Trinity College to pilot essay-based entry system

Trinity College Dublin will choose 25 first-year students next year based on short essays and a written explanation of why they picked their course, as well as on Leaving Certificate results.

Students’ performance compared to others in their schools will also be counted, in addition to their CAO points from the exams.

The two-year pilot entry system, which will inform wider changes to the points system nationally, will not begin until next year, so applicants now in fifth year have time to prepare.