The rule is simple: list CAO courses in order of preference

DESPITE legitimate criticisms of the CAO college entry system, it remains one of the most transparent ways of selecting students for third-level education in any country.

It’s a level playing field as the majority of course places are allocated based on performance in the Leaving Certificate.

The system means academic ability is the measure for accessing college. Applicants are ranked on the points associated with their Leaving Certificate grades. This summer’s students will have an additional 25 points added to their CAO score if they take higher level maths.