Guidance Guidance InformationInformation

for Parents of 6for Parents of 6thth YearsYears

Deirdre GriffinDeirdre Griffin

Guidance CounsellorGuidance Counsellor

2525thth November, 2014 November, 2014

Structure of presentationStructure of presentation Preamble – The Leaving Cert YearPreamble – The Leaving Cert Year Choices after school and National Choices after school and National

Framework of QualificationsFramework of Qualifications Post Leaving Cert courses –PLCsPost Leaving Cert courses –PLCs UCAS applicationsUCAS applications The CAO processThe CAO process

The HEAR application process (Higher The HEAR application process (Higher Education Access Route to Education)Education Access Route to Education)

The DARE application process The DARE application process (Disability Access Route to Education)(Disability Access Route to Education)

The Finance (cost of college, grants The Finance (cost of college, grants SUSI - Student Universal Support SUSI - Student Universal Support Ireland)Ireland)

AccommodationAccommodation

LEAVING CERT YEARLEAVING CERT YEAR Very stressful and anxiety provoking Very stressful and anxiety provoking

year for students and parentsyear for students and parents Very important that they work Very important that they work steadily steadily

– complete things as they come up. – complete things as they come up. Avoid procrastination…. Anxiety Avoid procrastination…. Anxiety builds.builds.

Nutrition, EXERCISE, sleep- structure Nutrition, EXERCISE, sleep- structure is importantis important

Avoid overconsumption (alcohol, Avoid overconsumption (alcohol, coffee- stimulants…….depressing coffee- stimulants…….depressing effect)effect)

Avoid peaks and dips- need to arrive Avoid peaks and dips- need to arrive at 4at 4thth June in good condition! June in good condition!

LEAVING CERT YEARLEAVING CERT YEAR

Their mental health/emotional health Their mental health/emotional health very important….. very important….. Media and Leaving Cert, Media and Leaving Cert, Projections of parents.. Projections of parents.. Projections of school……Projections of school…… Choose one thing!Choose one thing! Their personal transition, how the Their personal transition, how the

navigate it – huge opportunity for navigate it – huge opportunity for ‘personal learning’‘personal learning’

OPTIONS after the Leaving OPTIONS after the Leaving CertificateCertificate

W ork Tra in in g

C A O C ou rses P L C C ou rses

F u rth er E d u ca tion

L eavin g C ert.

National Framework of National Framework of QualificationsQualifications

www.nfq.iewww.nfq.ie

NATIONAL FRAMEWORK OF NATIONAL FRAMEWORK OF QUALIFICATIONSQUALIFICATIONS

Level 5/6 Certificate/Advanced Level 5/6 Certificate/Advanced CertificateCertificate FETAC (Now awarded by QQI Quality FETAC (Now awarded by QQI Quality

Qualifications Ireland)Qualifications Ireland) Level 6 Higher Certificate Level 6 Higher Certificate

(IOTs Institutes of Technology) (IOTs Institutes of Technology) Level 7 Ordinary Bachelor DegreeLevel 7 Ordinary Bachelor Degree

(IOTs, Colleges, Universities)(IOTs, Colleges, Universities) Level 8 Honours Bachelor DegreeLevel 8 Honours Bachelor Degree

(IOTs, Colleges, Universities)(IOTs, Colleges, Universities)

Links and progression Links and progression

Progression/links from Further Progression/links from Further Education Colleges – FETAC 5/6) to Education Colleges – FETAC 5/6) to HEI HEI ( IOTs, Colleges/Universities)( IOTs, Colleges/Universities)

Certain number of places at HEI in Certain number of places at HEI in various courses held for FETAC various courses held for FETAC students who achieve distinctions in students who achieve distinctions in courses specific modulescourses specific modules

So students can progress on the So students can progress on the ladder system for level 5 to level ladder system for level 5 to level 6/7/86/7/8

1) POST LEAVING CERT COURSES1) POST LEAVING CERT COURSESMain Providers in CorkMain Providers in Cork

College of Commerce – College of Commerce – www.corkcollegeofcommerce.iewww.corkcollegeofcommerce.ie

Colaiste Stiofain Naofa – www.csn.ieColaiste Stiofain Naofa – www.csn.ie St. Johns Central College – St. Johns Central College –

www.stjohnscollege.iewww.stjohnscollege.ie Kinsale College of Further Ed – Kinsale College of Further Ed –

www.kinsalecollegeoffe.ie www.kinsalecollegeoffe.ie Apply from December on the above Apply from December on the above

websites directly to college. Interviews in websites directly to college. Interviews in Feb/March, May and AugustFeb/March, May and August

Some courses are competitive (eg Pre Some courses are competitive (eg Pre Nursing, Hairdressing and Childcare so Nursing, Hairdressing and Childcare so apply early)apply early)

POST LEAVING CERT COURSES (PLC’s) POST LEAVING CERT COURSES (PLC’s) – Colleges of Further Education– Colleges of Further Education

Offer a range of courses, mostly to Offer a range of courses, mostly to FETAC Level 5 (1 year), some to Level FETAC Level 5 (1 year), some to Level 6 (2 years)6 (2 years)

PossibilityPossibility of entry to Higher of entry to Higher Education Institutions (HEI) on Education Institutions (HEI) on completion of coursecompletion of course

Entry requirements - usually 5 passes Entry requirements - usually 5 passes in Leaving Cert and interviewin Leaving Cert and interview

Some fees, some charges (proportion Some fees, some charges (proportion covered by grant if applicable)covered by grant if applicable)

Eg. Colaiste Stiofan NaofaEg. Colaiste Stiofan Naofa

Kinsale College of Further Kinsale College of Further EducationEducation

2) UCAS APPLICATIONS2) UCAS APPLICATIONS

UCASUCAS (UK) (UK) Sept to Jan apply online Sept to Jan apply online OCT 15OCT 15thth deadline for Med, Vet, Dent deadline for Med, Vet, Dent Jan 15Jan 15thth All other courses All other courses

3) CAO APPLICATIONS3) CAO APPLICATIONS

Central Applications Office Central Applications Office – CAO– CAO

CAO Handbook (all rules/all courses)CAO Handbook (all rules/all courses)46 Higher Education Institutions 46 Higher Education Institutions (HEI) covering Universities, Institutes (HEI) covering Universities, Institutes of Technology, Art Colleges, Specialist of Technology, Art Colleges, Specialist Colleges and some Private Colleges Colleges and some Private Colleges (Colleges not covered by the Free (Colleges not covered by the Free Fees Scheme)Fees Scheme)The HEI’s offer Level 6 (Higher The HEI’s offer Level 6 (Higher Cert), Level 7 (Ordinary Degrees) and Cert), Level 7 (Ordinary Degrees) and Level 8 (Honour Degrees) coursesLevel 8 (Honour Degrees) courses

Important dates for CAOImportant dates for CAO November 5November 5thth 2014: CAO opens 2014: CAO opens Register before Jan 20Register before Jan 20thth avail of discounted avail of discounted

feefee € 25 € 25 Normal closing date Normal closing date 1 Feb 1 Feb € 40€ 40 All restricted courses MUST be in choice list All restricted courses MUST be in choice list

before 1 Febbefore 1 Feb 55thth May to 1 May to 1stst of July change of mind facility of July change of mind facility

(change order of courses) Free(change order of courses) Free Statement of application record posted by Statement of application record posted by

the end of May – READ IT!the end of May – READ IT! 1717thth Aug - Round one offers (accept by 24 Aug - Round one offers (accept by 24thth

Aug)Aug) 2626thth Aug – Round two offers (accept by 2 Aug – Round two offers (accept by 2rdrd

Sept)Sept)

RESTRICTED COURSESRESTRICTED COURSES A restricted course is any course which A restricted course is any course which

requires more then entry requirements requires more then entry requirements and points for entry (auditions – and points for entry (auditions – music/drama, portfolio – Art, HPAT – music/drama, portfolio – Art, HPAT – Medicine)Medicine)

If a student is applying to a restricted If a student is applying to a restricted course this MUST be in list by February 1course this MUST be in list by February 1stst..

Restricted courses are clearly highlighted Restricted courses are clearly highlighted in the CAO handbook.in the CAO handbook.

After 1After 1stst Feb you can change order or Feb you can change order or delete course, but you cannot generally delete course, but you cannot generally introduce it as auditions, portfolio etc introduce it as auditions, portfolio etc dates are arranged for Feb/Mar/Aprildates are arranged for Feb/Mar/April

ISSUES WHICH INFLUENCE COURSE ISSUES WHICH INFLUENCE COURSE CHOICESCHOICES

Ability / Interests - KNOW YOURSELFAbility / Interests - KNOW YOURSELF Subjects (in the course) - Look at college Subjects (in the course) - Look at college

calender or book of modules for each course calender or book of modules for each course to see WHAT will be studied in each year of to see WHAT will be studied in each year of coursecourse

Style of learning – How is course taught Style of learning – How is course taught (Theory/Practical/Combination of both)(Theory/Practical/Combination of both)

Geographical location (support systems)Geographical location (support systems) Finance (Finance (CostsCosts and grants) and grants) Specific v broad courses (personal value Specific v broad courses (personal value

system)system) Career ImplicationsCareer Implications Research and talk to people, open days, email Research and talk to people, open days, email

course directors course directors (information is power..)(information is power..) FRIENDS’ DECISIONS………..FRIENDS’ DECISIONS……….. Back up PlanBack up Plan

ResearchResearch www.cao.ie www.cao.ie www.qualifax.ie (courses)www.qualifax.ie (courses) www.careersportal.ie (very www.careersportal.ie (very

comprehensive courses/careers)comprehensive courses/careers) www.careerdirections.ie (careers)www.careerdirections.ie (careers) www.postgradireland.comwww.postgradireland.com

College Prospectus College Prospectus College web sitesCollege web sites CAO handbookCAO handbook

Entry RequirementsEntry Requirements Level 8 (Hons Degree) 2HC3 + 4H/OD3 to Level 8 (Hons Degree) 2HC3 + 4H/OD3 to

include English, Irish, Maths, Other include English, Irish, Maths, Other Language……(This is a general rule with Language……(This is a general rule with lotslots of of exceptions. Arts programmes - no maths exceptions. Arts programmes - no maths requirement, Sciences/Nursing/ – no language requirement, Sciences/Nursing/ – no language requirement but Lab Science requirement, Hons requirement but Lab Science requirement, Hons Engineering HC3 Maths, Primary School Engineering HC3 Maths, Primary School Teaching 3HC3 one to be Irish,Teaching 3HC3 one to be Irish,

Level 6/7 (Higher Certificate/Ord Degree – Level 6/7 (Higher Certificate/Ord Degree – generally offered in IOTs ) –Passes in five generally offered in IOTs ) –Passes in five subjects to include specific subjects (eg, Maths subjects to include specific subjects (eg, Maths and English etc)and English etc)

FOR EVERY COURSE ENTRY, REQUIREMNTS FOR EVERY COURSE ENTRY, REQUIREMNTS MUST BE CHECKED. MUST BE CHECKED. If all Entry Requirements If all Entry Requirements are met THEN applicant is deemed ‘Qualified’ to are met THEN applicant is deemed ‘Qualified’ to apply, only THEN do the points become relevant.apply, only THEN do the points become relevant.

POINTSPOINTS TO NOTE TO NOTE The CAO Handbook lists the courses and The CAO Handbook lists the courses and

course codes. All up to date information course codes. All up to date information is on www.cao.ie is on www.cao.ie

The responsibility for ensuring a correct The responsibility for ensuring a correct application lies with each applicant.application lies with each applicant.

Applicants to the CAO may choose up to Applicants to the CAO may choose up to 10 Level 8 Courses and up to 10 Level 10 Level 8 Courses and up to 10 Level 6/7 Courses6/7 Courses

Students may delete, change order or Students may delete, change order or add courses (except restricted ones) add courses (except restricted ones) during the Change of Mind period (early during the Change of Mind period (early May -1May -1stst July) with some minimal July) with some minimal restrictionsrestrictions

COURSE SELECTION – COURSE SELECTION – IOT’sIOT’s

Students sometimes do not pay Students sometimes do not pay enough attention to the ladder route enough attention to the ladder route available in IOT’savailable in IOT’s

Starting from a Level 6 course, Starting from a Level 6 course, students may progress onto a Level 7 students may progress onto a Level 7 and then onto a Level 8 course.and then onto a Level 8 course.

Pay attention Pay attention to Level 6/7 course to Level 6/7 course options. Keep all options open. These options. Keep all options open. These choices may bring you to where you choices may bring you to where you want to go…….want to go…….

LEAVING CERT POINTSLEAVING CERT POINTS

TWO EXAMPLES OF LEAVING CERT TWO EXAMPLES OF LEAVING CERT POINTS WITH BONUS 25 POINTS FOR POINTS WITH BONUS 25 POINTS FOR

HONS MATHSHONS MATHS

HOW DOES IT WORKHOW DOES IT WORK CAO checks entry requirementsCAO checks entry requirements HEI release how many places for each courseHEI release how many places for each course CAO place each candidate in a queue for CAO place each candidate in a queue for

each of their course preferences, each of their course preferences, beginning beginning with their first with their first and moving down through and moving down through second, third etc until they are in a position second, third etc until they are in a position to offer a course.to offer a course.

Eg. 10 places for a course, 20 apply first Eg. 10 places for a course, 20 apply first preference. Person with top score front of preference. Person with top score front of queue and others fall in behind. The person queue and others fall in behind. The person who gets in on tenth place, it is their points who gets in on tenth place, it is their points that are the ‘cut off’ (points for course). If that are the ‘cut off’ (points for course). If there are three candidates for last place then there are three candidates for last place then their random number applies and the their random number applies and the candidate with highest random number gets candidate with highest random number gets it.it.

If candidates refuse an offer then those If candidates refuse an offer then those places reissued to next in queue in round places reissued to next in queue in round 2….. Then round 3 till places are filled.2….. Then round 3 till places are filled.

Course with100 places to be offered

Course with100 places to be offered

Course Cut Off Points = 330 Course Cut Off Points = 335*

Random Selection to be used

Last

place to

be filled

ApplicantPosition

PointsScore

1 560

2 535

3 525

4 520

5 510

6 510

7 505

8 500

9 490

-- --

-- --

15 455

16 445

17 440

18 435

19 420

20 410

21 405

-- --

-- --

98 345

99 340

100 335

101 335

102 335

103 315

104 310

105 305

-- --

-- --

182 265

ApplicantPosition

PointsScore

1 560

2 535

3 525

4 520

5 510

6 510

7 505

8 500

9 490

-- --

-- --

15 455

16 445

17 440

18 435

19 420

20 410

21 405

-- --

-- --

98 340

99 335

100 330

101 325

102 315

103 310

104 305

105 295

-- --

-- --

182 265

Course MeritLists

ORDER OF PREFERENCEORDER OF PREFERENCE

It is a mistake to rate the quality of It is a mistake to rate the quality of degrees by their entry points. degrees by their entry points.

Points only indicate supply and Points only indicate supply and demand.demand.

The points reflect the number of The points reflect the number of places available on each course and places available on each course and represent the score achieved by the represent the score achieved by the last student to be offered a place.last student to be offered a place.

If a number of students are tied on If a number of students are tied on points for the last place, then students points for the last place, then students are picked randomly. Denoted by an * are picked randomly. Denoted by an * - e.g. 385*- e.g. 385*

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

So – what is the best way to fill in the courses?

Dream Courses

Realistic Courses

Banker Courses

A WORD OF A WORD OF CAUTION: CAUTION: IF YOU IF YOU ARE FILLING IN ARE FILLING IN ALL 10 CHOICES, ALL 10 CHOICES, ONLY CHOOSE ONLY CHOOSE COURSES THAT COURSES THAT YOU WOULD BE YOU WOULD BE HAPPY WITH – HAPPY WITH – DON’T ‘THROW IN’ DON’T ‘THROW IN’ A COURSE!A COURSE!

1.1. Business Information Business Information

Systems UCC 440Systems UCC 440

2.2. Commerce UCC 430Commerce UCC 430

3.3. Finance UCC 420Finance UCC 420

4.4. Business Info Systems CIT Business Info Systems CIT 315315

5.5. Food Marketing UCC 435Food Marketing UCC 435

6.6. Arts UCC 330Arts UCC 330

7.7. Business St UL 375Business St UL 375

8.8. Software Development CIT Software Development CIT 300300

9.9. Computer Science UCC Computer Science UCC 340340

10.10. Marketing CIT 295Marketing CIT 295

1. 1. Business Studies CIT 250Business Studies CIT 250

2. 2. Business Admin CIT 210Business Admin CIT 210

3. 3. Tourism CIT 225Tourism CIT 225

4. 4. Computing CIT 290Computing CIT 290

5. 5. Business WIT 200Business WIT 200

6. 6. Business /Tourism WIT 210Business /Tourism WIT 210

7. 7. Recreation /Leisure CIT 330Recreation /Leisure CIT 330

8. 8. Business Studies ITT 190Business Studies ITT 190

9. 9. Office Info System ITT 210Office Info System ITT 210

10. 10. Computing ITT 225Computing ITT 225

Hons degree level 8 Higher Cert/Ord degree level 6/7

Sample Applicant with score of 425 points

POINTS TO NOTEPOINTS TO NOTE It is a mistake to base choice of course It is a mistake to base choice of course

only on a students present expectation of only on a students present expectation of examination performance examination performance oror on the on the points of previous yearspoints of previous years

Again GENUINE ORDER OF Again GENUINE ORDER OF PREFERENCE is the best way of ensuring PREFERENCE is the best way of ensuring students end up where they want to end students end up where they want to end upup

Some students change order of Some students change order of preference as a reaction to the preference as a reaction to the experience of doing their exams. This is a experience of doing their exams. This is a mistake.(They may do this without mistake.(They may do this without informing parents)….informing parents)….

Preferably final choice done by end MayPreferably final choice done by end May

AFTER SUBMITTING AFTER SUBMITTING APPLICATIONAPPLICATION

You are assigned a CAO number, which You are assigned a CAO number, which you keep and quote on all you keep and quote on all correspondencescorrespondences

An initial acknowledgment is sent by An initial acknowledgment is sent by emailemail

Statement of Application Record by end Statement of Application Record by end May at the latest. This should be READ May at the latest. This should be READ carefully to ensure all information is carefully to ensure all information is correct. If not, contact CAO correct. If not, contact CAO immediately.immediately.

After changes of mind, final Statement After changes of mind, final Statement of Application sent before 7of Application sent before 7thth July July

THE OFFER PROCESSTHE OFFER PROCESS Leaving Cert Results - Wed. 12Leaving Cert Results - Wed. 12thth Aug Aug CAO Round One - Mon. 17CAO Round One - Mon. 17thth Aug Aug Your offer notice issued online (and Your offer notice issued online (and

post) may contain an offerpost) may contain an offer for a Level 8 coursefor a Level 8 course or a Level 7/6 course or a Level 7/6 course or bothor both

If students receive two offers (one from If students receive two offers (one from level 8 one from level 6/7) at the same level 8 one from level 6/7) at the same time they may only accept one of them.time they may only accept one of them.

If they wish to accept an offer of a place If they wish to accept an offer of a place they must carry out the instructions on they must carry out the instructions on the offer notice before 5.15pm on the the offer notice before 5.15pm on the closing date for acceptance printed on closing date for acceptance printed on the offer notice. the offer notice.

OFFERSOFFERS When students accept a place, they When students accept a place, they

may still become eligible for a course may still become eligible for a course higher up their list, if this happens higher up their list, if this happens they can accept the new offer or stay they can accept the new offer or stay with the original one.with the original one.

Remember you could move up your Remember you could move up your list, but you cannot move down, the list, but you cannot move down, the CAO presumes that you listed your CAO presumes that you listed your courses IN ORDER OF PREFERENCE. courses IN ORDER OF PREFERENCE.

It is a mistake to reject an offer in It is a mistake to reject an offer in the hope of getting something the hope of getting something higher….. It may not happen. higher….. It may not happen.

CAO – DEFERRED ENTRYCAO – DEFERRED ENTRY Read page 5 of handbookRead page 5 of handbook Do not accept the offer in the manner shown on Do not accept the offer in the manner shown on

the CAO Offer Notice. the CAO Offer Notice. Email or write immediately to the Admissions Email or write immediately to the Admissions

Office of the particular college setting out the Office of the particular college setting out the reason(s) for the request. Mark 'Deferred reason(s) for the request. Mark 'Deferred Entry' clearly on the subject line/envelope. This Entry' clearly on the subject line/envelope. This must be received by college at least two days must be received by college at least two days before the reply date on offer.before the reply date on offer.

If accepted the deferral is held for one year. If accepted the deferral is held for one year. The following year you reapply through CAO The following year you reapply through CAO only choosing your deferred course and tick only choosing your deferred course and tick the deferral box on applicationthe deferral box on application

HEAR- Higher Education HEAR- Higher Education Access RouteAccess Route

DARE – Disability Access DARE – Disability Access Route to EducationRoute to Education

The Higher Education Access The Higher Education Access Route (HEAR) Route (HEAR)

HEAR is a 3HEAR is a 3rdrd level admissions scheme level admissions scheme for students from socio economically for students from socio economically disadvantaged backgroundsdisadvantaged backgrounds

16 HEIs participate – UCC, UCD, DCU, 16 HEIs participate – UCC, UCD, DCU, DIT, UCG, TCD, UL, NUIM and teacher DIT, UCG, TCD, UL, NUIM and teacher training collegestraining colleges

Students who are eligible for HEAR Students who are eligible for HEAR compete for a number of reduced points compete for a number of reduced points places, but they still need to meet places, but they still need to meet minimum and specific entry minimum and specific entry requirementsrequirements

Eligibility depends on financial means Eligibility depends on financial means and also socio-economic backgroundand also socio-economic background

DARE (Disability Access Route to DARE (Disability Access Route to Education)Education)

DARE is a 3DARE is a 3rdrd level scheme to allow level scheme to allow students with disabilities to compete for students with disabilities to compete for one of a number of reserved places in one of a number of reserved places in HEIs on a reduced points basis.HEIs on a reduced points basis.

A large variety of disabilities included, A large variety of disabilities included, from learning difficulties to mental from learning difficulties to mental health conditions to specific long term health conditions to specific long term illnessesillnesses

Medical/Psychological Evidence of Medical/Psychological Evidence of Disability requiredDisability required

18 HEIs participate including – UCC, 18 HEIs participate including – UCC, CIT, DIT, AIT, DCU, NCI, NUIG, NUIM, CIT, DIT, AIT, DCU, NCI, NUIG, NUIM, Pontifical Maynooth, UCD, TCD, UL, Pontifical Maynooth, UCD, TCD, UL, Mater DeiMater Dei

HEAR and DARE ApplicationsHEAR and DARE Applications Both forms are optional ‘add-ons’ on CAO FormBoth forms are optional ‘add-ons’ on CAO Form Both forms need to be completed by 1Both forms need to be completed by 1stst March. March. Supporting documents to arrive to CAO by 1Supporting documents to arrive to CAO by 1stst

April. April. HEAR and DARE advice clinic on Jan 10HEAR and DARE advice clinic on Jan 10thth 2014, 2014,

10am - 2pm in UCC at De Vere Hall, Student 10am - 2pm in UCC at De Vere Hall, Student Centre. All HEAR and DARE applicants with Centre. All HEAR and DARE applicants with their parents/guardians should attend this their parents/guardians should attend this sessionsession.

Practice workbook available online, if Practice workbook available online, if completed and brought to Advice Clinic, you completed and brought to Advice Clinic, you are in a better position to get exact advice.are in a better position to get exact advice.

Website : www.accesscollege.ieWebsite : www.accesscollege.ie

Information and helpInformation and help www.accesscollege.ie. www.accesscollege.ie.

Download application videos for Download application videos for both HEAR and DARE. both HEAR and DARE.

Workbook to fill out to aid your Workbook to fill out to aid your online applicationonline application

Information about supporting Information about supporting documentsdocuments

Information about eligibility Information about eligibility

Dates to rememberDates to remember

10th Jan National Hear/ Dare advice clinics

UCC DARE advice clinic held in UCC G02 (Western Gateway) 6-8pm on DEC 3rd

For all events look under UCC For all events look under UCC website under ‘Open Days and website under ‘Open Days and Events Listing’Events Listing’

How many applications?How many applications?

Students can apply to PLCs (Post Students can apply to PLCs (Post Leaving Cert courses in any or all Leaving Cert courses in any or all of the Further Education Colleges) of the Further Education Colleges) plus CAO, plus UCAS (English plus CAO, plus UCAS (English colleges) if they so choosecolleges) if they so choose

Be realistic- know yourselfBe realistic- know yourself

Cost of going to collegeCost of going to college

AccommodationAccommodation

Grants/ScholarshipsGrants/Scholarships

Monthly Cost of Living Away from HomeMonthly Cost of Living Away from HomeBooks Books €70€70AccommodationAccommodation €400€400Light/Heat/PowerLight/Heat/Power €60€60FoodFood €240€240Clothes, laundry, etc…Clothes, laundry, etc… €45€45Local TravelLocal Travel €80€80Social Life, other travel, miscellaneousSocial Life, other travel, miscellaneous

€140€140

Total per monthTotal per month€1,035€1,035

Yearly Total (8 months)Yearly Total (8 months)€8,280€8,280

Source: DCU Student AffairsSource: DCU Student Affairs

AccommodationAccommodation The search for college The search for college

accommodation starts early each accommodation starts early each year.year.

If your son or daughter is hoping to If your son or daughter is hoping to secure on-campus accommodation it secure on-campus accommodation it would be worthwhile contacting the would be worthwhile contacting the relevant colleges now to enquire relevant colleges now to enquire about reserving a place.about reserving a place.

Colleges generally manage the on-Colleges generally manage the on-campus accommodation themselvescampus accommodation themselves

Payment is usually made in 2 Payment is usually made in 2 instalments (Sept and Dec)instalments (Sept and Dec)

On- Campus On- Campus AccommodationAccommodation UCCUCC

Accept bookings from mid Feb and prospective Accept bookings from mid Feb and prospective students are advised to research online students are advised to research online www.ucccampusaccommodation.iewww.ucccampusaccommodation.ie or ring 021 or ring 021 4902475/4902353. There is a virtual tour of 4902475/4902353. There is a virtual tour of apartments onlineapartments online

Numerous complexes - some UCC owned (e.g. Numerous complexes - some UCC owned (e.g. Castlewhite, Victoria Lodge), others private Castlewhite, Victoria Lodge), others private (e.g. Brooklodge, Deans Hall, Farranlea). (e.g. Brooklodge, Deans Hall, Farranlea). Website indicates those accepting First Years. Website indicates those accepting First Years. Deposit €250 approx, refund €200, depending Deposit €250 approx, refund €200, depending on when you cancelon when you cancel

CITCIT have no on-campus accommodation. Info on have no on-campus accommodation. Info on Digs/houses etc. contact the accommodations Digs/houses etc. contact the accommodations office 021 4335750 or www.cit.ie/studentlife office 021 4335750 or www.cit.ie/studentlife

On Campus On Campus AccommodationAccommodation Mary Immaculate College Mary Immaculate College

On-campus is for girls only (68 places). On-campus is for girls only (68 places). Deposit of €750 (student does not take offer, Deposit of €750 (student does not take offer, refund of €650). Total cost is deposit plus refund of €650). Total cost is deposit plus €2,640. Student has own room. Emphasis on €2,640. Student has own room. Emphasis on security. Accommodations office - 061-204503. security. Accommodations office - 061-204503. (Off campus accommodation also available)(Off campus accommodation also available)

ULUL Accept bookings from Jan. Five ‘villages’ to Accept bookings from Jan. Five ‘villages’ to

choose from. Book on-line early. Deposit of choose from. Book on-line early. Deposit of €250 payable - if student does not go to UL €250 payable - if student does not go to UL given back €200 at least. Cost €3,500 - €4,500. given back €200 at least. Cost €3,500 - €4,500. Tel 061 202433 or www.ul.ie/accommodation Tel 061 202433 or www.ul.ie/accommodation for information.for information.

On Campus On Campus AccommodationAccommodation DCU – Booking from Feb. Places allocated DCU – Booking from Feb. Places allocated

to those with 500pts+ first and rest on a to those with 500pts+ first and rest on a lottery subject to them having accepted a lottery subject to them having accepted a place. www.dcu.ie/accommodation or on place. www.dcu.ie/accommodation or on 01-7005736 01-7005736

Trinity – Accepts applications online, only Trinity – Accepts applications online, only after an offer has been accepted by the after an offer has been accepted by the student. All information online, all student. All information online, all considered equally. Accommodation Office considered equally. Accommodation Office 01-8961177 or 01-8961177 or www.tcd.ie/accommodationwww.tcd.ie/accommodation

UCD – 800 on campus places. Apply in UCD – 800 on campus places. Apply in May (no deposit). Once student has May (no deposit). Once student has accepted place they open to being offered accepted place they open to being offered accommodation Tel: 01-7161274 and accommodation Tel: 01-7161274 and www.ucd.ie/residencewww.ucd.ie/residence

On Campus On Campus AccommodationAccommodation

NUI Maynooth – Bookings on-line from NUI Maynooth – Bookings on-line from early Dec. Places allocated by lottery. early Dec. Places allocated by lottery. No deposit necessary until places are No deposit necessary until places are offered to students after they accept offered to students after they accept their CAO offer. Residence office 01 their CAO offer. Residence office 01 7083322 or www.residence.nuim.ie 7083322 or www.residence.nuim.ie

NUI Galway – Bookings taken in NUI Galway – Bookings taken in February. Deposit of approx €800 February. Deposit of approx €800 (€700 returned if place not taken up). (€700 returned if place not taken up). Office 091-492364 or Office 091-492364 or www.nuigalway.ie/accommodationwww.nuigalway.ie/accommodation

Off Campus Off Campus AccommodationAccommodation Most colleges also have off-campus Most colleges also have off-campus

accommodationaccommodation Digs are an excellent option for Digs are an excellent option for

parents as there is a set price and parents as there is a set price and meals & bills are included.meals & bills are included.

Again if you contact the Again if you contact the accommodation offices of the HEI’s accommodation offices of the HEI’s they will give you advice and have they will give you advice and have lists of digs. Usually list available in lists of digs. Usually list available in May or can arrange when a student May or can arrange when a student has received a place in a HEIhas received a place in a HEI

The Higher Education Grants The Higher Education Grants SchemeScheme

The student grant is the main source The student grant is the main source of financial help available to students of financial help available to students in full time Post Leaving Cert courses in full time Post Leaving Cert courses or Higher Education undergraduate or Higher Education undergraduate coursescourses

It is means tested, taking into account It is means tested, taking into account income during previous tax year. It income during previous tax year. It considers gross income, number of considers gross income, number of dependants in family, number of dependants in family, number of dependants in college and distance dependants in college and distance between normal residence and college.between normal residence and college.

Applications are made through a Applications are made through a central application online system, central application online system, Student Universal Support Ireland Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI).(SUSI).

Applications open usually in May Applications open usually in May (notification in the press) and must (notification in the press) and must be received before the end of August.be received before the end of August.

All information (including All information (including application guide video) on application guide video) on www.studentfinance.iewww.studentfinance.ie

Higher Education Grants in Higher Education Grants in OperationOperation

For grant applications next Spring the For grant applications next Spring the reckonable income looked at is reckonable income looked at is between Jan 1between Jan 1stst 2014 and Dec 31 2014 and Dec 31stst 2014 2014

The grant offers financial support to The grant offers financial support to cover maintenance, student cover maintenance, student contribution fee and field trip fees. contribution fee and field trip fees. ((Tuition or course cost fees are Tuition or course cost fees are covered for all EU students under the covered for all EU students under the Free Fees Scheme)Free Fees Scheme)

The Student Contribution Fee is a fee The Student Contribution Fee is a fee charged by colleges/universities. The charged by colleges/universities. The fee will be fee will be €2, 750 in 2014-15 and €2, 750 in 2014-15 and €3,000 in 2015/16 €3,000 in 2015/16

Higher Education Grants in Higher Education Grants in OperationOperation

If you qualify, the level of If you qualify, the level of maintenance paid towards living maintenance paid towards living costs will be calculated at 100%, costs will be calculated at 100%, 75%, 50% or 25%75%, 50% or 25%It is often not paid until very late It is often not paid until very late in the first term so be preparedin the first term so be preparedIf they drop out of their course or If they drop out of their course or fail and have to repeat a year, fail and have to repeat a year, there are implications for grant there are implications for grant and tuition payments. Check with and tuition payments. Check with the relevant HEI for details. the relevant HEI for details.

Income Limits for Standard Grant Income Limits for Standard Grant 2014/152014/15

Please check www.studentfinance.ie Please check www.studentfinance.ie for eligibilityfor eligibilityNumber of Number of

Dependent Dependent ChildrenChildren

Full Full MaintenancMaintenanc

ee

Part Part MaintenancMaintenanc

e (75%) e (75%)

Part Part MaintenancMaintenanc

e (50%) e (50%)

Part Part MaintenancMaintenanc

e (25%) e (25%)

Less than Less than 44

€€39,8739,8755

€€40,9740,9700

€€43,3843,3800

€€45,7945,7900

4-74-7 €€43,8143,8100

€€44,0244,0255

€€47,6747,6700

€€50,3250,3255

8 or more8 or more €€47,5747,5755

€€48,8948,8900

€€51,7651,7600

€€54,6354,6300 There are further increments available if more There are further increments available if more

than one dependant is attending full-time than one dependant is attending full-time educationeducation

Special Rate earn less then Special Rate earn less then €22,703 and be in €22,703 and be in receipt of some social welfare paymentreceipt of some social welfare payment

Value of GrantsValue of GrantsLevels of Grant Levels of Grant Non-adjacent Non-adjacent

Rate Rate (over 45kms (over 45kms

between college between college and home)and home)

Adjacent RateAdjacent Rate(Less than (Less than

45kms between 45kms between college and college and

home) home)

Student Student Contribution Contribution

Paid? Paid?

Special rateSpecial rate 5,915 5,915 2,3752,375 √√

Standard rate-Standard rate-100% 100%

maintenancemaintenance

3,025 3,025 1,2151,215 √ √

Standard rate-Standard rate-75% 75% maintenancemaintenance

2,270 2,270 910910 √ √

Standard rate-Standard rate-50% 50% maintenancemaintenance

1,515 1,515 605605 √ √

Standard rate-Standard rate-25% 25% maintenancemaintenance

755755 305305 √ √

Source: www.studentfinance.ieSource: www.studentfinance.ie

Student Assistance FundStudent Assistance Fund A supplementary fund to assist studentsA supplementary fund to assist students Applied for after entry to collegeApplied for after entry to college Not intended for fees, tuition but rather Not intended for fees, tuition but rather

for rent, heat, food and basic living for rent, heat, food and basic living expenses, as well as emergencies, etc.expenses, as well as emergencies, etc.

Administered by the individual Colleges Administered by the individual Colleges Documentation of expenses and income Documentation of expenses and income

will be requested and student may be will be requested and student may be interviewed.interviewed.

ScholarshipsScholarships Entrance scholarships are awarded Entrance scholarships are awarded

by HEI’s on the basis of Leaving Cert by HEI’s on the basis of Leaving Cert results. The HEI’s inform students.results. The HEI’s inform students.

Other scholarships (sport, GAA, etc) Other scholarships (sport, GAA, etc) or special scholarships (technology, or special scholarships (technology, business etc) need to be applied for business etc) need to be applied for to particular college/university. All to particular college/university. All details are on particular college details are on particular college websites. (UCC Quercus websites. (UCC Quercus Scholarship)Scholarship)

LEAVING CERT RESULTSLEAVING CERT RESULTS Expected date of issue – Wed., 12Expected date of issue – Wed., 12thth August. August. Results are available in school or from Results are available in school or from

12pm, online on www.examinations.ie or 12pm, online on www.examinations.ie or by phone from the DES (both methods by phone from the DES (both methods with exam no. and pin)with exam no. and pin)

In results envelope there is a request form In results envelope there is a request form to view scripts. It’s free to view them so to view scripts. It’s free to view them so return this form to office by due date. return this form to office by due date. Viewing is in school in late Aug/early Sept.Viewing is in school in late Aug/early Sept.

After viewing scripts, there is the option to After viewing scripts, there is the option to appeal the result @cost of €40 per appeal.appeal the result @cost of €40 per appeal.

Appeal application early Sept.Appeal application early Sept. Appeals back in early/mid OctoberAppeals back in early/mid October Money returned if appeal successful. Money returned if appeal successful.

Statistically 20% upgradedStatistically 20% upgraded

Things to watch out for:Things to watch out for: Leaving cert holiday – timing.Leaving cert holiday – timing.

Students should be around for Students should be around for results, offers, interviews, results, offers, interviews, registration, orientation.registration, orientation.

CAO change of mind opens 5th May CAO change of mind opens 5th May until 1until 1stst July. It is not recommended July. It is not recommended to change choices based on assumed to change choices based on assumed poor performance in examspoor performance in exams

Students should be applying to Students should be applying to all all levelslevels of courses (PLC as well as of courses (PLC as well as CAO 6/7 and 8) and have back up CAO 6/7 and 8) and have back up plans.plans.

If things go wrongIf things go wrong Unfortunately students are sometimes Unfortunately students are sometimes

unhappy with course choicesunhappy with course choices If a student drops out they need to If a student drops out they need to

deregisterderegister If they deregister by 1If they deregister by 1stst Oct, you usually Oct, you usually

get 85% of registration back and students get 85% of registration back and students don’t lose their free fees entitlementdon’t lose their free fees entitlement

If students deregister by Jan, they do not If students deregister by Jan, they do not get registration costs back but will be get registration costs back but will be entitled to half fees the following yearentitled to half fees the following year

Fees will not be paid for a second chance Fees will not be paid for a second chance at the same year (either through failure at the same year (either through failure or change of mind)or change of mind)

AVAILABILITYAVAILABILITY When the Leaving Cert Results come When the Leaving Cert Results come

out usually there are staff in the school, out usually there are staff in the school, including guidance counsellors. including guidance counsellors.

On the day of Round One CAO offers On the day of Round One CAO offers one or both of the guidance counsellors one or both of the guidance counsellors will be in the school to deal with will be in the school to deal with queries either on the phone or in queries either on the phone or in person from approx 11 til 2person from approx 11 til 2

Feel free to contact us about issues Feel free to contact us about issues raised tonight or other issues of raised tonight or other issues of concern – deirdreguidance@gmail.com , concern – deirdreguidance@gmail.com , berbowen@gmail.com berbowen@gmail.com

““It's a funny thing, how much time It's a funny thing, how much time we spend planning our lives. We so we spend planning our lives. We so convince ourselves of what we convince ourselves of what we want to do, that sometimes we want to do, that sometimes we don't see what we're meant to do.” don't see what we're meant to do.” ― Susan Gregg Gilmore

““Life is what happens to you while Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans.” you're busy making other plans.” ― Allen Saunders