THE Irish Times/Institute of Guidance Counsellors Higher Options conference will have an open evening, for mature students and parents, this Thursday from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. in the RDS, Dublin.

There are more than 240 colleges participating. All of the Irish universities will be represented and, for the first time, a number of PLC colleges will be there.

The evening will include talks on both the CAO/CAS and UCAS. Admission is £4. Tickets are available from the Irish Times front office or at the door.