Here is everything that you will need to know about what to do after receiving the CAO results:

Q. I was not offered my first choice even though I got the points. How come?

A. You may have not met some of the other requirements of the course, such as a C3 in Higher Level Math. You should consult the CAO website above. In addition, some courses are marked "Random Selection" which means that not all students who got the minimum required for the course will be offered a place.

Q. Why did the institution "put the points up" for my course?

A. Institutions do not control the points for any courses. They are determined by demand.

Q. I have been offered a course quite low down my list of preferences. What chance do I have of getting a higher offer?

A. It is difficult and dangerous to try to second-guess the system, and you should always treat your first offer as your final one. There are additional Rounds but you should never assume that you would get an additional offer. We recommend acceptance of an offer as this does not preclude you from later offers.

Q. I have been offered both a Level 7 and Level 8 course. Can I accept both?

A. You may only have one accepted offer in the CAO system. This is determined by the most recently accepted offer, not which qualification is ranked higher on the National Framework of Qualifications. So, if you accept the Level 8 and then the Level 7 you will be deemed to have chosen the Level 7 course.

Q. I accepted a course in Round One but I have received another offer for a higher preference that I did not have the points for a few weeks later. Why is this and what do I do now?

A. The CAO operates a number of "Rounds" of offers for places. If the course was not filled through the Round One intake, then the points will fall and offers will be made to candidates who, under the new requirements, will get in. If you wish to accept the new offer, simply accept it in the normal way. This will over-ride any previous acceptance. You may only have one acceptance in the CAO system at a time. If you don't wish to accept the new offer, simply ignore it.

Q. I missed out on a course by a few points but have appealed the results. What happens if I, on appeal, get the points?

A. If there is a place in the course available, you will be offered this place. If it is within the same college then your registration details will simply be transferred. If you are moving college you should call the Admissions Office. If the course has no spaces left this year, a place will be reserved for you next year.

Q. How do I defer the place I have been offered?

A. You should not accept the offer in the regular manner. Make sure to get in contact with the Admissions Office of the institution you are applying to as soon as you can. You can get their number from your local students' union.

Q. Can I transfer course within the institution?

A. This depends very much on the institution. Some will have procedures in place allowing internal transfers and others will not. In this situation, please contact the students' union of the institution you are applying to.