Find out more about applying to University generally, and about our university’s admission process. Depending on your chosen course, your application will need to be made through the (CAO) Central Applications Office
Please see video below, which outlines the CAO application process:
Background
Once you have chosen which course(s) you would be interested in studying you need to make an application to your chosen University. You may also want to consider applying to the Disability Access Route to Education (DARE) Scheme, which requires you to declare your autism on your CAO form, this will not impact on the college’s decision to offer/not offer a place but it will enable you to compete for a place on the course of your choice on reduced CAO points.
As well as the DARE entry route, you may qualify for entry to college under other routes-
HEAR
The Higher Education Access Route (HEAR) is a college and university scheme that offers places on reduced points and extra college support to school leavers from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds who are resident in the Republic of Ireland.
Applicants with a diagnosis of autism (and DARE eligible) and who also meet the criteria for the HEAR scheme are prioritised for reduced points places , click here for more information.
Mature Students
TUS welcomes mature students and will accept applications from persons of mature years, (23 years of age on 1st January prior to admission). Such applications, together with documentary proof of relevant work experience and/or qualifications, which they wish to have considered, should reach the CAO office on or before 1st February of the relevant year.
Find out more about applying to TUS Midwest as a mature student here- TUS | Mature Student Applications
FETAC/QQI
Places are offered on certain courses to students presenting Level 5 or Level 6 FETAC qualifications. (To be updated )
How could this affect me?
Knowing more about the application and admissions process will enable you to prepare, and think about whether you require any support or adjustments through this process e.g. extra time for interviews. If you have any concerns about the admissions process and would like to talk about your options for support, you can contact the Disability Support Service Team.
What to do next?
Become familiar with the admissions process and consider telling the University about your autism
Practical tips
- Check if you need to apply through the CAO, (the most likely route)
- Find out if you qualify for the DARE or HEAR schemes (or both) and what evidence you need to support your application.
- Keep a list/set an alert for important deadline dates and when you should apply
- Find out what evidence you need to support your application; examples of work, a portfolio or a personal statement, for example (see below for advice on writing a personal statement).
- Consider if you will require any adjustments or support during the interview or selection event; contact the Disability Support team if you feel that this would be useful for you.
- Do you need an Irish/language exemption if you did not study Irish for your Leaving Certificate.
Tips for writing a personal statement
Writing a personal statement for a college application is an opportunity to showcase your unique qualities, experiences and aspirations !
Many universities will ask you to submit a personal statement as part of your application. This statement is your opportunity to explain why you believe you are a strong candidate for a particular course of study. Give yourself plenty of time to brainstorm, outline, write and revise your personal statement. Starting early will reduce stress allow you to produce a more polished final version.
Content
Research the course that you are applying for thoroughly, and identify the skills and interests that you will need to study it. Your statement should highlight:
- What interests you about the subject
- Why you have chosen this course in particular
- What skills you bring to the course
- Your relevant experience
- Your ambitions and how you see this course fulfilling those ambitions.
Structure
- Keep your statement concise, adhere to any word or page limits set by the college. Make every sentence count and try to avoid repetition.
- Make sure that your sentences and paragraphs are structured correctly.
- Do not use slang or abbreviations.
- Check for grammatical errors, spelling mistakes and typos.
- Each point you discuss should flow on to the next point.
- Try to avoid starting every sentence with ‘I’.
- Instead of just stating qualities or skills. consider providing evidence or examples that showcase these attributes.
- Have someone you trust review your personal statement and provide feedback.
Questions to think about
- What is the application process for your chosen course?
- What do you need to submit to support your application?
- Is the application process online or in written format ?
- Are you required to undertake Garda Vetting ?
- Do you need to write a personal statement?
- Do you need to provide evidence in the form of a portfolio of work?
- When are the deadlines for applications?
- When should you expect to hear if your application has been successful?
- Who do you need to contact at your chosen university to discuss disability support?
Additional information and links
- You can visit TUS Midwest admissions here for more information
- You can contact the TUS Midwest Disability Support Service here,
- You can find a TUS Midwest online CAO questions and answers forum here-TUS Midwest Campuses Online CAO Q&As
- You can find a useful list of relevant documents and forms here- TUS | Documents and Forms
- You will find a list of useful contact details for the different Academic Department TUS Midwest Faculty contact details