Leaving Cert Results Advice

For immediate release
11 August 2014  

Leaving Cert Results Advice

SpunOut.ie, Ireland’s youth information website, is advising students to make the most of the time they have left before Leaving Cert results are released on Wednesday.

“A lot of students tend to get a little anxious in the last few days before the results come out, that’s perfectly normal and many of the 54,933 young people waiting to calculate their points will be in the same boat.” says Ian Power, director of SpunOut.ie

“Generally, around 63% of CAO applicants are offered their first choice, so for most applicants there really is no need to worry. For those who don’t get their first choice it’s important to remember there are many different ways to get to where you want to go. Every student should make sure they have fully researched and thought about a ‘Plan B’ option in case they don’t get an offer for their first preference. Doing so before results and offers day means you won’t be making decisions in a panic.”

“Once you have thought about all your options, our advice is to relax, stay positive and make plans to do something fun that will distract you. These are the last few days of Summer before the hectic move to college - so make the most of them. All the hard work is done, so there’s really no point in worrying over something you no longer have control over.”

Key points to remember:

• Distract yourself, do something you enjoy and stay positive
• A little stress is a good thing, it shows you care - it’s suffering from too much stress that causes problems. If you think you’re too stressed - check out SpunOut.ie/exams for advice to address it
• Your parents and family only want you to be happy, they’ll be proud of you no matter what
• Take the time now to research and think about a ‘Plan B’ in case you don’t get your first choice
• It’s a time where you’ll make many tough and exciting choices. You will have a few days to decide when you receive an offer, make sure to take some time to think things through
• These are only the first steps of your career, nothing you do now will prevent you from changing direction at any time in the future
• Download NUIG’s iPoints app or familiarise yourself with the Points Calculator on Qualifax.ie, so you don’t make any counting errors on the day
• When you do get your results, try to stay calm and make sure to talk to a parent, teacher or the free guidance counsellor hotline before making any final decisions

Key dates:
Wednesday August 13th - Leaving Cert Results Day
Monday August 18th - Round 1 CAO offers issued
Wednesday August 27th - Round 2 CAO offers issued

Remember, there will be a team of friendly guidance counsellors on hand from 8am - 7pm on Wednesday to listen and answer any questions you may have. You can call them on 1800 265 165

1Source: HEA: http://www.hea.ie/sites/default/files/cao_acceptance_paper_hea_2013_0.pdf