CAO to accept date-stamped postal applications due to site problems
The Central Applications Office (CAO) has agreed to accept by post college place applications date-stamped today, due to difficulties with its website earlier this week.
The deadline for applications formally expires this evening, but thousands of students faced difficulties submitting their college choices online yesterday and on Tuesday.
As a result, the CAO has agreed to accept all postal applications that are date stamped to meet today's deadline.
However, these will have to be accompanied by an extra €10 fee to make up for the difference between the €35 charge for online applications and the €45 fee for postal submissions.
The CAO is also advising students to obtain a certificate of posting if they opt for the postal route.
Guidance counsellors are accusing the body of financially penalising students because of the website difficulties, but the CAO has rejected the charge.
It is urging applicants to be patient and to obtain a certificate of posting if they opt for the postal route.
