CAO Change of Mind: What You Need to Know Before July 1st Deadline!
As the CAO Change of Mind deadline approaches on July 1st it’s important for students to take the time to carefully review course choices. No changes can be made after 5pm on July 1st so it is essential to make final changes to your CAO application before that deadline. Here are some key reminders to help you make informed decisions before the deadline closes on July 1st.
1. Revisit Your Course Preferences
Remember, your CAO offers will be based on the ORDER OF PREFERENCE not your predicted or expected points. This means your first choice should always be your genuine first preference, the course you'd most like to do, regardless of how many points you think you’ll get. If you list your choices based on points rather than preference, you risk missing out on a course you would have loved, simply because you didn’t rank it high enough.
2. Do Your Research
Before making any changes, research the courses you're considering. Look beyond the course title — explore the content, modules, placement opportunities, and progression options. Most college websites offer detailed course descriptions, videos, and testimonials. Make sure you know what the course involves and where it might lead you. Also consider the location of the college, accommodation options, travel time, and the social and support networks available. College is not just about the course — the environment can significantly influence your experience and success. If you're adding new courses to your list during the Change of Mind window, ensure you’ve done the same level of research on these as on your original choices. Avoid last-minute additions based on trends, hearsay, or pressure from others. And remember there are some restrictions regarding courses that have an added assessment feature such as an audition or a portfolio. Make sure to check this you on university websites or on www.cao.ie
3. Check Minimum Entry Requirements
Each course has minimum entry requirements (e.g. a certain number of passes at higher level, specific subjects, or grades). Even if you meet the points, you won’t be offered a place unless you also meet these minimum entry criteria. Use the university websites or career websites such as www.careersportal.ie or www.qualifax.ie to confirm these details.
4. Include as many choices as possible on both Level 8 and Level 7/6 lists.
Don’t forget that you have the option to include up to 20 course choices on your CAO application - 10 Level 8 (Honours Degrees) and 10 Level 7/6 (Ordinary Degrees and Higher Certificates). Listing 20 choices gives you 20 chances to get a course. These 2 lists operate completely separate to each other so there is a great chance of getting an offer from both lists on the day the Round 1 Offers come out and you can choose one. Most level 7/6 courses have progression routes onto level 8 degrees.
5. Double Check Everything
Before submitting your updated CAO application, review it carefully. Ensure your courses are in the correct order of preference, that course codes are entered correctly, that all your information is correct and that you haven’t made any mistakes. You want to avoid any extra worry or disappointment when the CAO offers are issued.
Final Thought
The CAO Change of Mind facility is a fantastic opportunity to ensure your application truly reflects your current interests and goals. Use it wisely. Don’t rush your decisions — think carefully, stay true to your preferences, and give yourself the best chance of finding a course that suits you, both academically and personally.
Deadline Reminder: All changes must be submitted by 5:00 pm on July 1st via your CAO account on www.cao.ie. Set a reminder and don’t leave it to the last minute!