CAO Choices: Don’t panic, expert help is always at hand
Take a breath and seek advice: The CAO Change of Mind process is designed to be your safety net, not a source of stress.
“In every life we have some trouble, but when you worry you make it double.” These lyrics of the famous Bobby McFerrin song, Don’t Worry Be Happy, might not be exactly what students are feeling as the CAO deadline approaches – but it’s still a sentiment with some worth.
For those feeling various degrees of nervousness these days, do remember not to panic – help is at hand. As the Change of Mind deadline approaches on July 1st, the CAO reminds applicants that it is always advisable to seek advice from those experienced with their processes.
And don't panic, there is still time to apply for the course of your choice, including some that may have been added to the CAO's list of courses in the months after you completed your initial application at the start of this year.
The mission of the CAO is to be the leading provider of centralised application processing services into higher education in Ireland; since it was established, over 1.5 million students have taken up places in third-level institutions.
Take a breath – the CAO Change of Mind process is designed to be your safety net, not a source of stress. You have until 1st July at 17:00 to add, remove, or re-order your courses entirely for free. Your original choices simply disappear and are completely replaced by your newest submitted list “Every year we hear wild tales of hasty decisions during the Change of Mind period,” says guidance counsellor Brian Comerford at KilkennyGuidance.com.
“Up to July 1st, the CAO allows you to tweak your course selections at no cost. Feel free to shuffle your choices, or add or drop courses as much as you like. But remember, this does not apply to restricted courses, those requiring additional assessments like interviews or tests.”
However, Brian adds that there is an exception – if a restricted course shares the same assessment process as the one you’ve already chosen, you might be in luck. “In such cases, it’s wise to touch base with the CAO or the institution for clarity.”
So, who benefits from the Change of Mind facility?
“A significant number of applicants do. Some might only now be ready to make their course selections, or want to include new options from the CAO Alert List that have caught their eye.”
This list is worth a look, Brian advises, as it often offers cutting-edge courses that might demand lower points because they are not as well-known yet.
“The best part is that it is completely free of charge. You can log in and scramble your course choices as many times as you want until that July 1st deadline. And you can even use this window to add brand new courses that weren't even available back in February.”
Students can hunt these new degrees down on the college alert list. Go to cao.ie, click on ‘my application’ on the top menu, click on applicant resources on the left, and then select alert list.
“Check out the college you are interested in. There might be a brand new course you weren't aware of that could change your life. Your course could also have been cancelled, paused, or the entry requirements could have changed.”
Place your absolute dream course at number 1, your second choice at number 2, and so on. The computer will automatically offer you the highest choice on your list that you are academically qualified for.
Do not drop a course just because you think the points will be too high. Points change every year based on demand. Put down exactly what you actually want to do.
You generally cannot add restricted courses – those requiring portfolios, auditions, or special assessments – during this stage. However, you can remove them or change their place on your list.
While CAO points are important, don’t let them be the sole factor in your choices. Consider your interests, strengths, and long-term career ambitions before making a change.
Didn’t get the points for your first choice? No worries! Look into alternative routes such as QQI courses that can lead to the same destination. Students should also consider Location & Costs: College life is more than just academics.
Consider travel, accommodation, and cost implications when selecting programmes – finding the right fit can greatly enhance the overall experience. MIC’s Student Recruitment Officer, Dr Patrick Cosgrove, says: “Take the time to explore college websites and particularly their undergraduate prospectus so that you can make an informed decision.
Secondly, don’t fixate on particular colleges or on points, which can go down as well as up, and choose programmes that you have a genuine interest in, regardless of what college it is, or what you think the points might be. Finally, choose your programmes in order of genuine preference when filling out your form.”
Many students rush their original CAO form just to ‘get it done,’ adding courses that they may not have researched thoroughly or those which were of interest at the time but may not now feel like the right fit, says Niamh Dwyer, a qualified Career Guidance Counsellor with 23 years’ experience of guiding and supporting students, parents and adults through various stages in their career journeys.
“This is the moment to pause and reassess properly. Students should take time now to research course content – not just titles – explore progression routes, and think honestly about what suits them – their strengths, their interests, and how they like to learn.”
Visiting college websites, exploring career options from the courses and speaking with people already in those fields can bring real clarity, she advises. “For parents, your role is crucial – but it’s not to steer the ship. It’s to create the space for good decisions. Ask questions, encourage exploration, and challenge assumptions, but avoid pushing toward what you think is ‘safe’ or ‘secure.’ Those choices often lead to disengagement later on which can result in a student dropping out of their chosen course.”
One principle should guide every Change of Mind decision, she says – list courses in genuine order of preference, not based on expected points.
“The CAO system will always offer the highest preference course a student qualifies for — so sticking to this rule when ranking courses is critical. It is also to remind students that there are two lists – Level 8 (Honours degrees) and Level 7/6 (Ordinary degrees and Higher diplomas). Up to ten choices can be added to each list, giving a total of twenty course options to every applicant. That’s twenty chances to secure a place on a course of interest.”
Used properly, the Change of Mind facility gives students the chance to move from rushed decisions to deliberate choices, and that shift can make all the difference.
