High college uptake could leave thousands disappointed

THOUSANDS of students waiting for a college place on Friday could be left disappointed as successful applicants have snatched up most of those offered last week.

The Central Applications Office (CAO) has registered acceptances of 36,712 places from among 46,918 people offered a place on August 17.

The high uptake rate of more than 78% suggests there may be fewer places than in previous years for the record 20,000 CAO applicants who have not been made any offer at this stage. In recent years, less than 1,000 people receiving an offer in the second round had not already been given a place on one of their preferred courses.