How To Make The Most of Higher Options 2026
It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of a day out of the classroom - no classes, no homework and a day spent hanging out with friends.
Back when I attended Higher Options, I made sure I picked up a handful of prospectuses to prove to my parents I was actually there. I also collected a massive stock of free pens to get me through the Leaving Cert and if I’m being completely honest, that was about all I got from the event!
That wasn’t through any fault of the organisers - it was simply down to my own lack of preparation and strategy.
Between Wednesday and Friday this week, thousands of secondary school students will walk through the doors of the RDS for Higher Options 2026. This is a unique opportunity to speak directly to representatives from almost every university, college, and apprenticeship body - all under one roof.
To help you get the most value from the day, here is how to approach it strategically:
1. If You Already Know What You Want to Study
Go deeper than the prospectus: Speak directly with stand representatives and ask if there are faculty members or current students from that specific department that you could chat with.
Mark your calendar: Find out the exact dates for their upcoming autumn Campus Open Days. It is so important to also visit the campus this year.
Compare alternatives: Use the time to visit stands for other institutions offering similar courses. Compare course structures, campus facilities and entry pathways so you have a solid Plan B.
2. If You Don’t Know Where to Start
Avoid the "Brochure Trap": It is easy to spend three hours aimlessly collecting heavy brochures for every college in Ireland. Save your energy - don't!
Start with your strengths: Before you go, write down the 2–3 Leaving Cert subjects you genuinely enjoy most. Think about how those subjects map to broad career areas.
Attend the Career Talks: Higher Options features an incredible lineup of talks throughout the day. Check the schedule in advance, attend sessions in areas that pique your curiosity and use them to understand what those careers look like in the real world.
3. Explore Alternative Pathways
There are now more routes into your dream career than ever before. Make sure to visit the Further Education, Information and Training Zone. Whether you are considering PLC courses, earn-as-you-learn apprenticeships, or Tertiary degree options, understanding these alternatives early takes a huge amount of pressure off when applying to the CAO.
4. Two Essential Prep Steps Before You Go
Grab the Irish Times Supplement: The official Higher Options supplement is published on Tuesday in The Irish Times - take 10 minutes to review the floor plan and stand list before you arrive.
Map out your talk schedule: Review the timetable on the Higher Options Website and pick 2–3 talks that will help you learn more about topics of interest and build your day around them.
Have Fun with It!
Enjoy the time away from the classroom and make the most of the atmosphere. Even better, pair up with a classmate who shares similar interests so you can navigate the stands and talks together!
Feeling overwhelmed by all the choices after Higher Options?
Navigating courses, entry requirements and subject requirements can feel daunting. At Future Connect, we offer 1:1 CAO Strategy Sessions (including interest and aptitude profiling) to help students find a clear, confident path forward. Learn more about our CAO Guidance Sessions here.