Students reach the critical point

A DEBATE may have started again lately about the unfairness of our points system for the selection of students for entry to college – but any changes will have no effect for those beginning their next education steps this autumn.

As close to 78,000 people who have applied for places on third level courses this year will testify, the system operated by the Central Applications Office (CAO) on behalf of more than 40 colleges places a fair level of pressure on students and families as they await news on their chosen course.

None more so than those 44,669 who sat the Leaving Certificate just two months ago and are finding out today if they have been offered the chance to study one of the degree or diploma programmes listed on their CAO form way back in February.