Final Days to Update Your CAO Application Before Change of Mind 2026 Deadline

Students planning to make adjustments to their CAO applications are being reminded that the CAO Change of Mind facility closes on Wednesday, 1st July at 5pm.

The Change of Mind process allows applicants to review and amend their course choices before the deadline. Once the facility closes, no further changes can be made, making this the final opportunity for students to ensure their application reflects their current preferences.

Many applicants use this period to add new courses, remove courses they are no longer considering, or revise the order of their choices based on further research, career plans, and Leaving Certificate preparations.

Guidance professionals encourage students to take time to carefully review their application before submitting any final changes.

Key points to consider include:

• Confirm that personal and examination details are correct.
• Review course information carefully before making decisions.
• Include a range of realistic options on both Level 8 and Level 7/6 lists.
• Arrange courses in genuine order of preference.
• Place your preferred course at the top of the list, regardless of previous points trends.

One of the most important principles of the CAO system is that applicants should rank courses according to what they genuinely want to study, rather than attempting to predict points requirements.

With the deadline approaching, students are advised not to leave updates until the final hours. Taking a few minutes now to review course choices can provide reassurance ahead of the next stages of the admissions process.

For many Leaving Certificate students, the Change of Mind deadline represents one of the final steps in preparing for college applications and planning for life after secondary school.