Points increase by a ‘reasonable portion’ for college courses

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The minimum points required to earn a place in certain high-demand college courses are expected to be higher than last year.

The first round CAO offers will be sent out at 2pm this afternoon.

When the calculated scores for this year’s Leaving Cert were released Monday morning, Department of Education officials said that despite the adjustments, this year’s results were “better” than before.

The overall increase is 4.4% and upper-level students get a bigger boost than normal-level students.

Professor Pol O Dochartaigh, Chairman of the CAO Board, said: “We have not done any kind of averaging in all courses.

“What I can say is that in some courses the points have gone up, probably by a reasonable portion, others very slightly, and in some courses the points are down.

“That would be across the industry, so it’s by no means a uniform image.” “It would be fair to say that for the year that it is in it has increased interest in everything that has to do with health, and that is why I think the demand has risen there.

“Most of the students who get the results today are going to be very happy, they are going to be very happy with the offer they are going to receive.

But, as in any other year, there will be some disappointed candidates. I think it would be important to focus on them and what the next steps are for them. ”

Professor O Dochartaigh said the number of applications received this year was “very similar” to previous years.

“I do not think it has increased significantly, but we have made a greater number of offers,” he added.

“I think it has been made possible by the additional venues provided by the government, and maybe it will elicit a few more smiles than people could have feared.”

Letterkenny IT registrar and CAO board member Billy Bennett says he will increase the minimum limit for many courses.

“There will be increases in quite a few of the programs and it is simply due to the fact that the average calculated scores are higher,” said Mr. Bennett.

The authorities have tried to counteract the rise in points by opening 3,600 extra places this year.

That can take the pressure off some of the more competitive courses, like medicine, veterinary science, and finance.

But it disadvantages around 20,000 students applying for CAO this year with previous Leaving Cert results.

Mr. Bennett reminded students that the game is not over if you don’t get your best bet today.

Keep calm. You have a few days to respond to the offer, so take a look at the offer carefully and, if it is something that interests you, respond and accept the offer.

“You always have a chance to get another offer in the second round and if there’s something higher on your list that you get the points for, you can get that offer in the second round.”

Minister for Continuing and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Simon Harris, said this year has been stressful for students.

In a video message posted on social media, Harris said that students had prepared and studied for exams that could not be taken due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Those of you in the sixth grade spent your final days and months at home school, away from teachers, friends, support structures and extended family,” Harris added.

“Today should be seen as the starting point for the rest of your career, it is not the end point.

“Many of you will receive offers and be happy with them, some of you will not and for those of you who will not, I understand your disappointment.

“Please know that this does not define you and know that there are many ways to get where you want.”

Additional reporting by Cate McCurry



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