Give the change-of-mind process your full attention over the coming days; it could be critical to your future, writes Brian Mooney

It is now time to have a final look over the CAO application you submitted back in January if you are heading to third level in September.

If you do not wish to change any of your courses, you do not need to send the change-of-mind form back to the CAO.

But if you want to change your options a change-of-mind form must be returned, to arrive not later than 5.15pm on July 1st at CAO, Tower House, Eglinton Street, Galway.

Those using the postal system should post no later than Wednesday, June 27th.

Online applications (to www. cao.ie) should be finalised by Thursday 28th to avoid last-minute technical problems on the final date for applications.

You don't want to repeat the nightmare that thousands of students experienced in the final days of January this year, as they tried to submit their applications online.

For many CAO applicants, the decisions of January seem like distant memories. There may be a temptation not to revisit this process, given the level of exhaustion you are now feeling after two gruelling weeks of exams. This would be a major error, as many things have changed since you made your initial applications.

Colleges may have withdrawn some courses or added new ones. Any changes are on the CAO website.

You may have changed subject levels from higher to ordinary, making you ineligible for a course.

An example might be some students who applied for degree courses in engineering while studying higher-level maths, but who eventually took the ordinary level paper.

Below are a number of tips to follow in making changes to your CAO application.

Before making any changes to your application, update yourself on any changes to courses or new courses on offer at www.cao.ie .

Applicants should always place their courses in the order they actually want them, and not try to second-guess what Leaving Certificate result or points score they will achieve in August.

It is wise to cover all possible eventualities, by listing a wide range of options at both cert/ordinary and higher degree level.

Never opt for a course until you have read the full text of the course content at qualifax.ie or in the prospectus published by the college.

Do not be influenced in your choice by factors such as where your friends are applying.

Discuss any changes you propose to make with a parent or other responsible adult to ensure that they are well thought out.

Follow carefully the CAO regulations to ensure that your change-of-mind process is carried out successfully.

Having done that, if you wish to make a change to your initial application, submit your final list of choices, to arrive at the CAO offices before 5.15pm on July 1st.

If you make any change the CAO will send you written confirmation by July 15th.