Jess Casey: Assessing your CAO options and next steps to take

The emotional the rollercoaster continues for Leaving Cert students today as the CAO publishes the first round of college offers, writes Jess Casey

Students will be logging in to the CAO website today as the first round of college offers are released. There is arguably more uncertainty around is year's offers than ever, due to the introduction of calculated grades. Picture: Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire

The first round of this year's college offers to students have been issued online. Every year the CAO process is fraught and, regrettably, there are always some students who miss out on their first choice. But all is not lost, and there are always alternative routes into any chosen career. In this year like no other, let's take a look at some of the main questions students and their parents might have. 

Q: I've heard a lot about 'grade inflation' this year — what effect will that have on the CAO process?