COLLEGE CHOICE:MANY CALLS to
The Irish TimesHelpline over the past two days were from students who lost out on their top choices, because of the increased points for arts, science, nursing, teaching and medical courses, among others, writes
BRIAN MOONEY
In many cases, students have been offered courses further down their list of CAO options.
Many had banked on securing the points required for their particular discipline, and did not list courses with lower points. If you have found yourself in either of these circumstances, you have a number of options.
The CAO second round:
If your points shortfall is in the five-10 point range, you could be offered your preferred course in round two of the CAO offers, which will take place on August 28th.
The exam appeal process:
If you submitted a request to your school by yesterday’s deadline, you can decide whether you want to have any of your papers remarked.
On average, one in five grades are increased on appeal.
If you have not submitted a request to view a script, you may still request a recheck by the September 2nd deadline. Each recheck costs €40, which will be reimbursed if you receive an upgrade.
Should I accept a lower points course?
Don’t accept it without doing extensive research.
Find out about every aspect of the course you have been offered, its progression options and career prospects.
Pay particular attention to the compulsory subjects. Are you happy to study them for the next three to four years? Have a detailed look at the course prospectus. Check out the www.qualifax.ie website for more details.
Visit the college that has offered you the course. Have a look at the facilities, accommodation, sport and leisure opportunities etc that this college offers. Give yourself at least a half day to visit the campus so that your decision is soundly based.
If having considered your offer you decide that the offer is a good one for you, you should accept it online by the August 25th deadline outlined in your offer letter.
What happens if I am subsequently offered one of my higher choices in round two or subsequent rounds?
You will have a week to decide whether to stick with the course you have originally accepted or to switch your acceptance to your higher choice.
Accepting the place you have already been offered will not in any way reduce your chances of receiving a higher offer.
Other options if you did not get your place or get an offer which does not suit.
The good news? You still have some options which will allow you to start a college course in 2009.
Vacant places: Every college has a specific target of places they wish to fill on every programme. To date, many of these programmes have not attracted sufficient applicants, as the colleges are still seeking applications.
Details of these courses, referred to as “vacant places” are updated daily on the CAO website at www.cao.ie. Many of the private fee-paying colleges are still offering places across the full range of their courses.
What about Level 6 & 7 courses?
If you’ve been offered a level 6/7 course I would encourage you to overcome any prejudice you may feel, or any sense of failure you may experience, at the thought of accepting such an offer. Many students need to undertake academic programmes at a slower pace than others. At the end of the day you will have the same opportunity to get the same qualification as those starting into a level 8 programme this year.
My advice? Accept that in your case you will need a further year’s study to achieve this level. Don’t let pride get in the way.
Tomorrow:Financial support for students.
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