UCD Politics and Archaeology student, Hannah Costello, reflects on her experience in filling out the CAO form.
Like many 17 and 18-year-olds, I had no clue what I wanted to study. I must have changed my CAO list at least 50 times because I overwhelmed myself with all the choices; at one point, Medicine in RCSI was my top choice, which, looking back at it now, was funny, seeing as I’ve finished my degree in a joint major in Politics and Archaeology.
I felt so confused and lost when I first filled out the CAO form. I remember I kept calling my dad and my school counsellor to help me fill out the endless pages of information. I’m sure everyone can relate to the overwhelming experience of the CAO, between the seemingly infinite amount of information asked for and thousands of options to choose from, course-wise. I wish I knew about the UCD CAO Change of Mind helpline while I was filling out my own, but I missed the window for asking my questions, with it being open from June 16 to June 30 for any CAO course-related queries.
I have always loved research and have conducted extensive research on things that will affect my path in life. When deciding on a university, I considered hundreds of factors, from campus life to the course world rankings. There are many ways to determine if a course is right for you. Look at what’s on offer. Are there opportunities for internships or study abroad in your third year? What times would your classes roughly be at? Would you be able to take all the modules you’re interested in, or (one I’ve fallen victim to) would their timetables clash? But be mindful that while generally the timetables will stay the same year on year, they sometimes change, especially if a different professor is teaching the module.
Ultimately, UCD was the best fit for me, which I figured out after hours of scrolling through the prospectus and rewatching the virtual tour until I had memorised the campus; I even looked up specific module codes to get an idea of what I would be studying. I would search UCD on YouTube and Instagram — stalking the many pages that spoke of the college experience at UCD, even the unofficial (and controversial) UCD Confessions page (may they rest in peace).
Even though I was a COVID graduate (class of 2020), I have since worked at many UCD Open Days and Open Evenings. I would highly recommend that any prospective student consider attending them. I wish I had the opportunity to go. While I didn’t pick my course for the study abroad and internship opportunities (of which there are a plethora of options), I would highly recommend you look into them if that’s something you think might benefit you in the long run.
UCD is amazing and special in so many ways. It is near and dear to my heart. Even though it can seem daunting with the thousands of students, you’d be surprised at how small and close-knit the community is — everyone kind of knows everyone.
Figure out what you’re passionate about and what makes you tick. There are so many opportunities for you at UCD. I’ve joined many societies in UCD and tried many different things, from horse riding to writing for The College Tribune (the on-campus student paper), to the Hispanic Society, and the illustrious L&H Society.
When considering your options on the CAO, be curious, be open, and above all else, know that it’s okay not to know what you want to do for the next three or four years of your life and beyond.
Talk to as many people as possible, such as potential professors, parents, family, and friends. Heck, even ask your neighbours what they think.
Just don’t be afraid or all consumed by the CAO list. It’s not worth the stress. In my mother’s immortal wise words, ” Everything happens for a reason.”
