Trinity denies favouritism

Niall Murray, Education Correspondent

Because of a disproportionately high number of such students getting places on some high demand degrees, the university has decided to set a limit on places available to them. It will allow the same percentage of A-level students applying for places access to courses such as English, Law, Medicine and Dentistry.

Institute of Guidance Counsellors president Brian Mooney said the setting aside of certain numbers of places is a concern.

“It may well have positive consequences for students in the Republic, but it is a dangerous precedent to tell any group of students that there are so many places available on different courses,” he said.

“Perhaps if more A-level students are getting into degrees here, we should be looking at our grading system because they get an A for 70% plus whereas you need at least 85% for an A in the Leaving Certificate,” Mr Mooney said.

The TCD policy was based on a reassessed comparison of both examinations in 2003. It was decided to give 150 CAO college points for an A-level grade A, previously worth 190 points.