Tougher points race as more apply for places

THE points race for college places will be tougher this year as more Leaving Certificate students and a rising number of other applicants compete for entry.

Almost 6,500 places have already been allocated by the Central Applications Office (CAO) ahead of the Round 1 offers to those who were awaiting today’s results.

The 6,479 places already taken up since early July include those in nursing degree courses reserved for mature applicants aged 23 or over, and on programmes which have a quota of places for students applying with further education qualifications, and a small number of students who are taking up deferred places.