Wise choices in change of mind needed as CAO demand soars
Last year there were 83,369 first round offers made. 51,934 were Level 8 and 56% got offered their first preference. 83% got offered one of their top 3.
For Level 6/7 applicants, 92% got offered their first choice at the top of their list, and 99% were offered one of their top 3. If the trend is repeated this year, a student who fills the Level 6/7 list with courses offering progression routes to the Level 8 degree qualification they want will take a slightly longer road, but will still get there, even without a Level 8 course offer in August.
Collette Twomey, vice president of the Institute of Guidance Counsellors sees the high number of CAO applications as a positive sign that more people are seeing higher education as an option that is of benefit to them.
She also highlights that the high numbers and competition for places make it all the more important for students to be strategic and research all pathways to the qualification that they want.
'Check the National Tertiary Office and QQI courses that offer entry to degree programs. Also, feedback we're getting from the Technological Universities is to encourage students to complete the Level 6/7 list where relevant to the Level 8 list so that they can start at Level 7 and progress to Level 8.' The TU's are noticing that students lose out on getting the degree they want because they don't put a course in the Level 6/7 list where they could start and progress on to Level 8 later on.
Finding the links can be done via the CAO website ( www.cao.ie) or ask your guidance counsellor for help.
There is still time to research progression options and make changes to the CAO application using the Change of Mind Facility.
Over 60% of CAO applicants will use the Change of Mind facility before the July 1st deadline. It is used to add, remove or change the order of course choices in the CAO application.
There are simple guidelines around filling the course lists designed to avoid the problem of students being offered 'the wrong course.' This can occur when a student is offered their first preference but they put their dream course further down the list, or they did not meet the subject requirements for the course even though they got the points.
Key advice
List courses in order of preference only and fill both lists.
Check that you have the subject requirements for the courses you apply for.
Use the Level 6/7 list as a backup plan in case you are not offered the Level 8 course that you want. Ask your guidance counsellor for help with this.
Check the Alert Lists on the CAO website listing new courses available and discontinued courses. Some alerts have been posted as recently as April 2025.
At offers stage, you can only accept one course out of the two lists.
If you accept a lower preference offer, you can still be offered a course higher on your list.
If you are offered your top preference course, you will receive no other offers from that list. This is why the dream course should go at the top.
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Irish Times
9 hours ago
- Irish Times
Leaving Cert results: Will 2025 students be badly disadvantaged by grade deflation?
Leaving Cert results are coming out on Friday. Those who sat the exams this year are concerned they will be at a disadvantage as grades are set to be 'deflated' from the bumper marks awarded after the Covid pandemic. How many students applying for a CAO place this year sat the exams in 2025 and how many sat the Leaving Cert in previous years? Some 51,350 students who will receive their 2025 Leaving Cert results on Friday morning have applied to the CAO for a place in a third-level college this year. A total of 19,782 former Leaving Cert students who did the examination in previous years have also applied for a place this year. The vast majority of them completed their second-level education since 2020. They therefore constitute 28 per cent of all (71,132) Leaving Cert applicants in 2025. How did Leaving Cert grades get inflated in recent years? It stems back to the Covid pandemic and the abandonment of the written exams in 2020 amid health lockdowns. Instead of the usual Leaving Cert, teachers were asked to predict what their students might have achieved if they had had the opportunity to sit the exams in person. The SEC ended up giving much more generous grades, up 4.4 percentage points on aggregate from 2019 levels. A year later grades climbed higher still – a further 2.6 percentage points – when students had a choice of predicted grades or written exams – which very few took. This raised students' exam results upwards, on aggregate, by about 7 percentage points in 2021 over results achieved by students two years previously, before Covid in 2019. READ MORE Grades have been adjusted upwards by on average of 7 per cent through what authorities call a 'postmarking adjustment' since 2022. This has been achieved by marking exam papers as normal and then, when the process is complete, adding further marks to all papers to ensure overall grades match the tally from 2020 and 2021, on aggregate. Why should this be of concern to the Leaving Cert class of 2025 who are seeking a CAO place? A 7 per cent average increase might not sound like much, but the effect of these increases has been considerable, especially for those taking higher-level subjects. For example, authorities previously estimated that a student who achieved 512 CAO points in 2019 would have been awarded about 550 points on foot of these upward adjustments over recent years. Does that mean students who deferred applying until this year have an advantage in accessing college places? The plan is that a 'postmarking adjustment' applied to students' grades on aggregate this year will reduce from 7 per cent to 5.5 per cent. In other words, students' grades will be lower, on aggregate, compared with the bumper grades achieved over the past four years. In 2023 the percentage of originally marked scripts which went up one grade was 70 per cent. In 2024 it was 68 per cent. The crucial number to look out for on Friday will be the percentage of grades which are adjusted upwards through the 5.5 per cent process. A significant proportion of the 32 per cent of grades which were not adjusted upwards in 2024 and in 2023 is due to the fact that the student in question had already been awarded the top grade on either the higher or ordinary paper by the correcting teacher. How might this be reflected in CAO points? The practical implication of the change downwards in the adjusted marks will be that a student who achieved about 550 points on foot of enhanced grades last year could expect to receive about 538 points in 2025. If it's going to negatively affect the chances of the class of 2025, why are we deflating grades at all? Firstly, the credibility of the Leaving Cert internationally cannot be sustained if we do not stop enhancing our grades. Secondly, higher-education institutions have complained that it is difficult to differentiate between candidates with high grades for some courses because so many are getting top marks. This has led to an increase in the use of random selection – a lottery – to choose candidates, especially in highly competitive courses such as medicine, dentistry, pharmacy and others. Inflated grades have also made it much more difficult for students from Northern Ireland to access university here, as grades in the UK have since returned to normal levels. Yet they are competing against students with higher grades in the Republic. [ Carl O'Brien: 'Why grade deflation for Leaving Cert students might not be such a bad thing' Opens in new window ] In light of these factors, among others, Minister for Education Helen McEntee has pledged to begin what her officials have described as a 'glide path' back to pre-Covid results over the course of a few years. Will the grade deflation lead to a fall in CAO points overall? It is difficult to say for sure. There are several factors that can influence the entry cut-off point for the CAO's round one offers in late August. They include the number of places on offer across individual courses, the demand for these places and the points achieved by applicants. With 51,350 CAO applicants set to achieve lower points this year, it seems likely that CAO entry points should drop overall. If, for example, 72 per cent of applicants in the CAO round one offers have one grade less than in the past five years and 28 per cent retain their existing 'bumper' grades, then – all things remaining equal – there should be a modest easing of points requirements for courses. But then again, all things are not equal. Some courses have increased in popularity, putting upward pressure on CAO points, while others have fallen out of fashion, leading to an easing of points requirements. Minister for Higher Education James Lawless has also funded additional places in many high-demand courses for 2025 and 2026 to ease the pressure on CAO points. Was there a fairer way of deflating grades and protecting the class of 2025? One option, in theory, is that the higher-education institutions – which own and manage the CAO application system – could ringfence a proportion of college places for the class of 2025 only. To do this fairly, this option would require very detailed data analysis on the part of every college and would entail a huge administrative task. Could the SEC adjust the inflated results of students with bumper grades from recent years downwards, so they match the class of 2025? As a technical exercise, yes. Leaving Cert students from 2022, 2023 and 2024 had their exam papers marked normally, after which a postmarking adjustment of 7 per cent was made to bring them into line with inflated Covid-era 2020 and 2021 grades. Those original marks and grades are retained by the SEC. These applicants could, in theory, be allocated CAO points based on their lower pre-adjusted grades. (Their published Leaving Cert would continue to be recognised as their official result; but their unadjusted grades would count for CAO application purposes in the future.) If this was done, there would have been no need for postmarking adjustments from this year. Using this method to amend the results of students who were awarded a Leaving Cert in 2020 and 2021 is not possible, but most of these students are now aged 23 or older and can apply to the CAO as 'mature applicants' where they are considered on the basis of their life experience to date and not on the basis of their Leaving Cert grades. Why did we not do this to be fair to the class of 2025? Sources have indicated that the advice to the Government from the Attorney General's office was that such a decision to return to the pre-adjusted grades for the classes of 2022-2024 for CAO application processes in the future was legally problematic as students who received enhanced grades had an entitlement to retain the actual grades awarded and their value in perpetuity for CAO application purposes. This advice may or may not be tested in the courts in the coming weeks. But it would be a brave judge who would declare the method of allocating college places for the entire 2025 first-year undergraduate CAO system unfair or invalid.
Irish Independent
19 hours ago
- Irish Independent
Around the Districts: Manorhamilton, Merville Centre and Riverstown
Vintage Tools and Candles Memorial There will be a vintage tools display in Rossinver Community Centre on Thursday, August 21, from 10 a.m. till 4 p.m. as part of the local community's National Heritage week events taking place countrywide. Entry to the Vintage Rossinver Tools display is free for all who come along to the local Community Centre on August 21. Meanwhile on the following Sunday night, August 24, the annual Memorial Candle Lit Flower ceremony will take place at the Fisheries, Dooard, Rossinver on the shoreline of Lough Melvin, starting at 8 p.m. For the annual Memorial Candle Lit Flower ceremony there are dedication cards available to remember your loved ones during the August 24 ceremony from the following locations – Kerrigan's XL New Line Manorhamilton, McGriskin's Country Shop Kiltyclogher, True Colours Salon, Garrison, Co Fermanagh and Arroo Salon in Kinlough, and also at the Rossinver Youth and Community Project Rossinver in the community centre (Eircode F91 NY6V). For more information on all or any of the above forthcoming Rossinver events, please phone 071 9832970. Computer Skills Course The North Leitrim Women's Centre will provide an opportunity for you to update your computer skills during a series of classes that will run in the centre commencing on Thursday, September 11. On the successful completion of the update of your computer skills classes all participants will receive a QQI Certificate in Office Skills. An information day on the update of your computer skills classes will be held in the Women's Centre on Tuesday, September 9, at 11 a.m. The classes, which start on Thursday, September 11, will run each week on Tuesdays and on Thursdays between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. To book a place on the update your computer skills classes please contact the Women's Centre at 071 9856220. The update of your computer skills classes modules will include Business English, Communications, General Office Skills, Mathematics, Word Processing, Spreadsheets, Customer Service, Data Entry and Work Experience. This course is free of charge. Glencar's New Classes The Glencar Community Centre at Diffreen has new classes taking place currently and the centre is inviting all interested to attend and participate in the classes. A Breathwork Meditation class takes place in Glencar Community Centre every Thursday night from 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. and a Low Intensity Strength Circuit class takes place every Friday morning from to 11 a.m. ADVERTISEMENT Learn more For more information on Glencar Community Centre classes and to book places in them, please contact Chris at 089 2358584. Spaces are limited. Defibrillator Run/Walk The Dromahair AED Defibrillator Group will hold their annual 5k Family Fun Run/Walk on Sunday, August 31, at 5 p.m. The 5k Family Fun Run/Walk start point will be at the Depot on Dromahair's back line. Registration for all runners and walkers takes place from 4 p.m. in the Depot. Refreshments for all participants will be served afterwards in the Depot and spot prizes will be presented there as well. All funds raised will go to the upkeep and maintenance of all five Defibrillator units in the Dromahair area. Please support this worthy fundraiser. District News Deadline Please email all notes for next week's Sligo Champion Manorhamilton District News to PJ Leddy – leddypatrick10@ by 6 p.m. at the latest on Thursday, August 21. Merville Centre CONDOLENCES The Merville Management Committee, staff and on Behalf of the Wider Merville Community wish to offer our condolences to the family and Friends of David Ewing, Shannon Eighter, Co. Sligo and formerly Ard-Na Veigh, who has passed away recently. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam. DREAMCHASERS CHILDCARE Pre-enrollment Spaces are now available for our Award-Winning Community Based Pre-School Service for the 2025/2026 Term. With a Focus on Outdoor Play, Dreamchasers Childcare Service has an established Community Centered Programme for all children with an emphasis on fun being our Number One Priority. Free Preschool Places on the ECCE Scheme and Qualifying Supports such as the National Childcare Scheme (NCS) are available. Please contact 071 9152022 Mobile 086 4424093 for further information. SAFETY MATTERS All Patrons of Merville Community Centre are asked to exercise caution when driving in the area when on Drop Off and Pick Up, as these times can be extremely busy both at the centre and in the locality. Best Practice would be to Drop Off and Pick up outside the centre where possible. Be especially aware of Pedestrians crossing at the centre Entrance and Exit. Think Safe. PENDANT ALARMS Merville Community Centre facilitate on behalf of our community the provision to eligible persons of Social Monitored Pendant Alarms, under the Seniors Alert Scheme that is administered by Pobal Equipment Funding is available for eligible persons over 65 years for the installation of an monitored alarm on a landline in the person's home. The alarms are now available for persons aged 65 or older and living alone, living with another person who meets the terms and conditions, living alone for significant periods of time during the day, or is a carer to someone else in their household. First year monitoring is free for all new applicants. Subsequent annual monitoring charges are then payable by the user. Other Systems are available at various costs for those who do not possess a Landline. Overall this monitoring product adds Peace of Mind for Both the Users, family and Friends at minimal cost. Contact Merville Centre Office at 071 9150029 for further information. YOUR NOTES Local Voluntary and Community Groups are reminded that any notices for publication can be emailed to mervilleycc@ or hard copy left into the Merville Centre for inclusion in our Local Notes. Riverstown All-Ireland Champions Congratulations to Glór na dTonn céilí Band, who represented Riverstown's Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann at the Fleadh Cheoil in Wexford recently to become all-Ireland Senior céilí Band Champions for 2025. The band members are Conal McCormack, Tom Gavin, Kate Gavin, Jason McGuinness (Sligo), Séamus Tiernan, Marianna Tiernan, Kathryn Tiernan, Alan Judge, Chloe Feeney (Mayo) and Thomas Ahern (Waterford). Congratulations also to Conal on coming second in the O18 Drums. Other winners from Riverstown CCÉ were Rachel Feeney, who took second place in the 12 – 15 sean nós competition and Amy Bagnall, who took third in the 15-18 sean nós competition. 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Congratulations to Leah McManus who took bronze in the girls under-14 800m. Leah will now progress to the national finals on Saturday, August 23, in Carlow. HERITAGE DAY Taunagh Church Riverstown is delighted to announce that they have received funding from the Heritage Council to have a Grade one conservation architect to draw up a report on the church. Taunagh Church was consecrated in 1818 and has been a constant place of worship for over two hundred years. The building is enriched by a magnificent stained-glass window made by the artist Alfred Ernest Child. Among the many Church Furnishings on display will be the almost 300-year-old silver Chalice and Paten Plate (dated 1726) which would have come from the old Taunagh Church. All are welcome to join the celebrations on Saturday, August 16, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. to celebrate 200 years plus of Christian Witness. 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RTÉ News
4 days ago
- RTÉ News
How will grade deflation play out for Leaving Cert exam results?
With Leaving Cert 2025 results out this coming Friday and CAO offers following hot on their heels, many students are wondering how the gradual deflation of results, which starts this year, will play out for them when it comes to getting a place at college. Students were promised a "glide" not a "cliff edge" and our Education Correspondent Emma O Kelly has been looking at how this might play out. Leaving Certificate results have been artificially inflated for the past number of years, ever since the pandemic disrupted learning for so many. This year sees the beginning of an end to that. While the class of 2025 will have their marks boosted in a post marking adjustment, their boost will be smaller than that of previous years as the State Examinations Commission begins the gradual "glide" back to pre-Covid marking levels that was promised to students. So what level of adjustment will be made this year? For the past three years Leaving Cert marks have been artificially hiked by an average of around 7%. The ultimate goal is to bring results back to pre-pandemic 2019 levels, when no artificial increase of this kind was applied to raw exam scores. This is being done on a phased basis, starting now. This year the State Examinations Commission wants to revert to somewhere between 2020 and 2021 levels. 2020 was the year that the Leaving Certificate was cancelled. Results that year rose by around 4% compared to 2019 as marks based on teacher estimates and national standardisation were issued. The gap grew to 7% in 2021, when a combination of estimated grades and exams were used and students were awarded whichever result was higher. They have remained at this artificially high level ever since. It has been estimated that bringing results back down to between 2020 and 2021 levels could mean an artificial boost this year of around 4.5%, but the actual percentage depends on where the raw unadjusted results land first. What impact might this have on points and college entry? There is no doubt that this year's overall results will be lower than last year's. That is inevitable. This may well lead to a fall in points. Any such fall will simply be a reflection of this year's lower Leaving Cert grades. Fear has been expressed that this year's Leaving Cert students will be at a disadvantage if they end up competing with students from previous recent years who have reapplied to CAO. Those students would have a competitive advantage because their results in aggregate are higher. But there is no evidence that significant numbers of students from recent past Leaving Cert years are reapplying to the CAO this year. The results gap between this year's high performing students and last year's will also be the narrowest. This is because the post marking adjustment has always been applied on a sliding scale, so last year, while it averaged at 7.5%, the adjustment was greatest for lower performing students – 12% - and smallest at the top, at just 4.8%. Will we see greater competition for college places this year? The points race is always dictated by supply and demand - how many places there are on a given course, and how many students are vying for those places. There is one more significant factor that will put pressure on the system this year. Demographic growth has led to record CAO applications; they are up by 8.5% compared to 2024. Numbers sitting the Leaving Certificate exams this year also rose strongly, by 7%. This means significantly more students are looking for college places this year, and this inevitably places more pressure on the system. More Leaving Cert candidates are also opting to sit subjects at Higher Level. On the plus side, supply is being increased in some areas, with additional places being offered this year on new courses in some disciplines that are in high demand, such as dentistry, medicine, and speech and language therapy. When will we find out? Students can access their Leaving Certificate results from 10am this coming Friday 22 August via the State Examinations Commission self-service portal. Many students may prefer to go back to their old school for one last time where their results will also be made available to them. This year's initial CAO offers will be made to applicants at 2pm on Wednesday 27 August, and as students accept or reject those places, further offers will be made in subsequent rounds.
