Higher education Access Route (Hear)What is the Higher Education Access Route (HEAR)?
HEAR is a third level admissions scheme for school leavers from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Eligible students compete for a quota of reduced points places in the colleges that run the scheme. Who is HEAR for? Students leaving school who have the ability to benefit from and succeed in higher education and who come from socio-economic groups in Irish society that are underrepresented in third level. Why was HEAR set up? It was set up to tackle educational disadvantage. Socio-economic disadvantage negatively impacts on educational attainment at school and affects progression by some second level students to third level. Research in Ireland shows that for example, the son/daughter of an unskilled manual worker (e.g. factory worker) is less likely to progress to higher education than the son/daughter of a higher professional (e.g. doctor). What does "reduced points" mean? Applicants eligible for HEAR may gain entry to college courses on less than the full CAO points. For example, a course that is 450 points through CAO may be offered to a HEAR student with 410 Leaving Certificate points. All HEAR students must however meet college matriculation and specific course entry requirements where they apply. Which colleges take part in HEAR? Dublin City University Dublin Institute of Technology NUI Galway NUI Maynooth Trinity College Dublin, University College Dublin, University College Cork, University of Limerick, Colaiste Mhuire, Marino Institute of Education, Church of Ireland College of Education, Mary Immaculate College, Limerick, Mater Dei Institute of Education, National College of Ireland Pontifical University, Maynooth St. Angela’s College, Sligo, St. Patrick’s College, Drumcondra. This means students can apply through HEAR for the quota of places in any of these colleges. How many places are there for HEAR students each year? Each of the colleges set aside a quota of places for HEAR students each year. In 2011, 1383 students accepted places in the participating colleges through HEAR. For further information on the number of places available in particular institutions or courses, please contact the access office in the college of your choice. How do I know I know if I'm eligible to apply to HEAR - what criteria are used? Each HEAR applicant is assessed in relation to six indicators (criteria). Each applicant must meet at least three of the indicators in order to be eligible for the scheme. Only certain combinations of the indicators make an applicant eligible. Every applicant must meet Indicator 1 in order to be considered. The indicators are: Indicator 1 Low Income - Is the household income below the HEAR Income threshold (in the relevant year)? Indicator 2 Medical Card - Is the applicant or his/her mother/father/guardian in receipt of a medical card (in date on 31st December 2012)? Indicator 3 Social Welfare – Is the applicant’s mother/father/guardian in receipt of a means-tested social welfare payment (for a minimum of 26 weeks in the relevant year)? Indicator 4 Socio-Economic Grouping (based on occupation and employment status) – Is the applicant a member of a group underrepresented in higher education? Indicator 5 DEIS School – Did the applicant attend a school part of the Department of Education & Science “DEIS” scheme (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools) for the duration of their second level education? Indicator 6 Geographical Area – Does the applicant live in an area of concentrated disadvantage? The combinations for eligibility are: In
If you think that you meet Indicator 1 plus any other two indicators then you may be part of an underrepresented group and you should apply How can I apply to HEAR? Students can apply online at the CAO website from 5th November 2012. As part of the application process, and depending on individual circumstances, applicants will be asked to submit documentation relating to their parent(s)/guardian(s) or to themselves to support their application. Applicants must be able to clearly document household income in the year specified. Examples of the documentation required are: •P21(s) or Long Form Notice(s) of Assessment •Statement of welfare benefits received from Department of Social Protection All supporting documents must be returned to the CAO no later than 1 April 2013. Late documentation will not be accepted. How do I know what supporting documents to provide? When completing a HEAR application, applicants will receive online prompts requesting that they submit specific documentation. The HSE definition for 'dependent' is different from the one used by HEAR. I am over 18 and need to explain this to the HSE before they’ll complete my form Download and print a letter we have prepared and bring it to the HSE. The letter explains the definition of 'dependent' that is used by HEAR when screening applications. The letter can be found by clicking on the following link: Letter for the HSE to explain definition of 'dependent' What happens after HEAR applicants are assessed? After assessment, applicants will be informed whether or not they are eligible for the scheme. Eligible applicants will go forward to compete for the quota of reduced points places in the HEAR colleges to which they apply. Ineligible applicants compete for places in college in the usual manner. What happens if I am offered a place in college through HEAR? Students who secure college places through HEAR are offered a variety of academic, personal and social supports while studying at third level. Such supports include an orientation programme (before courses start), academic guidance and assistance, a bursary when available and advice regarding grants and scholarships. Is there an appeals process? I’m ineligible but I think there was some mistake in the assessment of my application – what can I do? Yes, ineligible applicants can apply to have their applications rechecked if they believe there has been an error in the screening of the application. Please read the information on the Recheck process below. For Further Information Contact: http://www.cao.ie/ |
Disability Access Route to Education (What is the Disability
Access Route to Education (DARE)? DARE is a college and university admissions scheme that offers places on reduced points to school leavers with disabilities. Who is DARE for? Dare is for school leavers (Under 23yrs as at 1 January 2013) who have a disability and who may not be able to meet the points for their preferred course due to the impact of their disability. Why was DARE set up? DARE was set up to tackle educational disadvantage. Disability can cause people to do less well in school and can prevent some second level students going on to college or university. What does "reduced points" mean? Students who are eligible for DARE may get a place in college with less than the full CAO points. For example, a course which needs 450 Leaving Certificate points through the CAO may be offered to a DARE student with 410 points. However, DARE students must still meet the enrolment (matriculation) and specific course entry requirements where they apply. Which colleges take part in DARE? Athlone Institute of Technology Cork Institute of Technology Dublin City University Dublin Institute of Technology Mater Dei Institute National College of Ireland NUI Galway NUI Maynooth Pontifical University, Maynooth Trinity College, Dublin University College Dublin University College Cork University of Limerick Students can apply through DARE for the ‘reduced points’ places in any of these colleges. How many places are there for DARE students each year? Each college or university sets aside a number of places for DARE students. This number varies from college to college. For more information on the number of places available in a particular college please look at the quota table on this website. http://www.accesscollege.ie/ What disabilities are eligible for consideration for DARE? Asperger's Syndrome / Autism Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)/ Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Blind/Vision Impaired Deaf/Hard of Hearing DCD - Dyspraxia/Dysgraphia Mental Health Condition Neurological Conditions (incl. Epilepsy, Brain Injury, Speech and Language Disabilities) Significant Ongoing Illness Physical Disability Specific Learning Difficulty (incl. Dyslexia and Dyscalculia) Who screens DAREapplications? Applications for DARE are screened by professionals in colleges and universities that take part in DARE, who have expertise and knowledge of the impact of disability on educational attainment. What criteria are used to assess applications for DARE? Specific criteria have been developed to decide the significance of each disability and its impact on educational attainment. The Disability Advisory Boards, HEI professionals and representatives from expert external organisations developed these guidelines. You must meet the criteria to be eligible for DARE. How can I apply to DARE? If you are a school leaver and you want to be considered for the DARE scheme you must follow the 3 steps below: Step 1 Apply to the CAO at www.cao.ie by 17:15 on 1st February 2013. Step 2 No later than 17:15 on 1st March 2013 you must disclose your disability and/or specific learning difficulty in your CAO application and fully and correctly complete Section A of the Supplementary Information Form (the SIF is a part of your CAO application). If you wish to to be considered for the DARE scheme, you must indicate this on Section A of the fully completed SIF by ticking “Yes” to Question 5 by 17:15 on 1st March 2013. Step 3 You must return the fully completed Second Level Academic Reference (Section B) and Evidence of Disability (Section C) to the CAO by 17:15 on 1st April 2013. How do I know what supporting documents to provide? When you fill out your DARE application online, you will get online prompts asking you to submit certain documents. You must complete a Supplementary Information Form. This should be completed by you, your school and an acceptable medical consultant or specialist. The Supplementary Information Form contains the following sections: Section A – you must complete a Personal Statement which gives your opinion on the academic impact of your disability or specific learning difficulty. Section B – you must return a Second Level Academic Reference completed by your school. This form provides background information on your educational experience and helps to determine appropriate supports at third level. Section C – this is an evidence of disability form which an accepted Medical Consultant/Specialist must complete. This form verifies your disability and helps to determine which supports you need at third level. All applicants must complete this form with the exception of the following: Applicants with specific learning difficulties (Dyslexia or Dyscalculia), and applicants with DCD-Dyspraxia/Dysgraphia, who must provide a full psycho-educational assessment completed by an appropriately qualified psychologist. The report must be less than 3 years old i.e. must be dated after 1st February 2010. Please note verification from an Occupational Therapist or Neurologist is also needed for applicants with DCD-Dyspraxia/Dysgraphia. All other applicants may submit an existing report completed within the appropriate timeframe by the accepted Medical Consultant/Specialist. The report must contain the same detail as the Evidence of Disability Form. Who are the accepted Medical Consultant/Specialists and how old can reports be? Type of Disability Accepted Medical Consultant/Specialist Age of Report Asperger’s Syndrome Appropriately qualified Psychiatrist OR Psychologist OR Neurologist OR Paediatrician who is a member of his or her professional or regulatory body No age limit Attention Deficit Disorder/Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Appropriately qualified Psychiatrist OR Psychologist OR Neurologist OR Paediatrician who is a member of his or her professional or regulatory body Must be less than three years old i.e. must be dated after 1st February 2010 Blind/Vision Impaired Ophthalmologist OR Ophthalmic Surgeon No age limit Deaf/Hard of Hearing Students may apply under ONE of the following categories: (A) Applicants who have an Audiogram (B) Applicants who attend a School for the Deaf (C) Applicants with a Cochlear Implant (A) Applicants who have an audiogram: Professionally Qualified Audiologist (B) Applicants who attend a School for the Deaf: Principal of School for the Deaf (C) Applicants with a Cochlear Implant: Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) Consultant OR Cochlear Implant Programme Coordinator No age limit DCD - Dyspraxia/Dysgraphia Applicants with DCD - Dyspraxia/Dysgraphia must provide a full psycho-educational assessment completed by an appropriately qualified psychologist AND a report from an Occupational Therapist OR Neurologist who is a member of their respective professional or regulatory body. Report from Psychologist must be less than three years old i.e. must be dated after 1st February 2010. There is no age limit on the report from the Occupational Therapist/Neurologist Mental Health Condition Psychiatrist Must be less than three years old i.e. must be dated after 1st February 2010 Neurological Conditions (incl. Epilepsy, Brain Injury, Speech & Language Disabilities) Neurological Conditions: Neurologist OR other relevant Consultant. Speech & Language Disabilities: Speech and Language Therapist No age limit Physical Disability Orthopaedic Consultant OR other relevant Consultant appropriate to the disability/condition. No age limit Significant Ongoing Illness Diabetes Type 1: Endocrinologist Cystic Fibrosis (CF): Consultant Respiratory Physician or Paediatrician Gastroenterology Conditions: Gastroenterologist Others: Relevant Consultant in area of condition or Consultant Registrar/Registrar Must be less than three years old i.e. must be dated after 1st February 2010 Specific Learning Difficulty (incl. Dyslexia and Dyscalculia) Appropriately qualified Psychologist. Must be less than three years old i.e. must be dated after 1st February 2010 I have a full psycho-educational assessment completed by an appropriately qualified psychologist but some of the information that is needed for DARE is not in the report. Do I need to get a full report completed again? If you have a specific learning difficulty, you must submit a full psycho-educational assessment completed by an appropriately qualified psychologist. This report must have been completed since 1 February 2010. If some of the information that DARE needs is not in the full report, an appropriately qualified psychologist can fill out a summary sheet. You must submit both the original full psycho-educational assessment and the summary sheet. What are the application and closing dates for DARE? 1.By 17:15 1st February 2013 - apply to CAO on www.cao.ie 2.By 17:15 1st March 2013 - You must indicate that you have a disability/specific learning difficulty on your CAO application form . 3.By 17:15 1st March 2013 - You must complete Section A of the Supplementary Information Form . 4.By 17:15 1st March 2013 - You must indicate your wish to be considered for DARE by ticking ‘Yes’ to Question 5. 5.By 17:15 1st April 2013 - Submit both the Evidence of a Disability Form and the Second Level Academic Reference to the CAO If you are unable to complete the online form you must submit the paper application form (distributed by the CAO) by the same date. What happens if my application is late? DARE will not consider late applications. What happens after DARE applicants are screened? You will get a letter telling you if you are eligible for the scheme or not. If you are eligible, you will compete with other DARE applicants for one of the reduced points places in the DARE college to which you apply. If you are not eligible, you must compete for places in college in the usual way. I’ve been told I'm ineligible but I think there was some mistake in the screening of my application – what can I do? You can request to have your application rechecked if: you believe there was an administrative error in the screening of your application OR your supporting documents were not received by the CAO. You must however have proof of postage and photocopies of the documents to prove that you sent them on time and to the correct location. If you would like to recheck your application, you will complete an online Recheck Form under the My Application section of the CAO website at www.cao.ie and outline where you believe an administrative error occurred when your application was processed. You must request a recheck before the closing date indicated in the ineligible letter which you received at the end of June.No means other than by way of online submission of a Recheck Form will be accepted. A Recheck Form is not considered to have been received until the applicant receives an email from CAO confirming receipt. What happens if I am offered a place in college through DARE? Whether you go to college through DARE or not, if you have a disability you will be offered a variety of educational, technological and personal supports while studying. These supports include an orientation programme (before courses start), academic guidance and assistance, and access to appropriate assistive technology. It is up to each college to decide which supports it will offer. . I have a disability but am not eligible for DARE. Will I get any support in college? Yes. Most students with a disability enter college on merit having met the points needed for their course. They are offered a variety of educational, technological and personal supports even though they did not enter or were not eligible through DARE. I have a disability but I think I may also be eligible for HEAR - can I apply to both schemes? The Higher Education Access Route (HEAR) is a college and university admissions scheme for school leavers from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds and a separate process to DARE. You can apply for both schemes but you must submit all the documents needed for both schemes. I am a mature student. Can I apply to DARE? DARE is only for school leavers with disabilities who were under 23 years of age on 1 January in the year of entry. There are different admission routes for mature students. You can find out more about these on the websites of the various colleges and universities. I am ineligible for DARE - can I request a recheck of my application? To ask for a recheck of your application, you must complete the online recheck form on the CAO website. Log onto www.cao.ie, click on 'My Application' and then click on the link for the recheck form. You must complete the online recheck form by 17:15 on July 5th 2013. The Recheck Board will not consider a request for a recheck after this deadline. No means other than by way of online submission of a Recheck Form will be accepted. A Recheck Form is not considered to have been received until the applicant receives an email from CAO confirming receipt. |
Higher Education Access Route 2013
What is
the Higher Education Access Route
(HEAR)?
HEAR is a third level
admissions scheme for school leavers from socio-economically disadvantaged
backgrounds. Eligible students compete for a quota of reduced points places in
the colleges that run the
scheme.
Who is HEAR
for?
Students leaving school who have the ability to benefit from
and succeed in higher education and who come from socio-economic groups in Irish
society that are underrepresented in third
level.
Why was HEAR set
up?
It was set up to tackle
educational disadvantage. Socio-economic disadvantage negatively impacts on
educational attainment at school and affects progression by some second level
students to third level. Research in Ireland shows that for example, the
son/daughter of an unskilled manual worker (e.g. factory worker) is less likely
to progress to higher education than the son/daughter of a higher professional
(e.g. doctor).
What does
"reduced points" mean?
Applicants eligible for HEAR
may gain entry to college courses on less than the full CAO points. For example,
a course that is 450 points through CAO may be offered to a HEAR student with
410 Leaving Certificate points. All HEAR students must however meet college
matriculation and specific course entry requirements where they
apply.
Which
colleges take part in HEAR?
Dublin City
University
Dublin Institute of
Technology
NUI
Galway
NUI
Maynooth
Trinity College Dublin,
University College Dublin,
University College Cork,
University of Limerick,
Colaiste Mhuire, Marino Institute of Education,
Church of Ireland College of Education,
Mary Immaculate College, Limerick,
Mater Dei Institute of Education,
National College of Ireland
Pontifical University, Maynooth
St. Angela’s College, Sligo,
St. Patrick’s College, Drumcondra.
This means students can apply through HEAR for the quota of places in any of these
colleges.
How many
places are there for HEAR students each
year?
Each of the colleges set aside a quota of places for HEAR students each year. In
2011, 1383 students accepted places in the participating colleges through HEAR.
For further information on the number of places available in particular
institutions or courses, please contact the access office in the college of
your choice.
How do I know I know if I'm eligible to apply to HEAR - what criteria are
used?
Each HEAR applicant is assessed in relation to six indicators (criteria). Each
applicant must meet at least three of the indicators in order to be eligible
for the scheme. Only certain combinations of the indicators make an applicant
eligible. Every applicant must meet Indicator 1 in order to be considered. The
indicators are:
Indicator 1 Low Income - Is the household income below the HEAR Income threshold (in the
relevant year)?
Indicator 2 Medical Card - Is the applicant or his/her mother/father/guardian in receipt of a
medical card (in date on 31st December 2012)?
Indicator 3 Social Welfare – Is the applicant’s mother/father/guardian in receipt of a means-tested
social welfare payment (for a minimum of 26 weeks in the relevant
year)?
Indicator 4 Socio-Economic Grouping (based on occupation and employment
status) – Is the applicant a member of a group underrepresented in higher
education?
Indicator 5 DEIS School – Did the applicant attend a school part of the Department of Education
& Science “DEIS” scheme (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools) for
the duration of their second level
education?
Indicator 6 Geographical Area – Does the applicant live in an area of concentrated disadvantage?
The combinations for eligibility are:
In
- dicator 1 plus 2 plus 4 or 5 or 6
Indicator 1 plus 3 plus 4 or 5 or 6
Indicator 1 plus 4 plus 5 or 6
Indicator 1 plus 5 plus 6
If you think that you meet Indicator 1 plus any other two indicators then you may be
part of an underrepresented group and you should
apply
How can I apply to HEAR?
Students can apply online at the CAO website from 5th November 2012. As part of the
application process, and depending on individual circumstances, applicants will
be asked to submit documentation relating to their parent(s)/guardian(s) or to
themselves to support their application. Applicants must be able to clearly
document household income in the year specified.
Examples of the
documentation required are:
•P21(s)
or Long Form Notice(s) of Assessment
•Statement of welfare
benefits received from Department of Social
Protection
All supporting documents must be returned to the CAO no later than 1 April 2013. Late documentation will not be accepted.
How do I know what supporting documents to provide?
When completing a HEAR application, applicants will receive online prompts requesting that they submit specific documentation.
The HSE definition for 'dependent' is different from the one used by HEAR. I am over 18 and need to
explain this to the HSE before they’ll complete my
form
Download and print a letter we have prepared and bring it to the HSE. The letter explains
the definition of 'dependent' that is used by HEAR when screening applications.
The letter can be found by clicking on the following link: Letter for the HSE to
explain definition of
'dependent'
What happens after HEAR applicants are assessed?
After assessment, applicants will be informed whether or not they are eligible for the scheme. Eligible applicants will go forward to compete for the quota of reduced points places in the HEAR colleges to which they apply. Ineligible applicants
compete for places in college in the usual manner.
What happens if I am offered a place in
college through HEAR?
Students who secure college places through HEAR are offered a variety of academic, personal and social supports while studying at third level. Such supports
include an orientation programme (before courses start), academic guidance and
assistance, a bursary when available and advice regarding grants and
scholarships.
Is there an appeals process? I’m ineligible but I think there was some mistake in the assessment of my application – what can I do?
Yes, ineligible applicants can apply to have their applications rechecked if they believe there has been an
error in the screening of the application. Please read the information on the
Recheck process below.
For Further Information Contact: http://www.cao.ie/