Future Choices – Class of 2019

1. Future Choices – Class of 2019 Mr. Tony Butler – Guidance Counsellor

2. Outline of Programme National Qualification Framework Further Education Sector CAO – Central Applications Office DARE – Disability Access Route to Education HEAR – Higher Education Access Route Other Options Student Grant –SUSI Transition to Third Level Student Self Care

3. Options After St. Mary’s College……….

4. Further Education Sector Post Leaving Certificate Route level 5 &6 • What are they? • Who are PLC courses for? • Why do a PLC course? • Where are they?

5. PLC Courses – What are they? • Post Leaving Certificate Courses are one and two year courses that lead to the Common Award System (CAS) qualification which can offer an alternative route into third level education or direct entry into employment. • Allow students to study a programme they have expressed an interest in while also providing links to higher/further education. • Programmes have a strong vocational element and all have a work experience component.

6. Why do a PLC Course? The Benefits: • Small classes and support services • Cheaper option than doing the wrong university course • Wide diversity of course choices • Only one or two years long with certification on completion • Gain confidence and maturity

7. 11,028 CAO offers were made to students from the PLC sector. • 68,228 leaving certificate students applied to the CAO but 19 % of these received no college offers. Growth in numbers of students using PLC courses to gain entry to third level in 2018.

8. PLC’s – Where to find them

9. Two Routes - Same Destination EMPLOYMENT

10. Dundalk IT – Veterinary Nursing 400 points in 2018. • A student may not achieve those points and/or not getting the required C3 in Higher level Biology. • The alternative is to study a 1 year course in Animal Care (course code 5M2768 or CASAC) in a College of Further Education • Students would need to achieve results at distinction level ( over 80%) and use those results to gain entry into course . Examples of links

11. There are a number of places reserved by higher education institutions for applicants who have a College of Further Education Qualification for entry to a range of 3rd level courses.There can be a limited number of places available in certain courses e.g nursing. For details of specific linked courses and/or specific requirements, please contact the Admissions Office of individual higher education institutions and visit www.cao.ie. Links between plc courses and third level.

12. College of Further Education are not part of the CAO system so each college must be applied to individually online. • Each college has their own opening and closing dates for receipt of applications. • Pre nursing courses and pre university science are among courses which fill up quickly so early application is advised. • An interview along with a school reference is required. • Interviews usually begin in March. How to Apply to a PLC course

13. The CAO System www.cao.ie

14. Entry Requirements and the Points System. • How to Make an Application. • How places are allocated by CAO • What happens after an application is submitted. CAO-Central Applications Office

16. Research thoroughly all the courses for which he/she is making application: • Course code, content, requirements, fees, restrictions, duration, award, options, etc. • Be au-fait with all aspects of the application system used (CAO) for these courses: • Procedures, instructions, dates, fees, etc. It is the applicant’s responsibility to:

17. CAO – General Info. • Centralised application system for 45 Irish 3rd level institutions, including 14 fee-paying colleges. • Every 6th year will have a 2018 CAO handbook which includes: application and course information. The majority of applicants apply online but paper applications can be requested from the CAO office in Galway

18. These are applied for on 2 separate lists on a single form: • The courses are clearly labelled in the CAO Handbook • N.B. – Care must be taken with courses marked ‘Restricted’. • These courses cannot normally be applied for after February 1st due to extra assessments required. CAO – General Info.

19. Generally in the CAO system No. of qualified applicants > No. of course places --> selection system is needed. Selection system used in Irish 3rd Level Colleges is POINTS SYSTEM • Points are calculated from ONE sitting of the Leaving Certificate only. • Points total is calculated from SIX best subjects • Bonus points are awarded for Honours Mathematics • Entry Requirements can be satisfied over more than one sitting of the Leaving Certificate POINTS SYSTEM

20. POINTS ALLOCATION

21. Applications can be made online Always keep proof of sending application: online – print courses screen, paper – obtain certificate of post. • 2 steps: (a) Create Application Account, (b) Log in and enter details. • www.cao.ie Apply & My Application Students must fill out both course lists in: Genuine Order of Preference • They shouldn’t put down courses on the basis of predictions of next years cut off points or their own points scores. Making an application

22. So – what is the best way to fill in the courses? Dream Courses Realistic Courses Failsafe Courses

23. Note: • The exact same procedure takes place for both lists on the form, hence students may get 2 offers in August – one from each list, may accept only one. • Students should think carefully about not accepting one of these offers, as they may not receive any further offers. • Regardless of whether or not they accept or reject a course in round 1, they will still be offered a higher preference course in subsequent rounds if they become entitled to one. Places Allocation

24. (Paper) Receive CAO number and Statement of Course Choices – check this carefully. • (Online) Students receive CAO number online and use ‘My Application’ to check their application details. • May make changes to courses up to March 1st €10 • Some students may be called for extra assessments. • Receive Statement of Application Record – check details carefully. • Change of Mind facility becomes available – use sparingly and carefully, especially after exams. (email confirmation) • Leaving Cert. Results are sent to CAO. • Places are allocated and offered by post and online. • Students accept, reject or defer offered places. • Further rounds of offers are made until all course places are filled. After Making Application

25. 20th January, 5.15pm • Apply online to avail of early online application fee of €30 • 31st January • Closing date for online Change of Course Choice( free) • 1st February 5.15pm • Normal closing date for applications €45 • 5th February noon • Online facility to amend course choices becomes available(€10 fee) • Before/By 15st February, 2019 • Paper applicants receive Statement of Course Choices • If not received must contact CAO. 1st March 2019- • Closing date for amending course choices. CAO TIMETABLE -2019 ENTRY

26. 1st May, 5.15pm. Closing date for receipt of late applications. • 5th May, 12 noon. Change of mind forms may be sent. (online change of mind opens- May 5th). • Before/By 31st May, Receive Statement of Application Record to all applicants • 1st July, 5.15pm Closing date for receipt of change of mind form in CAO. • 22nd August, First round of offers will commence. • 27th August (expected date) at 5.15pm- Round 1 Acceptances closing date 5:15 pm. • 31st August (expected date)-Round 2 offers issued • 7th September at 5.15pm- Round 2 closing date. CAO TIMETABLE -2019 ENTRY

27. Research courses thoroughly • Apply by January 20th • Apply online • Pay by debit/credit card • Put courses in order of preference • Obtain / retain proof of application • Be careful with change of mind Summary

28. What is the Disability Access Route to Education? • The Disability Access Route to Education (DARE) is a third level alternative admissions scheme for school-leavers whose disabilities have had a negative impact on their second level education. DARE offers reduced points places to school leavers who as a result of having a disability have experienced additional educational challenges in second level education. DARE SCHEME

29. Asperger's Syndrome / Autism • Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)/ Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) • Visual Impairment • Hearing Impairment • Dyspraxia • Mental Health Condition • Neurological Conditions (incl. Brain Injury, Speech and Language Disabilities) • Significant Ongoing Illness • Physical Disability • Specific Learning Difficulty (incl. Dyslexia and Dyscalculia) What disabilities are eligible for consideration for DARE?

30. To be eligible for DARE you must meet both the DARE evidence of disability criteria and DARE educational impact criteria.

31. Step 1 • You must apply to the CAO at www.cao.ie by 1st February 2019 and indicate that you have a disability/specific learning difficulty on your CAO application form by 1st March 2019.  You will then be directed to a separate online Supplementary Information Form which asks for additional information about your disability or specific learning difficulty. • All information must be submitted by 1st April to the CAO. completed, signed and stamped. • .All documents must be clear and can be easily read. The student’s name and CAO number on all documents. Faxed/emailed documents are not accepted Important DARE Deadlines

32. WHAT IS HEAR? Higher Education Access Route is an admissions route for school leavers who for social, financial or cultural reasons are under-represented at third level education. It was set up to ensure that all Leaving Cert. students have a fair and equal opportunity to progress to third level education.

33. Why apply to HEAR? • Reduced points CAO offers in the participating colleges provided you meet the minimum entry requirements. • Post-entry supports such as financial, academic, social and personal.

34. Where can I go to college? • Dublin Institute of Technology • Dublin City University • RCSI • Trinity College, Dublin • University College, Dublin • Church of Ireland, College of Education • Marino Institute of Education • National College of Ireland • St. Angela’s College, Sligo. • Maynooth University • Pontifical University • NUI Galway • University of Limerick • Mary Immaculate College • University College Cork

35. How do I know what documents I need? • When you fill in your online HEAR application and you will receive a checklist at the end. This is based on the information you provided. • The checklist tells you what documents you need to fully complete your HEAR application. • Send in all documents on checklist to make a complete application before • 1 April 2019.

36. Should I apply?

37. You must meet the HEAR income limit plus the right combination of 2 other indicators to be eligible

38. How do I apply? • Apply to CAO at www.cao.ieby 1 February 2019 • Review your HEAR Application Guide with parents or guardians and fill in Sections 1-8. • 3.Complete all elements of the online HEAR application form by 1 March 2019 • 4. Submit clear copies of supporting documents requested on your checklist to CAO by 1 April 2019

39. Sample supporting documents

40. Helpful Tips • Study and fill in the guide carefully with your parents / guardians. • Complete the online application accurately. • Accurate description of Parental Occupation. • Request the required supporting documentation early. • Send good quality copies of all pages of the correct documents. • Submit all supporting documents requested. • Keep proof of postage. • Deadlines!

41. DARE / HEAR Timeline

42. www.accesscollege.ie

43. HEAR & DARE Application Advice Clinics • Date: Saturday January 20th 2019Time: 10am – 2pm • Drop in anytime between 10am and 2pm for information on the HEAR and DARE Schemes • Talk to DARE and HEAR advisors about your application. • Information Videos will be shown hourly throughout the morning. • Monaghan:Glencarn Hotel, Castleblaney

44. SUSI (STUDENT UNIVERSAL SUPPORT IRELAND)

45. The student grant is the main source of financial help available from the Irish State for students in full-time Post Leaving Certificate Courses (PLCs) and full-time higher education undergraduate courses • A student must be on an approved course www.susi.ie Grant

46. SUSI: Key Eligibility Criteria • Nationality: Irish, EU, EEA, Swiss nationals or have specific leave to remain in the State. • Residency: 3 of last 5 years in Ireland, EU, EEA or Switzerland. • Progression in education – NFQ levels 5-10. • Approved College/Course • ‘Reckonable’ Income .

47. Grant Income Thresholds Maximum Grant is €3,025 (over 45km) or €1215(under 45km)

48. Centralised system- Student Universal Support Ireland- Must apply online • www.studentfinance.ie for details and www.susi.ie to apply online. • System opens usually in April. Grant

50. Teagasc Agricultural Horticultural Forestry • RACE Academy Jockey Apprenticeship • BordIascaighMhara (BIM) Fishing Fish Farming • Private Colleges, e.g. Independent Colleges, Open University.( Be careful as fees are charged-even to grant holders) • Regional skills training centre Formerly Solas/ FAS)