The points race is on as record 76,000 apply to the CAO Seminar on revisiting CAO options to be held in Tipperary
A unique seminar which will provide students with research-backed knowledge to choose the right CAO course will be held in Tipperary in April by one of Ireland's leading private schools, Hewitt College.
Figures released this week by the CAO indicate a much more competitive points race this year for college courses as a record 76,000 people have applied, up 2% on last year. There has been a rise in applications for architecture, construction, engineering and nursing.
With points likely to increase on a number of courses, the need for a strong CAO is vital. This will ensure a student who doesn’t get their first preference, will secure their second or third options.
However, 6,275 students who registered with the CAO before the February 1st deadline have no course choices listed*, while many students – it’s reported that 50% are expected to rethink their college course choices – have filled out their forms incorrectly.
To address these issues, Patricia McGrath, Principal of the successful grinds school Hewitt College, will run a Choosing the Right CAO Course seminar in The Horse & Jockey Hotel, Tipperary on Monday, April 25th.
The information evening, starting at 7pm, will provide invaluable advice to students and their parents on how best to revisit CAO options in the coming weeks. Students are being urged to give careful consideration to the CAO ‘Change of Mind’ facility, which opens from May 5th to July 1st.
Ms McGrath outlined: “It’s vitally important to ensure CAO choices are right, in case first or second choice courses are not secured.”
Ms McGrath added: “The CAO is a daunting task. The number of courses on offer continues to grow, with approximately 2000 this year, and often selecting the right one amid the confusion can be challenging. It means many students make wrong CAO choices.”
A recent Higher Education Authority (HEA) report outlined that 16% of first year students dropped out of college in 2014.
“Now is a good time for students to start thinking about their listed college courses, order of preference, and whether they are satisfied with what they have submitted. A well-considered CAO is imperative,” said McGrath.
The Choosing The Right CAO Course seminar will take place at The Horse & Jockey Hotel, Tipperary on Monday, April 25th at 7pm. Tickets are €25pp, available from Aishling at Hewitt College on 021 4550430.