TIME IS TICKING away for those wishing to amend their CAO applications, with the change-of-mind deadline fast approaching.

From 5.15pm on Saturday 1 July, applicants will no longer be able to change their preferences for the courses they’d like to do.

Ahead of the deadline, the CAO says that they are expecting a deluge of applicants changing their minds and is warning people not to amend their preferences based on how they think they did in the Leaving Cert.

CAO / Vimeo

CAO General Manager Joseph O’Grady said: “Every year we experience a surge in last-minute amendments to CAO applications. This is due to a number of factors, for example more time spent researching courses and the introduction of new areas of interest.

In 2016, 54% of applicants availed of the change-of-mind facility at least once.

O’Grady advised people to list the courses “in their genuine order of preference” so that they’ll be offered the one that they want most if eligible.

He also added that – once you’ve amended your preferences – to double the check the confirmation email sent out and ensure the changes are the correct ones that you want.

In total, 76,000 people have applied through the CAO this year.

The Leaving Certificate results are expected to be released on 16 August this year. The first round of CAO offers will be issued the following Monday 21 August.

Applicants who receive an offer will have until 5.15pm on 28 August to accept their offer. The expected date for the second round of offers is 31 August.

Read: ‘It’s not just getting your foot in the door’: Over 6,000 third-level students don’t make it to 2nd year

Read: There has been a plunge in the number of students who want to do nursing

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