There is more good news for most of this year's Leaving Certificate class today with the publication of the cut-off points for CAO courses. Most of the plaudits will go the students but the CAO also deserves commendation for its speedy and efficient work. Fears that the better-than-expected grades would push up the points requirements for most courses have not been realised. Points for the majority of degree and certificate/diploma courses are down and even the requirement for traditionally high points courses like medicine have taken a slight dip.
It is clear that the intensity of the points race is beginning to ease. Declining numbers at second-level and the growth in the number of college courses has produced a better balance between supply and demand. In practical terms, fewer students are now chasing more college places. The net result, in overall terms, is good for students - and should provide some relief for most parents.
However, the picture this year is not universally bright. The points required for engineering courses increased in virtually every college. Last year, some 375 points were required to secure a place in UCD's common engineering degree. But with five separate options now available, between 400-460 points are needed this year.
But other trends are more favourable. The points needed for most arts courses are broadly similar to last year. Some have risen marginally, but with better exam results, most students should be able to secure a place. Points for computer, information technology and related courses have also taken a tumble. About two-thirds of the degree courses on the CAO list require lower points than last year. Points requirements for science courses are also down.
But this is not necessarily a good thing. There must be concern that some students with relatively low point scores will find it difficult to last the pace in some computer/science courses. Earlier this year, the Higher Education Authority's landmark report pointed to drop-out rates of up to 30 per cent in some key science/computer disciplines. This year's figures may show the situation has worsened.
Amid all the hype that accompanies the points race, some sense of perspective is required. As the Inner City Organisation Network pointed out yesterday, many of our students are not even in the points race. This week's focus is rightly on the CAO offers; but the Government still faces the task of producing a college population that more accurately reflects the social composition of our society.