"Be led by your preferences, not points", says DCU President, as CAO deadline looms
-18 January 2011

President of Dublin City University, Professor Brian MacCraith, has made a call to LLeaving Cert students and parents all over the country to "Do your research, choose with care, but, more importantly, choose with your heart as well as your head".

"Compared to other years, this year has seen a growing number of requests from students who are unsure about what choices they should be making. It is crucial that we respond to this by making sure that our doors are always open and that we provide them with the support and advice they need to make the right choices, from day one," Professor MacCraith said,

MacCraith continued: "A 6th year student used to studying no more than 10 subjects at school is suddenly faced with the overwhelming task of having to choose one out of a possible 100 or 200 degree programmes. We need to make sure that students know that all third level institutions are prepared to help school leavers cross that bridge between secondary and third level."

New to DCU this year for CAO applicants are a BSc in Horticulture and a BSc in Health and Society. The first graduates from the BA in Contemporary Culture and Society, the only one of its kind in Ireland, were conferred this year and the BSc in Aviation Management, introduced only a year ago, is already becoming a popular choice with students who are looking for a career in the aviation industry, either as a pilot or in management.

MacCraith said: "It's very important that all third-level institutions continuously evolve and introduce new degree programmes which reflect not just the job market and the needs of employers, but also the growing interests and needs of our students. While we can't predict with any accuracy what kind of jobs will exist in the coming decades, what we can do is prepare our graduates well and arm them with the skills and attributes they need to succeed in an unpredictable and continuously changing employer landscape."

The closing date for CAO application is 1st February 2011 To get in touch directly with a DCU advisor on the courses and options available please call: +353 1 700 8510 or email studenthelp@dcu.ie.

DCU's six steps to making the right CAO choices

Step 1. Find out what you like
Choose what you genuinely prefer to do and don't be led purely by points as you will regret it later. Think about the subjects you excelled in at school but more importantly think about those you really enjoyed. If you don't know what you like - which is very common - start exploring your options

Step 2. Do your homework
Start doing your research, get the college prospectus look at websites, talk to your guidance counsellors but get in touch with the colleges directly. Pick up the phone, go on campus, get a feel for the place, attend a lecture, talk to some of the students

Step 3. If uncertain, choose broadly (and then specialise)
If you are unsure as to what course of study you wish to pursue, think about enrolling in a more general degree. This will give you scope to study a broad range of subject areas -- with an opportunity to specialise at a later stage.

Step 4.Know your course requirements
When you have an idea of what course you want to follow, examine carefully what the requirements are, beyond just points. For example a degree may require a specific attainment in a leaving cert subject, attendance at an interview, or the submission of a portfolio.

Step 5. Think about life in college
Choose a college that will offer you the kind of experience you're looking for. For example, what will your travel arrangements be - do you want to move away from home or commute. What are the facilities like on campus. Are there additional supports provided to first year students? What kind of societies and clubs are available - extra-curricular activities are a crucial part of college life and the more involved you are the better.

Step 6: Think about life after college
Think about the job you would like to do after you graduate and look at colleges which offer courses in those areas. Check out if they offer work placements or an option to study abroad. Experience gained from such options is invaluable and will give you the cutting-edge in the graduate recruitment market.