The media is quick to highlight students who achieve the 625 maximum points on Leaving Cert results day. But what about those who are disappointed with lower results than expected?
More often than not it can be students who garner between 400-500 points, which although a very good result, may be much less than hoped for.
Perhaps, specific subjects didn’t bring the grade they were expecting, making the first or second choice courses no longer an option.
Initially, students may feel disappointed, especially when watching others celebrate their achievements. It is completely normal for students to feel upset, angry or disappointed when they do not achieve expected grades.
It is important to acknowledge those feelings. With time most students move beyond the disappointment and learn from the experience.
Accessing the results portal
On Friday 23 August, many students will opt to access their Leaving Certificate results via the Candidate Self-Service Portal (CSSP).
Students will need their exam number, student portal account password and their PPS number to access the portal.
Issues around login are dealt with via the State Examinations Commission (SEC). Email: candidateportal@examinations.ie or phone 090 6442702 if you are having difficulty.
Calculating CAO points
The six best results, in recognised subjects are counted for CAO points.
Students can add up the points themselves, however a CAO points calculator is available on both the CAO and careers portal websites.
25 Bonus points will be added to the points score for a H6 grade or higher in Leaving Certificate Higher Level Maths.
It is very important to remember that students must meet the minimum entry requirements and any specific subject requirements as well as points, in order to be considered for a college course place.
Alternatives/options
If students are disappointed with their results or with their college offers, there are always options. They might not be your first choice but are worth investigating. There is still time to research alternative pathways and to apply for them.
Some alternatives to consider:
PLC Courses: Check out your local PLC college, they offer a wide variety of courses. These courses can lead directly to employment or to Higher Education Courses.
Tertiary Degree Programmes: A tertiary course is a joint degree programme. You start your course in your local Education and Training Board and finish your studies in a university.
Check out www.nto.ie for the courses in your area.
Available places (CAO): These are courses which are still accepting applications and are updated daily by CAO. Be sure to check them out.
Study Abroad: Lots of Irish students are studying in European colleges. Check out www.eunicas.ie and www.learnabroad.ie for further details.
Private Colleges: These usually have lower entry requirements however they do charge fees (not supported by SUSI grant).
Apprenticeships: There are currently approximately 60 different apprenticeship-type programmes. Check out www.apprenticeship.ie.
Failed maths
A pass in maths or achieving a certain grade in maths may be a specific requirement for many CAO courses. What happens if you don’t meet this requirement?
A lot of colleges/universities offer second chance maths exams/ maths competency tests. Look up their websites immediately or contact the admission office. These exams usually take place within a few days of the Leaving results.
Appeal process
Students use the CSSP (Candidate Self-Service Portal) to view examination scripts, make an appeal and access their appeal results.
Students get the chance to view their scripts before paying a fee to get a subject rechecked.
The viewing of marked scripts allows students to look at their exam papers to check if the marking scheme has been applied correctly. Most subjects are now marked online so students will view these scripts on a computer.
Dealing with disappointment
It may be useful to discuss your results with someone you trust. This could be a family member, a friend, a teacher, school guidance counsellor.
Many schools make guidance counsellors and year heads available to talk to students around the time of results to offer advice on how you can progress your education.
Each school will differ so check with your own school regarding their arrangements.
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