Oxygen.ie sponsored by International Student Identity Card
The only globally recognised student ID
160,000 student discounts
Get yours today at
There is so much hype over the Leaving Cert, it can be very overwhelming. By the time results day comes around, there is so much pressure to get good results. I have been there and I can tell you that I cried over my results because I was so disappointed. I didn’t know what to do with my life at that point. If you find yourself in the same boat as me a few years ago, here are some options that will help you get through this.
1. Accept An Alternative Course Offered
You might want to take a different course offered. This is perfect if the alternative course is very different to your first choice. If you know that the course offered to you isn’t interesting to you, don’t take it.
2. Repeat The Leaving Certificate
This isn’t an easy decision. If you missed out by a few points to your dream course, this may be an option for you. If your study was interrupted by personal circumstances such as illness or someone close to you passed away; it may be best to repeat to hopefully get the results you deserve second time round.
3. Look For Vacant CAO Places
This is what I did, you can do this with the CAO change of mind. There is plenty of courses out there that have not reached full capacity of students. Try to see if there is anything you might be interested in. I chose to do a degree in Journalism & Visual Media in GCD and it was definitely the best decision of my life.
4. Do A PLC Course
A PLC is an important alternative way into employment or into a college course. Usually a PLC is about a year long, you will then hopefully be able to go directly into your preferred course or line of employment.
5. Take A Gap Year
This is something a lot of people do. The intensity of 6th year can knock you. Taking a year to work and travel can help clear your mind. You can have time to figure out what you really want to do and find your true passion in life.
Bottom Line
It is a myth that everyone just goes straight into college and loves it. You might decide that college isn’t for you and that’s okay too. What is meant for you will not pass you by. When I received my results, I had now idea that in three years time that I would have a degree under my belt in a subject that I am very passionate in.
ISIC TAKEOVER
GET THE ONLY GLOBALLY RECOGNISED STUDENT ID
By Aoife Crilly