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Nearly 80,000 students are discovering their college destination this afternoon as the CAO offers are sent out.
A total of 78,000 have applied for third-level courses throughout the country.
Those who have applied will have received their offers starting at 2:00 p.m. this afternoon, and will have until 3:00 p.m. next Wednesday to accept their course.
But many students worry that an increase in overall Leaving Cert grading system points could increase entry requirements for many courses.
The main concern is for those who took their exams in previous years and who applied to start tertiary education in 2020.
(Image: Chris Bellew / Fennell Photography)
Under the new calculated system introduced due to the Covid-19 pandemic, students this year have received 4.4% higher average grades.
Since then, it has emerged that points have increased in three-quarters of Level 8 courses, meaning that many students are likely to be disappointed and miss out on their first choice.
There has also been a 60% increase in points for Level 6 and Level 7 courses.
You can see the full list of CAO courses and their points here.
Popular courses in nursing, dentistry, physical therapy, and veterinary medicine have exploded.
Medicine, general science, law and computer science have also seen a large increase in entry requirements.
However, an additional 2,225 places have been made available at universities across the country due to “exceptional circumstances.”
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Speaking about today’s offerings, Clive Byrne, Director, National Association of Directors and Deputy Directors said: “On behalf of all school leaders and the NAPD, I would like to congratulate all of the Leaving Cert students who have received the first round offers from the CAO this afternoon.
“In an unprecedented year, our 2020 Leaving Cert class has shown great reserve and determination to get to this point. Today represents an important milestone in the transition from secondary education to the third level and beyond.
“While many students will be excited about the first round offerings, it is important to note that others may be disappointed not to receive the college course of their first choice. For those in this position, fortunately there are a multitude of routes to higher education and I encourage all students and their parents to research and consider these options. Critically, your education and career prospects will not be defined by this result.
“This year, since the written exam was not completed in June, students can also make use of the option to take an exam in their chosen subject in November. From now on, all Leaving Cert students will remain a strong part of their school community, and school leaders, teachers, and staff are ready to support these students in any way they can.
“For any student needing counseling in the next few days, please contact the Department of Education helpline at: 1800 265 165.”
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