The CAO Change of Mind facility will open on Tuesday, 6 May at noon and closes on 1 July at 5pm. An `Order of Preference` infographic can be found here: www.cao.ie/preference. This leaves you with plenty of time, so you don’t need to rush it! Before you get started, have a look at these tips:
1. Give it plenty of thought
Every year, a large number of CAO applicants make changes to their application. Some make so many changes without thinking that it can lead to confusion, stress and anxiety when the offers are eventually issued. To avoid this, put lots of thought into your choices and when you are rested on your decision, use the Change of Mind facility to amend your list.
2. Don’t change your mind based on your anticipated grades
The Leaving Cert exams are a stressful and emotional time for any student. The heightened emotions can lead some to over-exaggerate things and feel that they will not get the points they had envisaged. It is so important to put your dream courses at the top of your list. Who knows, you might do better than you think, or the points might come down for those courses. Stay positive!
3. Make sure your choices are in genuine order of preference
Above all, ensure that you list your courses in genuine order of preference and be strategic about your choices. Within the list, put your ‘dream’ courses at the top, then place five or six realistic courses and finally you also should list a few ‘safety net’ courses that you are easily guaranteed to get.
4. Make use of both lists
Make sure to fully utilise the CAO form by selecting courses on the Level 6/7 list as well as the Level 8 list. This will increase your chances of receiving an offer. You can even receive an offer from both lists. If this happens you will only be able to accept one offer.
5. Discuss your choices with trusted sources
Ideally, you will have done all the research at this stage, supported by your Guidance Counsellor and/or teachers. However, if you still feel unsure about what courses to choose or what order to put them in, do not be afraid to ask for advice from your Guidance Counsellor who will have the most up-to-date information at hand. Your family and friends may also be a great source of support and advice.
6. Double-check for any errors
Before finally signing off on your CAO application you should check and recheck your application for errors. If you make a change of mind you will receive an e-mail to confirm your new course choices. You can also log in to your account via the My Application facility to confirm that all of your details are recorded completely and correctly. If you spot an error alert CAO immediately.
Use the CourseFinder to search all CAO courses on offer and check the Entry Requirements and Points from previous years.
The 2025 Offers and Acceptances schedule can now be viewed in the Important Dates section of www.cao.ie. Round One offers will issue on 27 August from 2pm.
Best of luck with your application!