Higher Options 2017 starts tomorrow, and if you’re sitting the leaving cert next summer you really should be heading along this year. At this stage, some students will just be starting to think about their future, while others will have a firm idea of what they want to do after school. Whatever category you fall into, Higher Options is a must and here are four reasons why you should attend.
1. Find out what exactly is involved in the course.
Higher options is an opportunity for you to meet with representatives from various colleges and find out exactly what each course entails. Many students will find that although a course may sound appealing, it may not be all it seems to be. Therefore higher options will provide you with a platform to speak with those who can best inform you about what exactly the course entails and advise you if the course is really for you. The people you meet at higher options and the conversations you have can and will have a positive bearing on your decisions
2. Find out the minimum requirements for your course.
There’s no point in filling out your CAO form with courses in which you don’t meet the minimum requirement for. Many colleges and courses such as medicine or computers may require students to have a minimum of a H4 in maths or a science subject. If you have a particular course in mind but aren’t sure if you will meet the minimum requirements, Higher Options is the best place to find out. Representatives from colleges all over Ireland and further afield will be on hand to answer any questions you may have.
3. Find out if there is an opportunity for work placement.
College isn’t all about books and lectures. Many courses, in particularly those within the business field, offer students a work placement in their 3rd or 4th year. This can prove very beneficial when students complete their degree as it provides students with invaluable work experience which can’t be thought in the classroom. Work experience can also help jump start your career, with many employers often offering students full-time jobs after graduation. However, it is important to note that not all courses offer work placement. That’s why when you attend higher options you can ask if the course involves work experience and find out what the benefits of are and whether they are something you want to do
4. Find out what each college has to offer.
Each college is different. Some have a student population of 30,000 while others have a smaller population of 3,000. Some colleges focus on small class sizes, while others hold their lectures in large theatres with large class numbers. Higher options provide you with the opportunity to find out what each college can offer. Is it a large campus with 100’s of clubs and societies you want to attend? Or is a small tight knit community with a friendly environment up your street. Whatever takes your fancy, attending higher options will allow you to discover what each college is like and weather it will provide you with a comfortable environment to develop as a person and a student.
Higher Options will take place on September 13, 14 & 15 in the RDS Simmonscourt, Ballsbridge. If you’re attending make sure to drop by National College of Ireland’s stand and find out what NCI can offer you. More information about the event can be found the Irish Times website.
