The questions that need answering

Count up those points

The first step is to convert your Leaving Cert results into points. Turn to the centre pages of this supplement where you will find a guide to the points system and a table to help with the conversion. Double check your answer as nerves may lead to silly mistakes.

The likelihood of getting an offer

So, now you know what points you have, what are the odds of getting that place in computer science, teacher training or commerce? Last year's points provide a rough guide to what you can expect but remember this is only a rough guide. It's the number and quality of the applicants, as measured by the points, combined with the number of places available which determine the cut-off level each year.

This means that, as students' preferences vary, so too will points levels. But, of course, there are certain staples. You can expect points for perennially popular courses - medicine, dentistry, veterinary, actuarial studies and physiotherapy, for example - to remain high. Turn to pages 10 and 15 for charts containing details of last year's points.

Appealing your result

If you want to appeal the results of your Leaving Cert you must apply through your school. Applications must be with the Department of Education by Wednesday, August 27th, 1997, so it's important to get in touch with your school principal immediately. Results of appeals will be with schools on Wednesday, October 1st.

You did very well and seem to have oodles of points

Congratulations are obviously in order but a certain amount of caution would be prudent until you actually get that offer from the CAO. Check the specific subject requirements chart on pages 8 and 17 to ensure that you are eligible for a place. For instance, if you want to do engineering in UCD you must have a higher B in maths. Points alone will not get you a place.

You are confident about getting a place

You have checked everything and you are fairly sure you will get the place you want. If the college is not within commuting distance, now would be a good time to start investigating accommodation options, particularly if you are hoping to stay on campus. The College Places supplement, which will be published next Monday, contains a comprehensive guide to finding accommodation.

Your results were not as good as you expected

Don't panic. You may still get an offer of a college place although it may not be your first preference. If you spread your options widely across certificates, diplomas and degrees, you have maximised your chances of getting an offer. Many students are obsessed with degree courses so it's important to remember that, increasingly, certs and diplomas are acting as stepping stones to degrees. Look closely at any offer you have been made.

Even if you didn't apply for any cert or diploma courses, all is not lost. Last year, a number of the Regional Technical Colleges advertised vacancies on courses and interested students could apply directly to the colleges so watch Points Race daily in The Irish Times for details.

Repeating your Leaving Cert

Each year, several thousand students repeat their Leaving Cert and secure the college places they wanted. Unfortunately, there are no guarantees. See page 14 for a list of repeat colleges and some advice on repeating.

Can I still apply for British colleges?

The British Central Applications body, UCAS, will place advertisements in the British national papers with details of vacancies. The process of mopping up any available places in UK colleges is called clearing. It's not too late to apply for these for this autumn, but, unfortunately, this year is the last year that students in British universities will enjoy free fees so it's expected that there will be a major scramble for places. From next year, it seems likely that third-level students (new entrants from October 1998) in British colleges will have to pay up to £1,000 in fees.

Are private colleges a good option?

Private colleges can provide a good alternative to colleges within the CAO system but, while some colleges offer excellent qualifications, others may not be as reliable. There are two basic checks you should make. First, find out which body validates the qualifications. Next, check the financial arrangements the college has in place in the event of it closing down. See page 11 for more detailed advice.

What exactly are PLCs?

Post Leaving Certificate courses are often referred to as "the two-and-a-half level". They sit somewhere between Leaving Cert and third level. Most PLCs are designed to prepare students directly for work but there is a pilot scheme linking certain PLC courses with third-level courses. This supplement contains a complete list of PLCs. There is no central applications body - you must apply separately to each college. It's not too late to apply for many courses. Points Race will keep you updated on PLC vacancies.