Torn between courses on CAO

william speareshake

So I suppose this has been asked a fair amount recently, but I'd really appreciate some advice from people who've gone through the whole system.
Leaving Cert now just under the belt, not sure if I can say the same about the points though, but I'd say I should be happy enough with what I get next August. Like many people, I've never been sure exactly what was the right course for me so yknow, bit of a panic now to fill out the CAO before July 1. For the LC my choice subjects were French, German, Biology and Chemistry and I did higher level in these including English, Irish and Maths. So two broad categories really for me, I was thinking either science or law plus a language in either UCC or TCD if points allow. At the moment on the CAO I have Law & German and the broad science course in TCD and then Law and French and biochem in UCC plus a couple of other courses but those were my main 4.
I think my main problem here is choosing between science and languages. Also for law, I've been to a lot of the taster days in the colleges and I'm really interested in the modules, however some people have told me that not having studied history would put me at a disadvantage from an essay writing point of view, but I just wondered if this was true. Not sure if I'd like a straight language course but I have put down World Languages in UCC down as my 5th.
So sorry if that was a bit long, but thanks if you have any advice at all for me! You can be as blunt/honest as you want, all help appreciated here!

A97

It seems to me like you would like to do Law most. I have no experience in the area, but I'm sure you will be able to come up to standard with regard to essay writing if you're not there already. If you're good at English, I doubt you'd be a lot worse than any of your peers.

From what I've read, Law & German seems like it would be a good course for you. However, that fact that you're posting this might indicate otherwise. Maybe I'm reading too much into it, but you need to be at least somewhat content with your choice.

Like you, I had no idea what to put down on the CAO. I ended up choosing General Engineering because it's broad and has a strong scientific component, which interested me at school. It also seemed like a good degree in terms of employment prospects as many Engineering graduates have a decent chance of getting a good job. I also felt that even if I didn't like it, it would be a good degree (or at least a couple of productive years) to have under my belt. All in all, I like it and I'm happy with my decision.

If you're unsure, I would advise taking things such as your personal interests and job prospects into account. General Science for example could be a good pick for you because generally, you don't have to specialise for another two years so it gives you more time to think about your future and to develop existing interests or discover new ones.

Finally, you don't have to go to college this year. You could defer your place and potentially get a job or travel. In the end, you might have a clearer picture of what you want to do.

Ultimately, it's up to you and I encourage you to think deeply about what you want to do. To reiterate, I think that Law & German would suit you based on your interests but just make sure that you'll be happy with it. Even if you end up dropping out, it's not the end of the world either. Good luck with whatever you decide to do.

william speareshake

Okay, yeah thank you, I was worried about the essay writing aspect but that puts me at ease. I'd say yeah, Law and German would be my main interest at the moment because I definitely favour German over French. But like you, I really love the scientific basis in courses but I guess I'll just have to choose which is more important to me.
Also, I have previously considered taking a gap year all right to do some travelling and work, so maybe I'll think more about it now, it seems like good advice.
Thanks very much for your reply again, I really appreciate your advice.
Good luck to you too