Leaving Cert Guidance

Sarah interviews Hennie about her experience with the Leaving Cert, discussing her journey, study strategies, and the importance of managing stress. Hennie shares her insights on subject choices, study techniques, and the significance of past papers. She reflects on her results day experience and offers valuable advice for future students aiming for high scores. Chapters 00:00 Navigating the Leavi...

Richard Chen, who got 613 points in his LC, joins the Leaving Cert Guidance podcast and shares his experiences navigating the Leaving Cert, the pressures of exam preparation, and the emotional journey leading up to results day. He discusses the impact of social media on his study habits, effective study techniques he discovered, and the importance of balancing study with self-care. Richard also re...

In this episode, Sarah interviews Martha Harper, a medical student who gained popularity on TikTok for her content about the HPAT and her journey into medicine. Martha shares her experiences with the HPAT, the challenges of transitioning from secondary school to college, and the importance of balancing study with self-care. She provides valuable insights into the structure of the HPAT, her study s...

In this episode of the Leaving Cert Guidance podcast, Sarah Ó Tuama and guidance counsellor Donnchadh discuss the Central Applications Office (CAO) process, providing essential tips and insights for students navigating college applications. They cover key topics such as application deadlines, the change of mind facility, common mistakes, and the importance of research. The conversation also highli...

In this episode of the Leaving Cert Guidance podcast, Sarah Ó Tuama and Donnchadh discuss the critical process of selecting a college course. They emphasise the importance of research, aligning personal interests with potential career paths, and the role of parents in guiding students. The conversation also covers practical tips for navigating the CAO application, the significance of open days, an...

In this episode, Sarah asks Donnchadh about the UCAS application and how Irish applicants can tackle it. What is UCAS, how does the application work, how do I write a personal statement, what is student finance and how do repayments work?  What courses in Northern Ireland are popular and have no fees? All will be answered in this episode presented by findmycollegecourse.ie Dont forget to follow @l...

Donnchadh and Sarah chat on the first Leaving Cert Guidance episode of the academic year, bout Tertiary Degrees. Donnchadh reckons the landscape of the Irish education system has changed with the development of Tertiary degrees. Find out more about Tertiary degrees at nto.ie The episode is brought to you by IADT Tertiary degrees in Business & Psychology and Immersive Media Production.  Check o...

Ray Lanigan is a high impact study skills coach and a school motivational speaker.  he joins Donnchadh to discuss his study skills strategies such as the 30 minute study sprint and the whiz grid.  What advice does Ray have for students doing their mocks and advice for parents on this journey also? Dont forget to follow @leavingcertguidance on Instagram and TikTok.

Substance misuse expert, Sinead Carey, joins the Leaving Cert Guidance podcast to help students stay safe this Christmas.  What do students who are going out this Christmas need to know so they can keep themselves safe, the 5 As that parents should do when their child is out, the best website for information and how schools can assist students also. Don't forget to follow @leavingcertguidance...

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 t...

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 forg...

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 Instag...

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 @leavingcert...

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 st...

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 import...

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 f...

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 Fr...

Ella Deasy joins the podcast this week to talk about her meteoric rise on TikTok, advice she would give to content creators starting out, how she found the LC and CAO processes, where she is going to be studying next year and advice she would give to current 6th years. Follow @leavingcertguidance on Instagram and TikTok 

The LC results come out on Friday 23rd August at 10am. On this episode Donnchadh runs through what LC candidates can expect on the day and why the Candidate Self Service Portal is so important. Follow on Instagram @leavingcertguidance

There are so many important dates and deadlines upcoming.  So, Donnchadh and guidance counsellor Joe Farrelly, chat you through the most important ones got to do with the CAO, UCAS, HPAT, Tertiary degrees and PLC courses. Make sure to follow @leavingcertguidance on Instagram and TikTok

Donnchadh is flying solo this week in the podcast as he gives his top tips for preparation for the mocks.  Donnchadh talks about Study schedules Topics to learn Active study vs passive study Using nerves to your benefit Elite preparation Using the mocks as a positive Assessing post mocks Mocks vs HPAT The very best of luck to all in their preparations for the mocks and dont forget to follow our so...

Guidance counsellor Deborah Galbraith joined Donnchadh this week to discuss how students can make the most of their Christmas break.  How can students use the break in terms of relaxation, academic preparation and college research? Deborah outlines to students the type of studying they should be doing over the break and the self care practices they should be doing.   Follow @leavingcertguidance on...

If you are a HEAR/DARE applicant for the CAO 2024 applications or you just want to find out more about these access programmes then this episode is a must.  Colm Downes who is the Access Programme Manager for the Irish University Association joins Donnchadh to tell us what these programmes are, how CAO points work for them, what and application involves, important dates and lots more. Follow us on...