Over the next few weeks there are important upcoming deadline dates.  Many students will take the opportunity over the Christmas break to prepare for these deadlines.

Donnchadh explains to us what deadlines are fast approaching and what students need to do to get ready for these.

From applying to the CAO, UK, Europe, HPAT and even a course in America, Donnchadh has you covered.

Don't forget to follow us @leavingcertguidance on Instagram and TikTok.

Roisin O'Donohoe is back with Donnchadh this week, this time to discuss the HEAR and DARE application processes and what students need to know and some tips and advice for the application.

Don't forget to follow @leavingcertguidance on Instagram and TikTok

Donnchadh is joined by Ava Rose Gallagher, a 4th year Commerce International student in UCC who talks about her Erasmus experience.  Ava Rose talks about:

• The process of applying to Erasmus
• Applying for the Erasmus grant
• How the Erasmus process works
• Her experience in Germany
• How she settled in
• What her Erasmus has taught her
• And what she intends to do once she completes her degree

Don't forget to follow us @leavingcertguidance on Instagram and TikTok.

This is one of our biggest podcast episodes of the year.  Eileen Keleghan from the CAO joins Donnchadh to give advice for 2025 CAO applicants.

They talk about:

• What applicants can expect from the CAO application
• Key deadline dates
• Genuine order of preference
• Change of mind facility
• Level 6/7 and Level 8 list
• Restricted courses
• Last minute advice

Dont forget to follow us @leavingcertguidance Instagram and TikTok.

Language teacher Katie Lenehan (@mslenslanguages) join Donnchadh on the pod this week to talk about preparing for languages exams for the LC.

Katie and Donnchadh discuss:

• Key challenges for students
• improving oral and listening skills
• practising languages outside of the classroom
• Improving vocab
• Managing your time during exams
• Tips for the oral exam
• And lots more

Dont forget to follow @leavingcertguidance on Instagram and TikTok

Donnchadh is joined by Guidance Counsellor Roisin O'Donohoe to talk effective study methods and how students can get the most from themselves while studying. Donnchadh and Roisin discuss:

• Most common study mistakes
• the importance of active studying
• creating an effective study schedule
• avoiding procrastination or burnout
• the importance of sleep and nutrition for study 
• and tips for handling stress and anxiety leading up to the LC

Don't forget to follow @leavingcertguidance on Instagram and TikTok

There are a number of exemptions that CAO applicants can apply for.  Universities might have matriculation requirements that outline an applicant must have Irish and/or another language.

In this episode, Donnchadh is joined by guidance counsellor from the Institute of Education, Aoife McArdle, to discuss exemptions for NUI universities, Trinity College, UL and Mary Immaculate College.

It is important to note that if you think you are eligible to apply for an exemption that you talk to your guidance counsellor.

Follow @leavingcertguidance on Instagram and TikTok.

Alice Byrne is in 4th year medicine in UCD.  When she sat her HPAT in 2021 she scored in the 98th percentile achieving 197 points.

She joins Donnchadh in this episode to give some tips to potential HPATers.

Alice discusses:

• The importance of the HPAT
• How she prepared for it with specific strategies and resources
• Balancing the LC and the HPAT
• Importance of timing and pacing during the exam
• Advice for students who are anxious about the HPAT
• Tips for students sitting the HPAT in February

Connect with Alice via email [email protected]

Follow us @leavingcertguidance on Instagram and TikTok

Donnchadh is joined by two 625 points students this week.  Juliet and Jessica chat about:

• How they structured their study
• What study techniques worked best for them.
• Subjects they had to prioritise
• The lead up to the exams
• Balancing school and life
• Staying motivated
• What advice they wish they had known in 6th year

Follow @leavingcertguidance on Instagram and TikTok.

Conan Meehan joins Donnchadh to chat about Irish applicants applying to UCAS in 2025.  Conan has been helping ROI students apply to UCAS since 2019.  In this podcast they talk about:

• What is UCAS
• How to make an application
• Deciding on a course to study
• What the 15th October deadline means
• The new entry criteria for Health Science courses in UU
• How to guarantee accommodation in Ulster University
• Free courses in the North of Ireland
• and much more.

Dont forget to follow @leavingcertguidance on Instagram and Tiktok.