CAO 2021 – Start your research early to make an informed decision
While the CAO offer stages for the 2020 class are still ongoing and will be until mid-October, the process is only beginning for 2021 entry. Whether you are a Leaving Cert student in June 2021, a Post Leaving Cert student or graduate of further education or an adult planning to return to education as a mature student, the message is the same – start your research early. The CAO 2021 handbooks have been issued to schools and will be available shortly to download from www.cao.ie . As is the case every year it the handbook provides a detailed guide to how the CAO process works for each category of applicant, how to apply, the important deadlines, a comprehensive list of all the Level 8 and Level 7/6 courses available in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) across the country for 2021 entry. Contact details for the admissions offices in all the HEIs are also included as well as a list of the college websites.
The application process for 2021 doesn’t open until November 5th at 12.00 but in the meantime it is a good idea to do as much research as possible so that you are in a position to make an informed decision when it comes to application deadlines later on in the year which coincide with busy stages of the academic year. Trying to decide what path you want to take can be confusing and a cause of stress. CAO is just one of several options. Deciding what is best for you will take some looking inward at yourself, your interests, skills, qualities, personality, aptitudes, learning style, and motivations and outward at the many options available to you. While the detail of course content and entry requirements will need to be researched on college websites you will find the list of courses in the hardcopy of the CAO handbook or as downloadable pdf on the website. You will also find lots of useful student resources and information for parents on the website. Browse through the lists to see the range of courses available. You can apply for 20 courses in your CAO application, 10 Level 8 choices and 10 Level 7/6 choices and the golden rule is that they must be listed in Order of Preference. There is lots of time available so use it wisely – explore the options and familiarise yourself with the CAO process. It will help immensely later on in the year if you have started your research in plenty time.