CAO

CAO and Leaving Cert news

Evidence of Leaving Cert grade inflation across the board

Evidence of Leaving Cert grade inflation across the board

Most subjects show increase in grades following adoption of dual grading system

By Peter McGuireFri Sept 03 2021 - 06:00

Leaving Cert 2021: Five key take-aways from this year’s results

Leaving Cert 2021: Five key take-aways from this year’s results

Students benefit from choice between exams and accredited grades but CAO points will rise

By Brian MooneyFri Sept 03 2021 - 06:00

Why have Leaving Cert results climbed to a record high?

Why have Leaving Cert results climbed to a record high?

This was an exam year like no other – which poses big questions for the future

By Carl O'BrienFri Sept 03 2021 - 06:00

Leaving Cert: Now that you have your results, what happens next?

Leaving Cert: Now that you have your results, what happens next?

The first step for many will be to convert your results into CAO points

By Brian MooneyFri Sept 03 2021 - 01:00

Leaving Cert 2021: How the CAO determines points allocations

Leaving Cert 2021: How the CAO determines points allocations

Points requirements are determined by a combination of factors

By Brian MooneyFri Sept 03 2021 - 01:00

Estimated grades vs exams: how does the system work?

Estimated grades vs exams: how does the system work?

Leaving Cert marking scheme explained

By Peter McGuireThu Sept 02 2021 - 13:00

Key Dates: Leaving Cert 2021

Key Dates: Leaving Cert 2021

Key dates for the stages following the issue of results including access to data, viewing of scripts and appeals.

Thu Sept 02 2021 - 01:00

I’m worried I’ll lose my UK college place due to a surge in applications

I’m worried I’ll lose my UK college place due to a surge in applications

Ask Brian: Some over-subscribed universities are offering cash to students to defer

By Brian MooneyTue Aug 31 2021 - 00:00

Q&A: All you need to know about this year’s Leaving Certificate results

Q&A: All you need to know about this year’s Leaving Certificate results

Students will receive results based on accredited grades, exams or both this year

By Jade WilsonFri Aug 27 2021 - 07:07

Leaving Cert results available from next week with ‘very short’ appeals timeline

Leaving Cert results available from next week with ‘very short’ appeals timeline

School historical data not being used for calculating grades this year, SEC said

By Jade WilsonThu Aug 26 2021 - 11:28

CAO course choices: Health sees largest cohort of first-choice applicants

CAO course choices: Health sees largest cohort of first-choice applicants

Figures indicate an increase in applications from 77,813 in 2020 to 84,526 this year

By Brian MooneyTue Jul 13 2021 - 13:12

Key dates for 2021 CAO applications

Key dates for 2021 CAO applications

Timeline for this year’s college application process

Fri Jun 04 2021 - 12:09

My son wants to drop Leaving Cert exams and opt for accredited grades. Is this wise?

My son wants to drop Leaving Cert exams and opt for accredited grades. Is this wise?

Sitting exams maximises your grades potential and chances of securing your top course

By Brian MooneyTue Jun 01 2021 - 00:00

It’s time to decide on your college course choices for 2021

It’s time to decide on your college course choices for 2021

Should you change your choice? Review your courses now and reap the rewards later

By Brian MooneyTue May 11 2021 - 11:15

What type of third level institution should I opt for?

What type of third level institution should I opt for?

What are the different types of third level learning institutions in Ireland?

By Peter McGuireTue May 11 2021 - 11:08

Alternatives to the degree route for school leavers

Alternatives to the degree route for school leavers

Many programmes are designed with local employers and are attuned to their needs

By Brian MooneyTue May 11 2021 - 10:18

Thinking of changing your course selection?

Thinking of changing your course selection?

Now is the time to review your CAO course selection in order to get them right by the July 1st deadline.

By Brian MooneyTue May 11 2021 - 10:18

Universities prepare for return to campus

Universities prepare for return to campus

Third-level colleges preparing for more in-person tuition in next academic year

By Éanna Ó CaollaíTue May 11 2021 - 10:17

What factors should influence your college choice

What factors should influence your college choice

What should you keep in mind when choosing a course?

By Peter McGuireTue May 11 2021 - 00:03

‘IT Sligo is prepared for a return to campus’

‘IT Sligo is prepared for a return to campus’

We asked IT Sligo a few questions about preparations for the autumn

Tue May 11 2021 - 00:00

How might Covid-19 affect students’ third-level choices?

How might Covid-19 affect students’ third-level choices?

The pandemic has accelerated the digital transformation but how will course choice be impacted?

By Peter McGuireTue May 11 2021 - 00:00

Maynooth University: ‘We are planning for a number of scenarios’

Maynooth University: ‘We are planning for a number of scenarios’

We asked Maynooth University about preparations for the autumn

Tue May 11 2021 - 00:00

Why arts? A foundation for further development

Why arts? A foundation for further development

Many school leavers opt for an arts degree before specialising in another area

By Shauna BowersTue May 11 2021 - 00:00

Studying arts: ‘I didn’t know what I wanted to do’

Studying arts: ‘I didn’t know what I wanted to do’

Seán Hayes graduated from UCD with a degree in English literature in 2017

Tue May 11 2021 - 00:00

Arts profile: ‘I knew that I absolutely loved Irish’

Faye Murphy graduated from UCC with a BA honours in Irish and French in 2018

Tue May 11 2021 - 00:00

I’m worried CAO points will soar. Are there alternative options?

I’m worried CAO points will soar. Are there alternative options?

Ask Brian: There are often alternative routes to study popular courses which require far fewer points

By Brian MooneyTue May 11 2021 - 00:00

Why law? Legal expertise is invaluable across a wide range of industries

Why law? Legal expertise is invaluable across a wide range of industries

There is no shortage of places to study law in Ireland

By Peter McGuireTue May 11 2021 - 00:00

Why study science? An abundance of career opportunities!

Why study science? An abundance of career opportunities!

Science pays well but is also constantly changing and new opportunities regularly arise

By Peter McGuireTue May 11 2021 - 00:00

College choices at a glance: 10 CAO courses, 10 careers

College choices at a glance: 10 CAO courses, 10 careers

A selection of courses you can apply for through the CAO process

By Peter McGuireTue May 11 2021 - 00:00

The Secret Teacher: Must we go back to State exams as we know them next year?

The Secret Teacher: Must we go back to State exams as we know them next year?

We have here a real opportunity to conduct proper reform

By The Secret TeacherTue May 11 2021 - 00:00

High-points courses ‘maxed out’ as record 84,000 students apply for college places

High-points courses ‘maxed out’ as record 84,000 students apply for college places

Mature students, overseas applications push third-level applications to new high

By Carl O'BrienMon May 10 2021 - 03:21

Will CAO points rise? We've answered your most frequent questions

Will CAO points rise? We've answered your most frequent questions

Guidance counsellor Brian Mooney joined Irish Times education editor Carl O'Brien to answer all your college and Leaving Cert queries during a recent Facebook Q&A

Thu May 06 2021 - 13:03

Will CAO points rise even higher this year?

Will CAO points rise even higher this year?

Ask Brian: 2021 may be the most competitive yet in the competition for third-level places

By Brian MooneyTue May 04 2021 - 00:00

How many written Leaving Cert exams should my daughter opt for in June?

How many written Leaving Cert exams should my daughter opt for in June?

Students who sit written exams have greater control over their eventual results

By Brian MooneyTue Apr 27 2021 - 00:00

Can my son apply for a grant even if he doesn’t have a college offer yet?

Can my son apply for a grant even if he doesn’t have a college offer yet?

Applicants don’t need results or offers – you just need to show your preferred course

By Brian MooneyTue Apr 20 2021 - 00:00

Will grade inflation affect my hopes of securing a course in the UK or Ireland?

Will grade inflation affect my hopes of securing a course in the UK or Ireland?

Ask Brian: UK universities may set higher entry scores in anticipation of inflated grades

By Brian MooneyhTue Mar 16 2021 - 08:04

Leaving Cert: Grade inflation needs to be addressed as a priority

Leaving Cert: Grade inflation needs to be addressed as a priority

Giving students two bites of the cherry is almost certain to increase grades

By Pól Ó DochartaighTue Mar 09 2021 - 11:52

CAO: Trinity receives 38% more first-preference applications

CAO: Trinity receives 38% more first-preference applications

First-preference applications for environment courses up 70%

By Mark HilliardTue Mar 09 2021 - 08:44

My daughter wants to help tackle climate change. Are there courses in this field?

My daughter wants to help tackle climate change. Are there courses in this field?

Ask Brian: A growing number of colleges are offering courses in sustainability

By Brian MooneyTue Mar 02 2021 - 00:00

I’m worried CAO points will go through the roof this year. What are my options?

I’m worried CAO points will go through the roof this year. What are my options?

Ask Brian: All signs are that CAO points will not be returning to 2019 levels anytime soon

By Brian MooneyTue Feb 23 2021 - 01:00

Leaving Cert results may be withheld if there is evidence of canvassing

Leaving Cert results may be withheld if there is evidence of canvassing

CAO chair says grade inflation under new system could increase points for top courses

By Carl O'BrienFri Feb 19 2021 - 06:00

Q&A: What kind of choice will students have in this year’s Leaving Cert?

Q&A: What kind of choice will students have in this year’s Leaving Cert?

Students will given the option of calculated grades and sitting written exams

By Carl O'BrienWed Feb 17 2021 - 17:43

CAO points could climb if calculated grades model is used again

CAO points could climb if calculated grades model is used again

Some high-demand courses already running at full capacity, warns CAO chair

By Carl O'BrienThu Feb 11 2021 - 01:00

Leaving Cert grades have no meaning beyond CAO

Leaving Cert grades have no meaning beyond CAO

Comment: We need to think outside the box when reforming how we assess sixth year students

By Jim GleesonTue Feb 09 2021 - 00:00

My son needs to choose his Leaving Cert subjects – but isn’t sure what to opt for

My son needs to choose his Leaving Cert subjects – but isn’t sure what to opt for

Ask Brian: Be sure to examine entry requirements for courses he is interested in

By Brian MooneyTue Feb 09 2021 - 00:00

More than 550 students who sat postponed Leaving Cert to get improved CAO offers

More than 550 students who sat postponed Leaving Cert to get improved CAO offers

Talks get under way on alternative ‘non-exam’ option for 2021 Leaving Cert

By Carl O'BrienSun Feb 07 2021 - 15:03

‘This wasn’t a normal Leaving Cert ’: Students react to postponed results

‘This wasn’t a normal Leaving Cert ’: Students react to postponed results

While 40% improved on their calculated grades, most scored the same or worse

By Carl O'BrienTue Feb 02 2021 - 19:49

Nearly 40% of written Leaving Cert exams scored higher than calculated grades

Nearly 40% of written Leaving Cert exams scored higher than calculated grades

Results issued today to 2,202 candidates who sat Leaving Certificate and Junior Cycle papers

By Mark HilliardTue Feb 02 2021 - 06:00

Students who sat postponed Leaving Cert to get results next Tuesday

Students who sat postponed Leaving Cert to get results next Tuesday

Candidates who get improved results may be entitled to new CAO offers

By Carl O'BrienThu Jan 28 2021 - 13:42

My daughter isn’t studying Irish. Will she be locked out of college courses?

My daughter isn’t studying Irish. Will she be locked out of college courses?

Ask Brian: Irish can be an entry criteria but she may be entitled to an exemption

By Brian MooneyTue Jan 26 2021 - 00:00

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