Interest up in science as college applications slip

COLLEGE applications have dropped from last year’s record high, but almost 76,000 people are still competing for entry to third-level courses in the autumn.

The final entry data from the Central Applications Office (CAO) also shows that student interest is continuing to rise in science, technology and engineering degrees, though arts and social science programmes remain by far the most popular, with 27% of applicants making the subjects their first preference.

The figures have been compiled on the basis of the final course lists provided by the 75,874 CAO entrants up to last Friday’s deadline for changing course choice.