CAO Change of Mind Facility

The CAO Change of Mind facility allows applicants to add, remove or reorder course choices after submitting their CAO application. It gives students an opportunity to review their options after attending open days, speaking with guidance counsellors, researching careers or reflecting on their Leaving Certificate subjects.

The facility is free to use and can be a valuable opportunity to ensure your CAO choices reflect your genuine preferences before offers are issued.

When Does the CAO Change of Mind Facility Open?

The Change of Mind facility typically opens in early May and remains available until 1 July each year.

You can make changes as many times as you wish during this period. Only your final submission before the closing deadline will be considered when CAO offers are processed.

As dates and procedures can occasionally change, applicants should always check the CAO website for the latest information.

How to Change Your CAO Course Choices

1. Log in to your CAO account.
2. Access the Change of Mind section.
3. Add, remove or reorder courses.
4. Save and submit your updated choices.
5. Check your confirmation email to ensure your changes have been recorded.

Remember that CAO offers are based on your order of preference. You should always list courses in the order you genuinely want them rather than trying to predict points requirements.

Important Rules and Restrictions

Restricted Courses

Restricted courses generally cannot be added through the Change of Mind facility if they were not included on your original CAO application before the restricted course deadline.

Restricted courses may include programmes that require:

• Portfolios
• Auditions
• Interviews
• Additional assessments

However, applicants can normally change the order of restricted courses that were already included on their original application.

Mature Applicants

Mature applicants should check directly with individual colleges regarding any programme-specific requirements or deadlines that may apply.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Choosing Courses Based Only on Points

Points requirements change from year to year depending on demand. Focus on choosing courses that match your interests, abilities and career goals rather than trying to predict points trends.

Putting Courses in the Wrong Order

The CAO system works on genuine order of preference. If you qualify for your first-choice course, you will receive an offer for that course regardless of the points requirements of lower choices.

Ignoring New Courses

Many colleges introduce new programmes each year. The Change of Mind period is a good time to review new courses that may better suit your interests.

Overlooking Entry Requirements

Meeting the points requirement alone is not enough. Make sure you satisfy all subject requirements, minimum grades and any additional programme requirements.

Can You Add New Courses During Change of Mind?

Yes. In most cases, applicants can add new non-restricted courses during the Change of Mind period. This allows students to continue researching options and make informed decisions before the deadline.

Can You Change Your Choices More Than Once?

Yes. You can make multiple changes before the Change of Mind deadline. Your most recent submission replaces all previous versions.

Is the CAO Change of Mind Facility Free?

Yes. There is no charge to use the Change of Mind facility.

Final Advice

The Change of Mind facility is one of the most important stages of the CAO application process. Use this time to research courses thoroughly, attend open days, explore career pathways and compare programme content.

Most importantly, list courses in the order you genuinely want them. The CAO system is designed to offer you the highest-preference course for which you qualify, so there is no advantage in trying to second-guess points requirements.

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