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How on earth does CAO exist???

Hi everone,

Just decided to apply to Trinity College Dublin through CAO (in addition to universities in the UK).

The thing is that I don't understand a single thing about this process. I'll sit a national qualification from a EU country, but apart from mentioning it, I can't add predicted grades or stuffs like that! I can't add English Language Certification, I can't add some kind of a cover letter or personal statement, I can't add any of the two referees required.

It's just so confusing and complicated, I hate it.

Thanks to anyone who could help me :smile:

Reply 1

smc720

Hi! I'm a Northern Irish student who will also be applying through CAO. My understanding is that you don't need a personal statement or references to apply through CAO - you also don't enter your predicted grades because, unlike UCAs, courses don't make you a conditional offer based on your grades. Rather, the offer is not made until after you get your A Level results, at which point you contact the college and see if they will admit you.

Reply 2

indvolda

Original post by smc720

Oooh! Really? Oh that's a funny way to proceed, but actually intelligent. I regret the title I've given to this thread :smile:

Oh now I get it... But on their website, you have some kind of a demo where there are boxes to describe your hobbies, etc? Does it come after or before the results of A levels, etc? And I've also seen in this "demo" that you are required to give the contact details of two referees...
And you really don't need a personal statement?

Anyway, thank you so much! I'm applying from France so I'm absolutely not familiar with CAO :smile:

Reply 3

luminiou

Hey !

I am french, lived in Ireland for two years and I have been trough the CAO process, so If you want help just ask me !
Je sais que le CAO est super bizarre haha :wink:

Reply 4

indvolda

Original post by luminiou

Hey !

I am french, lived in Ireland for two years and I have been trough the CAO process, so If you want help just ask me !
Je sais que le CAO est super bizarre haha :wink:

Oh God I meet French everywhere here :smile: