Changing Course Next Year

CFC4lyfe

Hey there, I'm currently in Comp & Elec Eng in GMIT but I'm not sure this is the course for me. In the past couple of weeks I have to say I wholly regret choosing the course and wish I had gone for Civil Law or B Corp Law in NUIG.

I got 395 points in the Leaving and was just wondering how do I apply for Law next year? In terms of grant would I be better off leaving for this year and just attending next year?

Thanks for the help.

empacher

Leave right now and you'll get a full refund of fees and grant

CFC4lyfe

Thanks

So would the applying be the same, through CAO? And, if you know, what would the HEAR Scheme situation be?

Just Like Heaven

CFC4lyfe wrote: »

Thanks

So would the applying be the same, through CAO? And, if you know, what would the HEAR Scheme situation be?

If I remember correctly, when applying for HEAR, you ticked a little box that said you applied last year, and you don't even have to post off documents. That's if I'm remembering correctly. Email them and ask anyway?

As it's still early enough in the year though, if you make a deal about changing course and actually contact the deans of the two schools you wish to move between, you might be able to save yourself a year out?

Ficheall

fewtinsoffroth wrote: »

If I remember correctly, when applying for HEAR, you ticked a little box that said you applied last year, and you don't even have to post off documents. That's if I'm remembering correctly. Email them and ask anyway?

As it's still early enough in the year though, if you make a deal about changing course and actually contact the deans of the two schools you wish to move between, you might be able to save yourself a year out?

Hang on - the timeline is very strict on this, isn't it? Is this weekend not the deadline for withdrawing?
If so, don't email anyone - find an office and a person to ask.
You may need to work pretty quickly on this, OP.

Just Like Heaven

Ficheall wrote: »

Hang on - the timeline is very strict on this, isn't it? Is this weekend not the deadline for withdrawing?
If so, don't email anyone - find an office and a person to ask.
You may need to work pretty quickly on this, OP.

I meant email about HEAR.

If you drop out before this weekend are the first semester fees also refunded?

CFC4lyfe

Was told I dont have to decide until October so that's given me a bit of time.

In terms of grants, would I be looked upon as the SUSI avoiding giving me money because I decided to leave even though I've received nothing yet and have just temporarily registered?

Just Like Heaven

CFC4lyfe wrote: »

Was told I dont have to decide until October so that's given me a bit of time.

Is that the 1st of October or something though? I too thought you had a bit more time, but after what Ficheall said I'm getting a bit worried, I'm gonna try go in tomorrow and see what's up.

CFC4lyfe wrote: »

In terms of grants, would I be looked upon as the SUSI avoiding giving me money because I decided to leave even though I've received nothing yet and have just temporarily registered?

I called SUSI yesterday, as I haven't actually received the grant yet, I simply send them an email saying I want to cancel my application and I will be able to apply for it again no problem. If you've already received the grant though, then yeah you won't get it next year.

CFC4lyfe

Are you in the same position as me then?

Nah, it's 31st October I think, defo near the end of it anyways. I haven't received any part of the grant.

I was told to contact VEC but I myself thought VEC don't deal with grants anymore.

CFC4lyfe

My dad was just on the phone there to SUSI and they told me that they see this as my first year so next year they will not be paying my grant and fees

They did say that it's happened before that I could switch from GMIT to NUIG but I myself doubt it'll happen.

I feel so disappointed and feel as if I've f'ed up my life by not going for Law in my CAO!

Ficheall

CFC4lyfe wrote: »

My dad was just on the phone there to SUSI and they told me that they see this as my first year so next year they will not be paying my grant and fees

I'd get a second opinion, just to be sure...

empacher

CFC4lyfe wrote: »

My dad was just on the phone there to SUSI and they told me that they see this as my first year so next year they will not be paying my grant and fees

They did say that it's happened before that I could switch from GMIT to NUIG but I myself doubt it'll happen.

I feel so disappointed and feel as if I've f'ed up my life by not going for Law in my CAO!

No thats a complete lie on there behalf, if you leave before october you will be entitled to free fees agin the next year, if you leave before semester two you'll only owe half the fees when you begin a new course.

Trust me leave now its the difference between not paying 7,500 to start again

CFC4lyfe

I'm trying to leave but my parents are convinced because of what SUSI said that they would have to pay next year. I, too, feel as if it's completely wrong as it doesn't make sense. They havent paid anything and I havent registered so I should be entitled to fees next year.

LoonyLovegood

SUSI are grant only, nothing to do with fees. IF you're sure you want to drop out, Monday morning go to the office and tell them. Then contact SUSI, tell them you want to cancel your grant application.

Apply through the CAO next year, and hopefully you'll get it.

CFC4lyfe

Who deals with fees then?

EDIT: SUSI told my father that they are the ones who pay out fees so are you sure on that?

LoonyLovegood

CFC4lyfe wrote: »

Who deals with fees then?

EDIT: SUSI told my father that they are the ones who pay out fees so are you sure on that?

That's only if you get the grant. If you haven't been awarded a grant yet, you can ring them and cancel your application.

acorn1702

Also if you leave now you have a year to get a job, if you go out there and get busy then the fees for next year shouldn't be a huge worry. Don't end up at home playing xbox for a year, start looking for a job right away. (There are tonnes of jobs out there you just have to apply to as many places as possible)

Just Like Heaven

Hey just to try and clear this up, this is my understanding of the fees and dropping out thing. I'm probably very wrong so I'm happy to be corrected though.

We have three charges.

1. Fees
2. Tuition fees
3. Student Levy

The fees are paid by the government, not SUSI. If you withdraw before the 31st of October you can avoid having to pay fees next year, if you repeat first year. If you drop out between November and January you only pay 1st semester fees the following yearm if you repeat first year.

The tuition fee is covered by SUSI (less sure here?). So if you cancel your grant application before it is accepted and the tuition fees are transferred to the college etc. and re-apply successfully the following year, this will be covered in your "second" first year.

And there's no escaping the student levy. Every year.