'The Leaving Cert is one of those things that always works out'

Students urged to 'logically process' exam results

Many students may be disappointed with their results or worried about upcoming first-round college place offers.

The Leaving Certificate results mark a significant milestone for thousands of young people, but often students can be disappointed, or worried about upcoming first-round college place offers.

Emotions can run high when the results have not turned out as expected. 

Cork guidance counsellor Aisling Falvey said the students who contact her after results day can often “pinpoint” what went wrong for them. 

With a background in education, she understands how stressful this time of year can be. 

“My advice if a student is unhappy is that they just take some time to process that disappointment, and whatever other emotions they may be feeling,” she said.

“Maybe shock, anxiety, anger, and they can be very upset in a lot of cases. 

Don’t keep it in. Talk to a parent, talk to a guardian, talk to a guidance counsellor. 

"Really, just take some time to calmly and logically process the results.”

Students usually tend to have an idea of why their results did not turn out as planned. 

“Very often, they can come up with the answers which can help them with processing what happened.”

It is really important to remember there are always options, Ms Falvey added. 

"Engaging with a guidance counsellor here can really help you feel more empowered.”

There are also other alternative entry routes to college to consider, such as post Leaving Certificate courses (PLCs) or the new tertiary degrees. 

It is really important to remember there are always options.

“There’s always the option to apply for an apprenticeship or enter the world of work, or even just to wait for the CAO or for courses through the available places facility.

“Just because you might not get offered a particular course in round one, you never know. 

"Sometimes it really is worth waiting and seeing what happens in round two or three. It can be good to also have a backup plan in place as well. 

“Maybe considering a PLC, trying to identify something to help you feel a little bit more in control and empowered.”

The advice to parents who may have an unhappy student in the house is to also to keep calm. 

"Really just listen," Ms Falvey said. 

Try not to bombard them with advice, try to maybe go to a guidance counsellor, either in private practice or contact the school, or the Leaving Cert helpline. 

"Try to let the advice come from someone impartial. Very often, and its true for all of us, we don’t want to listen to those closest to us.

“Sometimes, its about being there and letting someone speak, just providing a listening ear and not fueling the panic. Just reassure them. 

"Everything will be OK, it seems like such a big moment in life right now but in the grand scheme of things, things do work out. 

"The Leaving Cert is one of those things that always works out.”

The National Parents and Students Leaving Cert Helpline and text support service will operate from 10am to 5pm on August 25 to August 29 and from 10am to 2pm on August 23 and August 30. 

Meanwhile, almost 40 college courses available outside of the points race are still open for applications. 

Tertiary degree courses offer students a more accessible route into higher education.

No CAO points are needed for these courses, and students pay no college fees for the first one to two years while beginning their studies in Education and Training Boards.

Students then progress on to the relevant higher education institution, graduating with the same bachelor's degree as someone who entered through the traditional points route.

“This is not a lesser option as students earn the very same bachelor’s degree, it’s simply a different route, with direct application, outside of the CAO process,” deputy director of the National Tertiary Office Tanya Jones said.

To apply, visit NTO.ie