CAO 'Change of Mind' Process - Why bother?

CAO applicants have until July 1st to submit a change to their CAO options and ranking order. 

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Why bother with the Change-of-Mind process?

For parents and guardians of leaving certificate students this is an important time to review your choices. Talk it out again and make sure you feel confident in your college decisions. Recent weeks have been all about study and exams. When the CAO was submitted back in January this year, you may have been stressed and under pressure to make choices. Do not kick back and think it's now left to the Gods. Take control and use this time to review your options. 

What if I don't want to Change my Mind? 

Even if you are happy with the original selections made in January, its is wise to review your application. Brian Mooney, Career Guidance Counsellor from Education Matters and Educational Columnist for the Irish Times reminds us to take the following steps in to consideration -

• 'Check your list against the latest published list of courses on offer from the CAO. Ensure all your courses are still on offer and that there are no new ones you might like to consider
• Make sure you still meet all the subject, and level of subject, entry requirements. If you are uncertain about these, go to the subject choice module on the Qualifax website, where the entry requirements for all courses are outlined'

Where is the relevancy for PLC /Further Education and existing third level students?

The Change of Mind deadline is not only relevant for leaving certificate students. It also has implications for non- CAO applicants, PLC/ Further Education students and current third level students too. Once the CAO has processed changes via the July 1st deadline, colleges may have vacant places on courses. Vacant places will be advertised on the CAO website post July 1st. If you are a registered college student and have failed your exams and/or you wish to apply for a transfer, you have until July 22nd. Find out more at cao.ie 

Further Information:

Full Article: 

FAQ's All you need to know about the CAO, Brian Mooney, Irish Times, June 16 2015