Eligibility for HEAR
To qualify for HEAR, you need to meet certain socio-economic criteria, such as:
Your family income falls below a certain threshold.
Your parents didn’t attend higher education.
You attended a DEIS school or lived in an area of concentrated disadvantage.
Eligibility for DARE
DARE is for students who have a disability or significant health condition that has impacted their education. Examples include:
Learning difficulties like dyslexia or dyspraxia.
Physical or sensory disabilities, such as hearing or vision impairments.
Chronic illnesses like diabetes or epilepsy.
Mental health conditions.
You can apply for both HEAR and DARE if you meet the criteria for each program.
How to Apply for HEAR and DARE
The application process for both schemes is part of your CAO (Central Applications Office) application. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Apply to CAO
Visit www.cao.ie and create your CAO account.
Select the HEAR or DARE option in your application (or both if eligible).
Please see HEAR - Access College and What is DARE? - Access College for more information
Step 2: Fill Out the Online Application
For HEAR: Provide details about your family income, school, and socio-economic background.
For DARE: Fill in the sections about your disability or health condition and how it has impacted your education.
Step 3: Submit Supporting Documents
You’ll need to send additional documents by March 15th, such as:
For HEAR: Proof of income (e.g., P21 or Social Welfare documents), and school evidence if applicable.
For DARE: An educational impact statement from your school and evidence of your disability from a medical professional.
Step 4: Track Your Application
You can log in to your CAO account to check the status of your application and see if further information is needed.
Important Dates to Remember
February 1st: Apply to CAO and indicate your interest in HEAR/DARE.
March 1st: Submit your completed online HEAR/DARE application.
March 15th: Send all supporting documents to CAO.
End of June: HEAR/DARE decisions are issued.
Why Apply for HEAR or DARE?
Reduced Points: HEAR and DARE allow you to enter courses with fewer points than the standard requirement.
Support Services: Colleges offer a range of supports, from financial aid to personalized learning assistance.
Leveling the Playing Field: These programs ensure that your potential, not your circumstances, determines your future.
Tips for a Successful Application
Start Early: Gather your documents as soon as possible. Some, like medical reports, may take time to arrange.
Be Accurate: Double-check your information and documents before submitting.
Use Checklists: Both schemes provide detailed checklists to help you stay organized.
Conclusion
Applying for HEAR or DARE can make a big difference in your path to college. These programs are designed to support students who need it most, giving everyone an equal chance to succeed.
If you’re eligible, don’t miss out on this opportunity! For more tips and advice on navigating the CAO and college life, visit FindYourPath.ie.
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