Three-quarters of Leaving Certificate students will be offered third-level places by the CAO this morning.
Nearly half of those who applied for a degree course were offered their first preference, with 70 per cent of certificate/diploma course applicants offered their first choice.
Points for a number of degree and certificate/diploma courses, including subjects such as medicine, have fallen.
Two-thirds of science and computer courses saw their points requirements fall. This is due to poor grades in physics and chemistry, with 22 per cent of students failing biology at ordinary level.
The Irish Times education helpline (1850-292827) is available from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. this afternoon.
Students who want to check the first round of college offers can do so at
College Choices 2001
.