The CAO form is very straightforward, and it’s hard to go wrong. However, given the importance of getting it right, it is worth taking your time and concentrating on the task.

There are four pages on the print CAO form and over thirty different spaces to be filled in. The majority of Irish school-leavers only need to complete Part A (pages 1 and 2). Part B (pages 3 and 4) is for those applying without Leaving Cert results, such as mature students or people from abroad. Make sure that your writing is clear and that you write in block capitals, especially for course codes.

The online form is exactly the same, except, well, it’s online. As efficient as online forms generally are, it is not a good idea to wait until the CAO deadline day to complete your online application, in case the dreaded ‘technical difficulties’ strike – which is more likely if half the country’s Leaving Cert students are also trying to use the system at the same time.

Most of the information requested is straightforward enough – you already know your name, date of birth, nationality and address. It’s a good idea to give your home address and home phone number, as mobile phones are less reliable.

The most important part of the form is the Course Choices section. The CAO choice system is split into two categories: a Level 6 and 7 list, where you put your higher certificate and ordinary degree choices, and a Level 8 list, where you put your honours degree options. Each category has ten spaces for course choices and it is recommended you fill in all ten spaces on each list.

You complete the Course Code of the courses you want, not the name of the course, or the institution where it is held. Each third-level course has its own code number, usually made up of two letters and three numbers. You can find this code in the course listings section of this guide, and in the college’s prospectus and website.

Always, always, always put the course that you really want to do at the top of each list, and then work down the list in order of your own personal preferences. Don’t rank courses in order of last year’s points, or any other consideration. The reason there are ten spaces is that you can afford to aim high, with plenty of space to list other ‘insurance’ courses, should you not get the required points for your first choice.

It’s a good idea to get someone to check over your form before you send it off, or have someone sitting with you while you are completing the online form.  Even the most organised of people can make a small slip-up, which may prove costly later. If you apply online, make sure you follow all the directions to the end of the process. You are not finished until you print or save the screen receipt of acceptance of your online application.

You should keep evidence showing you have sent your form, just in case there are problems with the online system or the postal service. Online applicants should keep their printed receipt of acceptance safe. Paper applicants should enclose their Acknowledgement Card with their initial application and then keep it safe when it’s returned. If your application gets lost in the post you will need a Certificate of Posting and payment evidence of the application fee to show the CAO you applied in the correct way, and that you aren’t to blame for the form’s disappearance.