Leaving Cert students receive first round of college offers

Leaving Cert students are receiving their first round of college offers this morning.

Details of the offers are available on the CAO website (www.cao.ie) and will also be posted to all students.

Points for medical courses have increased to 570 this year, but those for arts, social science and communications have all fallen.

Points requirements for nursing courses are also up due to high demand.

Some 72% of those seeking a college place will receive an offer today, with around 44% getting their first preference.

The second round of offers will be made in 10 days time.

The National Parents’ Council has advised students to take time to assimilate the information before making any decisions.

It also said students or parents with any questions to ask could contact the Parents’ Council helpline on 1800 265 165.