How to Fill Out the CAO Form Correctly | Part 2

This episode focuses on the practical side of the CAO process: how to complete the form, avoid common mistakes, and handle the key dates that can trip students up.

Laura is joined once again by Guidance counsellor Ailish Egan and explains the difference between the Level 8 and Level 6/7 lists, how HEAR and DARE work, and why getting started early matters.

Laura & Ailish also walk through the paperwork, deadlines, and checks that can make or break an application, so students and parents know what to do before the pressure ramps up.

Key topics

• In this episode, Ailish Egan explains that the CAO has two separate lists: Level 8 and Level 6/7, and both should be filled out in order of preference.
• She recommends only listing courses you would genuinely take, rather than padding the form with options you would never accept.
• We discuss why it is risky to build a list based only on points, since points change every year and cannot be predicted.
• Ailish breaks the list into a practical strategy: dream courses at the top, realistic backup options in the middle, and genuine fallback choices lower down.
• She explains how some courses have no direct Level 6/7 route, while others can be approached through a longer, “scenic route” via related courses and later progression.
• We cover the CAO opening date, the importance of setting up an account early, and why personal details like email, phone number, and date of birth must be entered carefully.
• Ailish recommends using the demo CAO as a practice run before completing the real form.
• She explains the DARE process, including the disability section, the supplementary information form, school input, and supporting evidence from consultants or existing reports.
• We discuss HEAR, how it differs from DARE, and why it is based on income and related indicators rather than disability.
• Ailish stresses that HEAR and DARE are not cash grants, unlike SUSI, and that they only affect access through reduced points where applicable.
• She also outlines the deadlines for forms and supporting documents, and why posting evidence and using your CAO number on every page is essential.
• Parents and guardians can help by checking details, supporting paperwork, and understanding the dates, especially for HEAR and SUSI.