With the deadline for CAO applications approaching, Emma Donnelly from the UCD Admissions Office offers some advice to students filling out their CAO applications in the coming days.

The CAO application deadline is fast approaching and one of the most important things to remember is the deadline! CAO application forms must be submitted by 5.15 p.m. on Thursday 1 February 2018.

There are still a number of days before the deadline so it is important to spend your time wisely and get ready for submitting your application. I always advise students to take a look at the CAO Demo Application first before you take on the real thing. Use this as a dry run to make sure you know exactly what to expect when you are filling out your actual application.

 

Some of the most common mistakes are often the simplest, so make sure you:

  • Enter your name the right way round!
    • This sounds silly but you will be surprised how many people get this wrong! Your name should appear the same way it appears on your official documents e.g. Birth Cert (you can always change the name to a different name when you register)
  • Put in your correct date of birth in the format DD/MM/YYYY.
    • The most common mistake here is putting in today’s date so type carefully!
  • Include an email address that you check regularly
  • Tick all the boxes that apply to you – LC, QQI, Mature, Further Education etc
  • Include your Leaving Certificate examination number/s if you have them
  • Put in your PPS number if you have completed a FETAC or QQI-FET course
  • Enter all your course codes correctly and in your genuine order of preference

If you are a mature applicant (over 23 years of age) you will also need to complete the Mature Application form. There are 11 questions covering your previous education, work experience, life experience and a section for your statement of interest. If you are applying to UCD as a Mature Student check out our dedicated blog post here on applying to UCD.

Good Luck!