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Computer Applications.......

  • 16-05-2009 3:09pm
    #1
    Slappy101
    Closed Accounts Posts: 10 ✭


    I know this question has probably been asked hundreds of times but...

    Will regret choosing CA as my first choice? As the leaving draws closer, I am worried that it will be a huge mistake... (esp. with fee's now) Do you know anybody who is taking this course or are you taking it yourself?

    I hear the dropout rate is unreal and trying to keep a level of understanding of whats going on is very difficult. Any thoughts to give me on what I would be in for if I do take it would be greatly appreciated.....


Comments

  • #2
    cognos
    Closed Accounts Posts: 131 ✭✭cognos


    Yes, there are plenty of existing threads on here about CA, if you look through them you'll probably find similar amounts of posts that make you regret your choice and make you think it was the right one.

    I'm currently (avoiding) studying for my last ever set of exams in CA.

    Drop out rate/difficulty:
    Around 180 people started with me and around 80 of them remain, so over 50% are no longer there, the majority that dropped out did so during or at the end of first year but some have gone at every stage. I believe this is largely due to the fact that a lot of people who pick this course did so because they were misinformed about it, were never interested in it at all, and or just picked it because points have been low (300) for the last few years. If you are interested in it, work at it, and have an aptitude for programming - it will not be difficult (and you'll get by with just 2 out of the 3).

    What you'll be in for:
    Depends greatly on how you approach it. Expect to do a lot of work in first year, attend a lot of labs and tutorials and to learn a great deal. After that expect to have to motivate yourself to learn on your own, be frustrated by most of the lecturers and inspired by just a few. Expect to have fun creating new things and investigating new technologies. Expect to make a tonne of amazing new friends and get drunk a lot. At least if it goes for you how it went for me - that's what you're in for.


  • #3
    Slappy101
    Closed Accounts Posts: 10 ✭Slappy101


    Thank for the info man, I am pretty interested in computers and I *think* that I could be good at some of the work, just worried I will be overwhelmed... I cant even think of any other course that I would like to do (Only have 5 on my CAO, all computer sciences/applications)

    Best of luck in your exams!


  • #4
    thomasjad
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 342 ✭✭thomasjad


    if ur thinking of doing this course i suggest u put EC down on ur cao,this allows u to do most of the same subjects + programming so that if you like it u can switch to CA or if not u can stay were u are


  • #5
    Diarmaid07
    Closed Accounts Posts: 247 ✭✭Diarmaid07


    It's just as easy to switch CA -> EC.


  • #6
    Gavin
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,676 ✭✭✭Gavin


    If you are interested in computers, have some level of intelligence and do the work it won't be a problem to you.

    The high rate of dropouts seems to be due to either people discovering that they have no interest in computers, or simply not bothering to work, so failing. If you find it tough, there is support there, most lecturers will go out of their way to help you, if you demonstrate that you are putting the effort in.

    I did the course a good few years ago, found it good. DCU is fun too, but you have to go look for the fun!


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  • #7
    carlmango11
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,019 ✭✭✭carlmango11


    Just curious, how do students pay for things? I might be doing this course in September if not the next year and just realized I'll have no source of income. Do students just take out a loan or something?

    And does anyone know the definite details about fees? Are they definitely being brought in, and when, and how much etc.

    Thanks


  • #8
    Eccentric
    Closed Accounts Posts: 33 ✭Eccentric


    carlmango11 wrote: »
    Just curious, how do students pay for things? I might be doing this course in September if not the next year and just realized I'll have no source of income. Do students just take out a loan or something?

    And does anyone know the definite details about fees? Are they definitely being brought in, and when, and how much etc.

    Thanks
    A lot of students will have part time jobs in shops, pubs etc. You can apply for a grant from your local authority, I think you get means tested based on how far you live from the campus and your/your parents income. No harm in applying anyway. More info here:http://boards.ie/vbulletin/forumdisplay.php?f=667

    I don't know anything about fees next year maybe someone else will answer that.


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