It is astonishing to think that healthcare courses - such as medicine, dentistry and pharmacy - account for only two per cent of all third-level admissions.
You could be forgiven for thinking they dominate the college entry process, based on the level of attention lavished on them by the media and students alike.
The reason such courses hit the headlines each year is because of their points requirements. Last year, for example, five out of the six highest points options were medical courses.
The high points required for medicine and veterinary medicine tend to distort the whole college entry process.
Two years ago the Points Commission pointed out: "Much of the pressure surrounding the points system arises in the context of the small number of courses where demand considerably exceeds supply".
Years ago there were no points requirements for medicine (or dentistry) and many of the general practitioners and consultants now working in the field entered university with results which now would be insufficient to get them on the courses.
Does anyone really believe they are worse doctors for this? Or that doctors now are better because they have achieved higher grades in their Leaving Certificate?
These questions will have to be left for another time, because the system for the moment is not going to change.
The CAO secretary, Dr Martin Newell, has suggested that medicine become a postgraduate course with students first completing a general degree in life sciences.
But while the Points Commission called for this to be investigated, little has happened since and most of the universities appear happy with the status quo.
Some students who want courses such as medicine can become blinded to all other options.
But with the points so high you always have to make allowance for missing the course - so if you don't want to repeat make sure you put other options on your list. You might consider putting science or another healthcare course further down your degree list.
Medicine
Most of the courses follow the same pattern - six years for the degree and then up to four years of specialist training. Most require their students to do clinical training in years three or four, mostly in local hospitals.
The drop-out rate from medical courses varies, but those that leave often find the immense workload too much. The constant pressure of exams can also take a toll.
So what course should you pick? Well, you can play the risky "points game" with some of the medicine courses, but tread carefully.
Medicine is offered at four universities (UCD, Trinity, NUI Galway and UCC) and one private college - the Royal College of Surgeons, Ireland (RCSI).
If you are prepared to travel you can pack the first half of your list with the five options and hope you get the points for one.
But remember you will be offered the first one you qualify for, so be prepared to get your fourth or fifth choice. The chances of getting a medicine place on the second round or subsequent rounds are relatively slim.
Looking at the points for last year, the RCSI's medicine course (RC 001) was the lowest of the five at 545 points. The thing to remember about the RCSI is because it is classified as a private college you have to pay fees, unlike the universities. Last year the fees for this course were almost £5,000 for the year.
The college is lobbying the Department of Education to be included in the "free fees" initiative, but has got no joy so far. But watch this space, because if fees are abolished the college will probably try to change its arrangements immediately and it could affect those hoping to get a place in 2001/ 2002.
The next medicine course in points terms (GY 051) was NUI Galway at 550, followed by UCD (DN 002) at 555, UCC (CK 071) on 555 (with random selection) and Trinity, clearly the highest at 570 (TR 051).
Obviously the points totals will have some impact on what course you put first. But primarily put down the college you most want to go to, based on its facilities, lecturing staff and special subjects. If you get a place on any of them, you will have to pass a medical assessment prior to admission. This includes testing for hepatitis B and tuberculosis.
Veterinary Medicine
UCD runs the only course in the State. Last year 540 points (with random selection) were required. There are about 65 places available and competition is fierce for the course (DN 105).
Prof Michael Monaghan, dean of veterinary medicine at UCD, advises anyone thinking of doing the course to spend time with a vet and get an idea of the work. "Being a vet can mean working 12 to 14 hours a day, especially in rural practices, and it is tough, physical work. Students should realise that before they apply," he says.
The course runs over five years and students are expected to spend time in a farm animal, small animal and equine practice. Most students work as vets immediately after graduating.
The biggest change this year is a new graduate entry option to the course. UCD is offering five places to graduates with a 2:1 degree or higher (masters or Ph.D students are also welcome to apply). You also need to have a minimum of 400 points from your Leaving Cert.
Anyone who meets these requirements is asked to prepare a CV, in which they can outline any relevant work experience, such working in a vet's or doctor's surgery etc. An assessment test is also staged.
The college then gives weightings to the work experience, academic achievements and assessment test results. The five candidates with the highest scores get the places.
Those with a scientific or healthcare background will have an advantage in the assessment test, but anyone can apply. Applicants go through the CAO (by the February 1st deadline), but also submit their CV and a £350 fee to UCD admissions office by the same date.
Pharmacy
While UCD has the only veterinary degree, Trinity currently has the only pharmacy degree (TR 072). Last year 545 points were needed for approximately 70 places.
You graduate after four years and become a member of the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland, a qualification recognised throughout Europe.
The jobs in the sector are becoming more varied, but generally split into three areas: private pharmacies, hospitals and companies.
While points were high last year, the Higher Education Authority is close to allowing some college to offer 50 new places. Such a big increase in the provision is likely to bring the points down, so this could be an interesting year for those applying. RCSI and UCC are among those who have applied to offer the new places. Trinity has also asked to increase its existing provision.
A spokesman for the HEA said it "intended" to have the places ready for the academic year 2001/2002, but this was not certain, so watch this space.
Dentistry
UCC and Trinity are the only colleges offering dentistry and last year both required 535 points.
Some students foolishly put down this course as a "backup" if they do not get medicine. The courses are very different from medicine and this is not advised.
Both UCC and Trinity courses involve in-depth training over five years and both use dental hospitals to familiarise students with dental practice. The first year of the courses tend to be very general and only in subsequent years is serious dental care explored. Trinity recently completed a new state-of-the-art dental hospital and the facilities are top class. UCC's, while slightly older, are also highly regarded.