Transcript Guidance and Counselling For 6th Students October 14th 2009

Guidance Information
th
for Parents of 6 Years
Bernadette Bowen
Guidance Counsellor
19th January 2010
Outline of presentation
Structure and Experience of the year
 Options
 Research
 Applications
 Accommodation
 Finance
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Structure of the Year
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September: Settling back(emotional journey ahead),
Student individual meetings begin, UK applications begin
October: Closing date for Dent, Med, Vet (UCAS). Open
days, career exhibition, focused research
November: CAO process begins
December/January: Closing date for UCAS, FE
applications (specific courses require early application),
Accommodation
February: 1st Closing date for CAO, Finance,(pre’s)
March/April: Assessments, Interviews (orals)
May: CAO change of mind begins
June: Grant applications
July: 1st (closing date for CAO change of mind)
August: Leaving cert results, course offers, interviews,
accommodation.
LEAVING CERT YEAR
Very stressful and difficult year for
students
 They need a lot of care and
encouragement – less nagging!!
 Students are under a lot of pressure –
they are doing 7 subjects, many are doing
8, therefore they need a lot of support
over the coming months.

LEAVING CERT YEAR
The social life should take a back seat
over the next few months!
 However students do need to take regular
breaks from study, eat well and get plenty
of exercise.
 This will ensure that they can retain what
they are learning.
 However they do need to be studying at
the moment as they may be avoiding.

LEAVING CERT YEAR
If they are not studying then contact us
but there are no magic solutions! Nobody
can make them study, but they can be
made aware of the consequences of their
decisions!
 The aim is that this time next year your
son/daughter will be where they want to
be, doing something they want to do, like,
are good at, and that they are happy.
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LEAVING CERT YEAR
Career is a life long process and choosing
a course is only one of the first steps,
albeit a very important step
 Parents, teachers, guidance counsellors
hope that students will get it right
 How many of us knew what we wanted to
do or where our career path would take us
when we were 17 or 18?

OPTIONS after the Leaving Certificate
Leaving Cert.
Work
Training
Further Education
CAO Courses PLC Courses
POST LEAVING CERT COURSES
(PLC’s) - Further Education (FE) Colleges
Offer a range of courses, mostly to FETAC
Level 5 (1 year), some to Level 6 (2
years)
 Possibility of entry to Higher Education
Institutions (HEI) on completion of course
 Direct application made to the providers
 Entry requirements - usually 5 passes in
Leaving Cert and interview
 No fees, but some charges

National Framework of Qualifications
Level
 Level
 Level
 Level
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5
6
7
8
Certificate
Higher Certificate
Ordinary Bachelor Degree
Honours Bachelor Degree
Progression/Links from FE to HEI
Level 5 to Level 6/7/8
www.nfq.ie
APPLICATIONS

UCAS (UK)
Sept to Jan on line system (OCT deadline for Med,
Vet, Dent)
Individual assistance

Direct Entry
eg Colleges of Further Education
Apply directly to the college, Application form, Interview, (work
exp/shadow
College of FE (from Dec/Jan/Feb onwards)
Advertised notifications

CAO Central Application Office
Universities, Institutes of Technology
from November 1st to Feb 1st (Registration)
Stage 1: FACTORS TO CONSIDER
BEFORE APPLICATION
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Ability
Interests
Subjects ( in course)
Style of learning (Theory/Practical/Combination of both)
Geographical location
Finance (Costs and grants)
Specific v broad courses
Career Implications
Research and use contacts
Back up Plan
POST LEAVING CERT COURSES
Main Providers in Cork
College of Commerce –
www.corkcollegeofcommerce.ie
 Colaiste Stiofain Naofa – www.csn.ie
 St. Johns Central College –
www.stjohnscollege.ie
 Apply from December on the above
websites, interviews in March, May and
August
 Some courses are competitive so it may
an advantage to have some work
experience
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Central Applications Office – CAO
46 Higher Education Institutions (HEI)
covering Universities, Institutes of
Technology, Art Colleges, Specialist
Colleges and some Private Colleges
(Colleges not covered by the Free Fees
Scheme)
 The HEI’s offer Level 6 (Higher Cert),
Level 7 (Ordinary Degrees) and Level 8
(Honour Degrees) courses

Stage 2: Making an application
Normal cost of application is €45. Normal
deadline is 1st Feb
 However if they apply by 20th January it is
a reduced cost of €35. Courses can be
added until 31st Jan 2010.
 Application from 2nd Feb to 1st May costs
€70/90
 Applying online is cheaper and it prevents
many of the errors commonly associated
with completing a paper application form.
 Restricted application courses must be
included by 1st February deadline.
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APPLYING TO THE CAO
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Each student has been given a CAO book. This
presentation is not exhaustive so consult the
book. The CAO Handbook lists the courses and
course codes. Up do date information is on
www.cao.ie
The responsibility for ensuring a correct
application lies with each applicant.

Applicants to the CAO may choose up to 10 Level
8 Courses and up to 10 Level 6/7 Courses
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Courses may be deleted, revised or added during
the Change of Mind period (3rd May -1st July )
Stage 3:
AFTER SUBMITTING APPLICATION
Initial acknowledgement assigning a CAO
number
 Formal acknowledgement by 15th Feb with
statement of course choices to date.
 Regular updating - new/ changed
courses.
 Statement of Application Record by end
May at the latest. This should be checked
carefully to ensure all information is
correct. If not, contact CAO immediately.

TIPS TO HELP COURSE
SELECTION
Consider interests / aptitudes /
enthusiasm
 Consult students who are doing / have
done the course
 Research thoroughly what the entire
course entails, as in all years of study.
Students may have an incorrect preconceived idea of courses
 Ask what will the course equip you to do
 Talk to people who are in the chosen area
of career
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TIPS TO HELP COURSE
SELECTION
Check minimum and specific requirements
for entry to courses
 Be realistic regarding LC results
 List courses in GENUINE ORDER OF
PREFERENCE (The CAO Golden Rule)
 Talk to those willing to assist such as
Guidance Counsellor, Parents, College
Representatives, Department Personnel
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COURSE SELECTION
It is a mistake to base choice of course
only on a students present expectation of
examination performance or on the points
of previous years
 Be realistic but do not try to second guess
Exam performance or what the possible
points for the course might be.
 Again GENUINE ORDER OF PREFERENCE is
the best way of ensuring students end up
where they want to end up

TIPS TO HELP COURSE
SELECTION
Students sometimes do not pay enough
attention to the ladder route available in
IT’s
 Starting from a Level 6 course, students
may progress onto a Level 7 and then
onto a Level 8 course.
 Fill up the spaces in the Level 6/7 option
so as to allow for eventualities.
 Consider the practicalities of course
selection such as moving away from home
etc.
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COURSE SELECTION
It is a mistake to rate the quality of
degrees by their entry points.
 Points only indicate supply and demand.
 The points reflect the number of places
available on each course and represent
the score achieved by the last student to
be offered a place.
 If a number of students are tied on points
for the last place, then students picked
randomly. Denoted by an * - e.g. 385*
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COURSE SELECTION
Remember the deadline is 1 July so no
major panic
 However do not allow students to leave it
to the last minute
 Preferably final choice done by end May
 Some students misjudge, upwards and
downwards, how they do in the LC and
then alter their choice after the LC. This
may be unwise and they may not inform
or discuss this with their parents!

The Higher Education Access Route
(HEAR)
HEAR is a 3rd level admissions scheme for
students from socio economically
disadvantaged backgrounds
 15 HEIs participate – UCC, UCD, DCU, DIT,
UCG, TCD, UL, NUIM and teacher training
colleges
 Students who are eligible for HEAR
compete for a number of reduced points
places, but they still need to meet
minimum and specific entry requirements
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DARE
(Disability Access Route to Education)
DARE is a 3rd level scheme to allow
students with disabilities to compete for
one of a number of reserved places in
HEIs on a reduced points basis.
 A large variety of Disabilities included
 Medical Evidence of Disability required
 11 HEIs participate – UCC, DIT, AIT, DCU,
NCI, NUIG, NUIM, UCD, TCD, UL, Mater Dei
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HEAR and DARE Applications
Both are available through CAO Form (Box
to tick). Forms to fill online by 1st
February. Supplementary documentation
needed by 1st April
 Information Evening being held in Boole 2,
UCC at 7pm on Thursday, 28th Jan, 2010
 Guides available to all students who wish
to apply and these should be completed
and brought to Information evening above
for assistance.
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RESTRICTED COURSES
If a student is applying to a restricted
course this MUST be done by February 1st.
 Restricted courses are clearly highlighted
in the CAO handbook.
 Restricted courses are those which require
applicants to submit a portfolio or do an
interview / audition /
 Medicine is a restricted course due to
having to do an aptitude test
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Research
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www.qualifax.ie
www.careersportal.ie
www.careerdirections.ie
www.cao.ie
www.ucas.co.uk
www.postgradireland.com
College Prospectus,web sites (modules)
“Student Yearbook and Career Directory”
CAO handbook
Remember!
Ignore correspondence from
CAO at your peril
(That’s the warning students get from CAO)
The OFFER PROCESS
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Leaving Cert Results expected on Wed., 18th
Aug
CAO Offers expected on Mon., 23rd August
Your offer notice may contain an offer
 for a Level 8 course
 or a Level 7/6 course
 or both
If students receive two offers at the same time
they may only accept one of them.
If they wish to accept an offer of a place they
must carry out the instructions on the offer
notice before 5.15pm on the closing date for
acceptance printed on the offer notice.
Basis of Admission to CAO Courses
Points Obtained in Leaving Cert
All HEI’s have MINIMUM ENTRY
REQUIREMENTS and some courses have
SPECIFIC SUBJECT REQUIREMENTS
 Only after these have been met, do points
accumulated in the Leaving Cert decide
who gets places
 The best six results in one Leaving Cert
Exam will be counted for points
computation
 The greater the points scored, the further
up an applicant will appear in the order of
merit list for their choice of courses.
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CAO Procedure
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Students cannot change their mind in
August. They will be offered their highest
preference course they are entitled to and
the only choice they will have will be to
accept it or reject it. (2 Possible Offers)
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However they may be offered a higher
preference if the points drop in Round 2.
Examples of Points Scores
3 – B1 (80-84%) at Hons Level
= 255
2 - C1 (65-69%) at Hons Level @70pts = 140
1 - B2 (75-79%) at Ordinary Level
= 40
Total Points Score = 435
2- A1(90-100%) at Hons Level = 200 Points
1- A2 (85-89%) at Hons Level = 90 Points
1- B1 (80-84%) at Hons Level = 85 Points
2 - B2 (75-79%) at Hons Level = 160 Points
Total Points = 535 Points
Sample Application 435 points
Ord.Degree Level 7 and
H.Cert. Level 6
H. Degrees Level 8
1.
Business Information Systems
485
2.
Commerce UCC 455
3.
Finance UCC 440
4.
Food Business UCC 335
5.
Arts UCC 395
6.
Software Development CIT 340
7.
Computer Science UCC 380
8.
Computing CIT 275
9.
Business WIT 335
10.
Business UL 420
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Business Studies CIT
365
Office Information
Systems CIT 345
Tourism CIT400
Computing CIT 320
Business Studies
WIT
Commercial
Computing WIT220
Physics/Instrumenta
tion CIT 270
Business Studies ITT
200
Office Information
Systems ITT 210
Computing ITT170
CAO – DEFERRED ENTRY
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Students who have been offered a place in a HEI through the
CAO may be permitted, on application to the Admissions Officer,
to defer entry to the University for one year. The following is a
summary of the procedure to be followed:
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Do not accept the offer in the manner shown on the CAO Offer
Notice.
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Write immediately to the Admissions Office, of the appropriate
HEI setting out the reason(s) for the request. Mark 'Deferred
Entry' clearly on the envelope.
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Part C of the Offer Notice must be attached to the letter.
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Full details of procedure in CAO Handbook
ACCOMMODATION
The search for college accommodation
starts early each year.
 If your son or daughter is hoping to
secure on-campus accommodation it
would be worthwhile contacting the
relevant college now to reserve a place.
 Colleges generally manage the on-campus
accommodation themselves
 Payment is usually made in 2 instalments
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On- Campus Accommodation
UCC – Accept bookings from 15 Feb and
prospective students are advised to make
contact with the Accommodations Office
021 4902276 / 4902475 /4902353
 CIT have no on-campus accommodation
but from March onwards private student
apartments fill up. Digs/houses contact
the office in May/June 4326453.
www.cit.ie/studentlife
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On Campus Accommodation
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Mary I – Bookings being taken already – Deposit
of €850 (student does not get points, refund of
€750). Total cost is deposit plus €2930. Student
has own room. Emphasis on security. On-campus
is for girls only, 90 places. 061-204503. Offcampus 061-302500
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UCD – Does not usually accept applications for its oncampus accommodation until a student has accepted
a place. Tel: 01-7161034
Trinity – Accepts applications online only after an offer
has been accepted by the student
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On Campus Accommodation
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UL – Accept bookings from late Jan, book on-line,
places usually full by March. Deposit of €250
payable, if student does not go to UL given back
€200. Cost €3,500 - €4,500. Tel 061 202331 or
www.ul.ie/campuslife
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NUI Maynooth – Bookings on-line from Dec. No
deposit necessary as places are not given until
students accept their CAO offer 01 7083322
www.nuim.ie/services go into residence office
NUI Galway – Bookings taken in Jan. Deposit of
approx €800 www.nuigalway.ie/accommodation 091492364
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Off Campus Accommodation
Digs – always a popular option with first
year students. This gives the student time
to find their feet.
 Digs are an excellent option for parents as
there is a set price and meals & bills are
included.
 Again if you contact the accommodation
offices of the HEI’s they will give you
advice and have lists of digs. Usually only
arrange when a student has received a
place in a HEI
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College Costs
Rent
€370
 Light/Heat/Power € 40
 Food
€186
 Books
€ 48
 Travel
€ 60
 Cloth/Laund/Med €100
 Social/Mob/Misc €150
TOTAL € 954 per month
8-9 months per year =€ 8,109 (away)
Estimated € 4,000 cost (home)
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GRANTS
College costs include books, transport,
exam fees, accommodation etc.
 Help is available through grant systems
such as the Higher Education grants
scheme available via all local authorities.
Applications must be in by the end of
August.
 Distance from the college as well as the
number of dependents a family income
has to support are taken into account.
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HIGHER EDUCATION GRANTS
SCHEME
The HE Grant Scheme is Means Tested so
it will involve parents income
 You apply to your Local Authority
 You apply on a special form from June….
 The form looks for information on wages,
profits, pensions, rent, interest, dividends
etc
 When Forms are available it is advertised
in the press
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Income Limits for Grants (08/09)
If no of dependents is 3 or less you get
Full maintenance & fees earn < €41,110
 Part maintenance (75%) & fees< €42,235
 Part maintenance (50%) & fees < €44,720
 Part maintenance (25%) & fees < €47,205
 Part fees (50 %) only <
€51,380
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Rates of Ordinary Maintenance
Adjacent rate is residence 24km or less
2008/9
Rate
Non-Adj Rate
Adj.
Full Maintenance
€3250
€1300
Part Maint(75%)
€ 2435
€980
Part Maint(50%)
€ 1625
€650
Part Maint(25%)
€ 810
€330
HIGHER EDUCATION GRANTS
If going to undertake a Level 8 Degree
you apply to Cork County Council 4276891
 If going to IT’s to complete a Level 6 or 7
you apply to County VEC 4665000 or Cork
City VEC 4273377
 If going to a PLC College you apply to local
VEC or get from College when registering
 Forms available from June onwards and
need to be filled up by end of August
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HIGHER EDUCATION GRANTS
It is important to get your accounts up to
date so that you will have the necessary
documents available at the time of
application.
ALSO:
 Tax Relief is available on 3rd level tuition
fees. Further information – Cork – 1890
222 425
 See www.studentfinance.ie and
www.corkcoco.ie (section on HE Grants)
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Higher Education Grants in Operation
The grant is in two parts
 It covers maintenance and fees
 It will not cover all expenses so students
might need a part-time job
 It is often not paid until very late in the
first term so be prepared
 You need to control part time work in
college as failure or drop-out may result
 If they drop out or fail, the fees will not be
paid for repeating the year or for taking
another course!
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SCHOLARSHIPS
Entrance scholarships are awarded by
HEI’s on the basis of Leaving Cert results.
The HEI’s inform students.
 Other scholarships need to be applied for
such as sports scholarships or
scholarships or bursaries from trade
unions, etc
 Best to check the websites of the relevant
HEI’s which are being applied to for
information.
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LEAVING CERT RESULTS
Expected date of issue 18th August
 When results issued opportunity to view
scripts at end of Aug. Form in with results
Mr. O’ Broin deals with applications. Return
immediately. Recommended.
 After viewing scripts, there is the option to
appeal the result @cost of €40 per appeal.
Money returned if appeal successful.
Statistically 20% upgraded
 Appeals back early in October
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AVAILABILITY
When the Leaving Cert Results come out
usually there are staff in the school,
including guidance counsellors
 On the day of Round One CAO offers one
of the guidance counsellors will be in the
school to deal with queries either on the
phone or in person from approx 11 till 2
 Feel free to contact us at anytime about
any of the items tonight or other items.
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