Frequently Asked CAO Questions
FREQUENTLY ASKED CAO QUESTIONS
Q When do you receive a CAO offer?
A Monday August 23.
Q How do you receive a CAO offer?
A Applicants may view their CAO offers online at www.cao.ie from 6am. CAO will also send each applicant their offer to arrive by post. Paper offer notices will be posted to arrive no later than Tuesday, August 24. CAO will also write to those who did not receive any offer at this time.
Q How do you accept a CAO offer?
A All offers of places will be sent by post. A “Reply Date” will be printed on “Offer Notices”. Offers will also be available online and you may record your acceptance online. If you wish to accept you must do so by 5.15 pm on the “Reply Date” printed on the “Offer Notice”.
Q How many offers can you receive together?
A A student may receive two offers at the one time if they have secured the requisite number of points and satisfy all entry requirements. One offer is for a place on a Level 8 Honours Degree course, and one offer for a place on a Level 6 Higher Certificate Course or a Level 7 Ordinary Degree course.
Q How many offers can you accept at any one time?
A It is only possible to accept one offer at this time. This offer could be for a place on either a Level 8 or a Level 6/ Level 7 course.
Q What is deferred entry and how do you defer your place?
A If you receive an offer of a place and wish to defer taking up the place for one year, it is advised that you check with the Admissions Office of the Higher Education Institutions directly regarding the possibility of deferring and the process involved. Please consult the CAO handbook for further details on this process.
Q How do you order a paper recheck?
A Please check the State Examinations Commission Booklet which you received with your results and follow the procedures outlined. Appeal applications must be with the State Examinations Commission by Wednesday September 8th. The appeal fee is €40.00 per subject in the Leaving Certificate and €15.50 per subject in the Leaving Certificate Applied. Appeal fees must be paid in advance and will be refunded if your result is upgraded. The SEC will provide each school with a personalised appeal application form whereby you indicate the subject you wish to have rechecked. For more information on this process see www.examinations.ie or contact the SEC on (090) 6442744.
Q How and when do you view your leaving Certificate Papers?
A When you receive your results your school will also have a personalised application form provided by the SEC which will show your examination details including your subjects. If you would like to view a particular script(s) you mark the form accordingly. You must return the form to the school by Tuesday August 24th. Three viewing sessions will take place as follows: Friday 3rd September 6-9 pm, Saturday 4th September 9-12, and Saturday 4th September 2-5.
Q If papers are rechecked and your grade increases will you then be entitled to a late offer?
A The State Examinations Commission informs the CAO of all changes of results and applicants who are eligible for an offer will receive an offer.
Q What are Vacant Places and how do you apply for them?
A Where there are available or vacant places the HEI’s will advertise these on the CAO website. Persons who have not applied may make an available place / vacant place application online upon payment of a fee of €45. Persons who have already applied may apply for a vacant place free of charge. Applicants must meet the normal minimum entry requirements for the curse in question. Acceptance of an offer of a vacant place automatically cancels and supersedes any previous offer and acceptance. Click here for further information on Vacant /Available Places.
Q If you fail Maths, English or Irish can you receive an offer for your course?
A It is possible to receive an offer for a number of courses if you fail Maths, English or Irish. It is important to check the minimum subject requirements of each college or HEI carefully. Also please note that other options include Further Education Courses and repeating the failed subject the following year.