The introduction by the Central Applications Office in 1992 of the refined grading system and the unitary points system has made the Leaving Cert results more accurate and the computation of points very straightforward. In addition, these reforms have made third-level entry procedures more transparent and meritocratic.
While commentators may criticise third-level entry criteria - particularly the points system - there is general acceptance that the CAO processes applications in an extremely fair way. Since the system first came on stream, a number of academic studies have considered an alternative method of third-level selection. The universities themselves looked at other options a couple of years ago and concluded that there was no realistic alternative to the points system which is based entirely on a candidate's Leaving Cert results.
College entry became an issue during the recent general election when Micheal Martin, now Minister for Education, committed himself to establishing a commission of educationalists, industrialists, parents, students and others to examine alternatives to the points system. When this commission gets down to work this month it will need to tread very wearily lest it undermine a system which has stood the test of time.
The CAO system has proved itself to be the fairest, most efficient and best equipped to invite, receive and process applications for all third-level courses. It carries out its brief without fear or favour and has safeguarded the entry process from allegations of partiality, patronage or favouritism.
The colleges which participate in the system are happy to co-operate with present criteria of student selection to the extent that there is almost total uniformity in their application of the system. Now that UCD will no longer offer bonus points for higher level maths as and from 1998 entry, the University of Limerick will be the only college out of step in that regard.
The alternative to the points system is a return to the former system of interviews, suitability and aptitude tests. I have serious reservations about the validity of such tests as a selection mechanism for third-level education. Unlike the unitary points system, these tests lack transparency, validity and objectivity. In fact, Dublin City University considered such tests in tandem with Leaving Cert results for a number of years and concluded that they were no better a selection criterion than a candidate's points score.
Besides, the logistics of organising interviews and tests for about 60,000 candidates, each of whom may have 20 different course choices on the form, are bewildering. At the end of the day, what should be kept in mind is that the points system was introduced only because there are far more applicants for courses than there are places.
The provision of college places for all qualified applicants is the issue which Minister Martin must address. He is in a unique position to do so. For the first time in many years, student numbers are falling while more places are becoming available. This trend will ease pressure for points and an average result in the Leaving Cert in a few years from now will be more than adequate to secure a college place in all but the most competitive faculties.
There is also an urgent need to establish clear guidelines for those who wish to enter college by less traditional routes. The criteria of entry to the CAO colleges by PLC students, mature students and disadvantaged students needs to be regularised.
Natural justice would suggest that access to third level should be made easier for those anxious for a second chance. These are the pressing issues which Micheal Martin should address rather than tampering with a points system which, like Caesar's wife, is above reproach.
Guidance Counsellor, Presentation Secondary School, Tralee, Co Kerry, is author of The Structure of Third-Level Education in Ireland, With Particular Reference To Entry Requirements, Application Procedures and the Points System.
