

Tweets by @Examwatch

CAO Helpdesk Read all the questions and answers put to our 2016 helpdesk about the CAO and Leaving Cert results

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

College choice What else should you consider when selecting your third level options

Helpdesk topics

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

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