CAO helpdesk: Our experts answer your questions

Our experts answer questions about results, appeals, deferrals, CAO points and more.

The 2024 Irish Times Leaving Cert results and CAO helpdesk is now closed. Many thanks to our readers for submitting questions and to guidance counsellors Deirdre Garrett and Brian Howard who have answered hundreds of queries from students and their parents over the last 10 days or so.

Q: I have applied to NCAD for common entry ( AD101 level 8) and have received a portfolio score of 907. I know to qualify for a level 8 courses I had to get a minimum of 2 C in my A level qualification. However I did not achieve 2 C and received A, D & E. Although, on the NCAD website it states “Grade A with Grade D or Grade E, or Grade B with Grade D are considered the equivalent of two Grade Cs” But I still didn’t receive an offer, I have emailed and call the NCAD admissions office over the last 3 days and haven’t received an answer. Do you think I have missed something? Should I just wait until Round 2? Although I didn’t get an offer from NCAD, I did get my first offer on the level 7 course, MT760 Interior Architecture. From my understanding I can still work my way up to the Level 8 course in interior architecture, as well as, Cork is a great student city, but my heart is set on studying in dublin and attending NCAD. However, waiting on replies from NCAD may cost me my accommodation in Cork. Do you think I have a chance on getting a position in NCAD, or do you think I should rather focus on Cork? It would be such a disappointment to miss out on an opportunity in NCAD with such a high portfolio score, however, with how non responsive they have been I’m not sure if I will get my position. Thank you. Rachel

A: I have just been in contact with the NCAD and they say that they will get to your email in the afternoon and will respond to your query. They are making their way through a lot of emails but will get back to you later today. Brian


38 days ago

Q: My daughter has Applied Psychology in UCC as her first choice and although she got 540 points she wasn’t offered it, but was offered her second choice. Should she wait for the second round or contact CAO directly? John

A: Is there a possibility that she didn’t meet the minimum entry requirements for this course? The CAO will only make an offer when a candidiate meets the cut off points and minimum entry requirements. Please see the link for requirements for Applied Psychology at UCC. Is she exempt from Irish or a third language? Has CAO recieved this exemption? Deirdre


38 days ago

Q: Because there are two separate CAO lists of preference between, level 8 courses and level 7/6 I was wondering if I choose preference one, which I have been offered in my level 7/6 courses, does it eliminate all of my other options on my level 8 course list for future rounds, or only the other level 7/6 courses. I have not been offered any level 8 courses so far. Fred

A: You will still be included in all CAO Level 8 that you meet cut off and minimum entry requirements for in future CAO rounds. So go ahead and accept Wednesday’s offer. You can transfer to a course if you recieve a new offer at a later stage. The very best of luck. Deirdre


38 days ago

Q: If I appeal a Leaving Cert result, is it possible that my result is downgraded (eg. from a H2 to a H3)? Robert

A: Yes this is a possibility. Not all appeals are upgraded and some may even result in a downgrade, albeit less common. Deirdre


38 days ago

Q: What are the points for AU340 Fire Safety Engineering? Paul

A: 340 CAO points in Round 1 2024. Deirdre


38 days ago

Q: If I accept my CAO offer now, can I decline it later even if i get no offers in future rounds? John

A: Yes, if you accept your place now and subsequently change your mind and want to withdraw from the course you can do that at a later stage. There may be financial consequences depending on how long you remain on the course ( see earlier answer to another question) particularly approaching October. Brian


38 days ago

Q: I am one point off of food science in UL so if I did appeal my bio result as I got 69.5, do you think I would have to wait till next year to start as the places may be taken for this year. I can’t find anywhere how many places are open for this course. Taylor.

A: CAO will offer you a place on the back of a successful appeal if places are still available on thsi course. Otherwise you will be offered a deferred place for Sept 2025. Please read this link (pg35) explaining the process regarding deferals. Deirdre


38 days ago

Q: I got applied biology and biopharmaceutical science in atu galway and it was my 3rd but I now would rather my 5th choice, GY301, which I got well over the points for so is there any way possible for me to get it rather than waiting till next year? Ashley

A: Through the CAO system there is generally no way of moving down your list to courses underneath the one you have been offered. So essentially, everything below your 3rd preference is now gone. The only exception to this is if one of your lower courses appears in the vacant place list. Since the course you now rather is in the same college and in the same area there may be scope for an internal transfer later in 1st year. Maybe it might be a good idea to speak to someone in ATU about this possibility. Brian


38 days ago

Q: On my CAO I choose DN530 in UCD European Studies but it looks like I didn’t correctly select that option. I have been offered DN530 Art History. I have the points and it is the same department. What is the chance of being able to transfer. Do you know if UCD can accommodate such a change? Anna

A: I suggest that you phone Admissions Office at UCD asap 01-7081555. Deirdre


38 days ago

Q: My son got offered his 2nd choice but really wants his first choice if he accepts his first round offer can he still see if he gets his first choice in round 2? Vanessa

A: Yes, whether or not he accepts his 2nd choice in round one he will still remain in the running for his 1st preference in the next rounds and if he becomes entitled to it he will be offered it and he decides whether to stay with his 2nd choice of move to his 1st choice. Brian


38 days ago

Q: I wrote down the wrong global business wanted Trinity but got Dublin Business School. It was my number one choice but I really want to go to trinity and I have enough points. What can I do? Sam

A: Oh, really sorry to hear this. I’m not sure anything can be done to remedy this problem this year. My sense is you may only be able to get TCD Global Business next year with a new application. Technically you cannot change your application at this stage mid-cycle. I would make contact with TCD admissions and the CAO to see if there is a solution, but I’m not sure what they can do for you. Best of luck. Brian.


38 days ago

Q: Son did not receive offers Irish exemption was not submitted. It’s now submitted will he receive offer. He has the points. Priscilla

A: I would never say there is a guarantee that you will get an offer in round 2, however the norm would be in cases like this when an error has been corrected that the college would make the offer in round 2. However, it is down to the college to decide out of good will to do this. If they have over offered in round one and all accept, they could be under pressure with places and this is where it could get tricky. Consider having a chat with admissions in the college. Brian


38 days ago

Q: I’m one point off of my 2nd course food science and health in UL do you think there’s much hope for me in the 2nd round, got offered my 3rd. Taylor

A: CAO rounds in 2023 didn’t see a drop for this course in round 2. Accept your 3rd choice. You can transfer to a new course if you were to recieve an offer in Round 2 on Sepember 9th. The very best of luck. Deirdre


38 days ago

Q: If my son drops out of college in his first year , how long can he attend before we would have to pay the full fees if he goes back to college next year doing another course? Thank you Tom

A: There are 2 deadlines which are important here and these vary from college to college so you should check in with the fees office in the college you are concerned with. The first deadline, usually around the end of October - if you son drops out before this deadline, there will be no implications for the following year with fees. The second deadline, usually around the end of January - if your son drops out before this, they will only get half the free fees the following year and if he drops out after this he will not get the free fees the following year and will have to pay the full economic fees, somewhere in the region of 6/7K. Brian


38 days ago

Q: I got my second choice but now I don’t think I want to do it. I looked at the Available Places and saw a course that I would like. Do I have to accept the first offer and then apply for an available place or do I just leave the first offer not accepted and submit a new choice? Mary

A: Place the new course code (from available places facility) above your round 1 off. Doing nothing with Wednesday’s offer will automatically result in a decline of that offer. Round 2 is out on September 9th. This is the day that you should be offered the course you inserted from Available Places (providing that you meet the minimum entry requirements). Please view video guide for Available Places at this link


38 days ago

Q: Student got 601 points. Required points were 602.... What is the advice? Gavin

A: That is a hard one. Did this student recieve an offer? Would this offer have similar course and structure content as most desired course? Please supply more information. Deirdre


38 days ago

Q: My daughter has been offered her sixth choice but we are hoping to appeal for a higher offer. Does she need to accept this initial offer in order to remain in the CAO system? Jane

A: Accepting or rejecting Wednesday’s offer will have no influence in future CAO rounds. Would it be good to accept the offer incase she doesn’t get offered any higher preference courses in future rounds? This will ensure that she has a course regardless of what has happens. However, she would need to be interested in the course content. I am assuming that she is due to placing it on her CAO list. She will remain included in all future CAO rounds either way. The best of luck. Deirdre


38 days ago

Q: My son has accepted an offer of a college place in MTU. He now wants to defer it. We’ve emailed the college as per the deferral process but haven’t heard back yet. Our question is, is it possible to defer a place after accepting it? Susanne

A: The deferral process says in bold writing in the CAO handbook “do not accept your offer” so you could be in trouble. Ultimately, I would think this is a decision to be made by the admissions officer in MTU. You have done the right thing by emailing the admissions office in MTU and really you will have to wait for their decision. If you don’t hear back by lunch time you might see if you can get through on the phone. The admissons officer in MTU is the key player you need to speak with. Brian


38 days ago

Q: My daughter didn’t get any offer. All her courses were over 500 points vet nursing, sciences, zoology. What’s the best way forward? A PLC? She’s understanding disappointed and possibly won’t get 2nd round offer as the courses only have a handful of places. Thank you. Lillie

A: A PLC is a good alternative route. It gives one the chance to gain work experience and explore the course content in more depth. Certain PLC codes are needed for entry into Level 8 courses. Be liaise with the college of Further Education and ensure that your daughter does a PLC with a code that offers entry into third level courses of interest. Here is a link giving you more information on PLC courses. Please get back on if you need more support or have any questions Deirdre


Q: Our son was offered his 1st choice on level 8 list and his first choice on level 6/7. He would like to do the level 8 course. Does he accept that one and ignore the level 6/7 offer? Finbar

A: Yes that is correct. Ignoring the offer results in a decline, The best of luck going forward. Deirdre


38 days ago

Q: Is it difficult to defer if I feel I am not mentally for taking up an offer of a course this year. Paul

A: Deferral is an option. It will depend on the college, the course and the student’s circumstances. Please contact the Admissions Office of the college. The deferral request must be with the Admisiions Office a minimum of two days before the deadline date for acceptance of Round 1 offers on Tuesday 3rd Sept at 3 pm. Please see guidelines on seeking a deferral as well as taking up a deferral on pg 35 of this link.


38 days ago

Q: I selected the wrong option on UCD course DN530 can I change the option? Anna

A: I would suggest contacting admissions in UCD immediately to see what are the possibilites. Brian


38 days ago

Q: Can I apply to college through the CAO with my LC points and a QQI award to get the best chance of getting in? Caroline

A: You can apply to a college course using both your LC results and your QQI results. The CAO will work our the best scenario with both results and if you are entitled to a place on the basis of one of the sets of results you will be offered this. Some courses in the CAO have a quota of places set aside for PLC applicants and some course don’t and you are in open competition with LC applicants. You don’t have to worry about this the CAO will look for the best outcome for you. Deirdre


38 days ago

Q: I accepted an offer but the university has not contacted me yet, is this normal? Olga

A: Yes, that’s fine. Some univerities are faster/slower than others at making contact with sucessful applicants. If you don’t hear anything in the next day or so you could send an email to enquire. Brian


38 days ago

Q: If I accept an offer now and start in college but get another offer can I change course after I start? Aran

A: Yes. CAO will make you an offer if you have the cut off points, minimum entry requirements and if there is a place available on this course. If the course is full then you will be offered a deferred place for Sept 2025. You can choose to stay on your original course or swap over to your new offer. Deirdre


38 days ago

Q: I got my first choice but I really hope my second choice comes up in a future round. I heard from the college I want its highly unlikely that the course isn’t filled in Round 1. Should I accept my round 1 offer? Is it too much of a gamble to not do so, and to hope my preferred Maynooth 101 comes available? Ben

A: Yes, I think you should accept what you have been offered in round one. By doing this you will still remain in the running for your higher preference courses. If you become entitled to a higher preference course in the next rounds you will be offered it even if you have accepted your round one offer. If you don’t accept your round one offer you could be left with no place. Brian


38 days ago

Q: My daughter has missed optometry in TUD by 2 points and Radiation therapy by 1 point. Is there anything she can do or what are her options now? Claire

A: Many applicants view theri scripts and appeal. Some get a successful appeal hence go up in CAO points. Others get offered their preferred course in future rounds if points fall. Your daughter could look to see alternative routes for this course e.g. a PLC course that offers entry into a level 8. Please get back on if you would like to more about this option or any of the options listed above.


38 days ago

Q: I accepted an offer but the university has not contacted me yet, is this normal? Olga

A: Yes, that’s fine. Some univerities are faster/slower than others at making contact with sucessful applicants. If you don’t hear anything in the next day or so you could send an email to enquire. Brian


38 days ago

Q: If I accept an offer now and start in college but get another offer can I change course after I start? Aran

A: Yes. CAO will make you an offer if you have the cut off points, minimum entry requirements and if there is a place available on this course. If the course is full then you will be offered a deferred place for Sept 2025. You can choose to stay on your original course or swap over to your new offer. Deirdre


38 days ago

Q: I got my first choice but i really hope my second cones up in a future round. I heard from the college i want its highly unlikely that the course isn’t filled in Round 1. Should I accept my round 1 offer? Is it too much of a gamble to not do so, and to hope my preferred Maynooth 101 comes available? Ben

A: Yes, I think you should accept what you have been offered in round one. By doing this you will still remain in the running for your higher preference courses. If you become entitled to a higher preference course in the next rounds you will be offered it even if you have accepted your round one offer. If you don’t accept your round one offer you could be left with no place. Brian


38 days ago

Q: If I don’t accept my first choice what are my chances of getting other choices? Ellen

A: It really would depend on how close your points are to higher preference courses. Here is an excel sheet containing points at round 1 and round 2 in 2023. Last year can only be used as a guide. Nothing is certain until the CAO realeases Round 2 offers on September 9th. Deirdre


38 days ago

Q: How likely is it for a student to get a deferral for a Medicine place at UCC until next year as they only have one year left in their current undergraduate degree? A

A: This would be a question for the Admissions Office of the relevant college. I would be confident that they would work with the student and put the needs of the student firs. Please follow this link . This link tells you how to go about requesting a deferral as well as taking up a deferred place via CAO 2025. Please go to pg 32 of the CAO handbook. Please request a deferral at a minimum of two days before deadline for acceptance date of Round 1 offers... The very best of luck. Deirdre


38 days ago

Q: I missed out on TR758 by 2 points. Is there a chance I can still get in on later offers? Secondly, I want to see if there even were later offers in that course in previous years, but I can’t seem to find that info for any trinity joint honours course. Cheers Eoin

A: You are correct, it is not possible to see if there were 2nd or subsequent round offers for the joint honours degree courses in TCD. I must bring this up with the CAO and TCD in due course. The only way to get this information is to contact the admisssions office in TCD and hope they have it to hand. As to whether there is a chance you will get in in later rounds is almost impossible to tell at the moment. I’m afraid its a waiting game until round 2. Best of luck.


38 days ago

Q: My son has asked to see three of his scripts to decide if they are worth getting them remarked. If he goes down in points instead of up could he lose out on his current offer and subsequent higher preference offers in the 2nd, 3rd round of CAO. Thanks Gemma.

A: Technically, yes. If he goes down in grades and points he may no longer be eligible for the course place he now has. In reality, I have not come accross this happening yet. This is why it is so important if at all possible to view the scripts first and if the percentage score is near the border with the grade below then it may be wise not to go ahead with a recheck in this subject and if the percentage score is borderline moving up to the next grade then it should be safe to proceed. Brian


38 days ago

Q: I am appealing my English result..will it be rechecked before the second offers come out on Monday 9th Sept. Liam

A: No, the results of the rechecks will not be released until the 27th of September. They will not be ready for round two. If you have a read through some of the other Q & As above you will see what happens in October when the results come out from rechecks. Brian


38 days ago

Q: My daughter missed out on a place in her course she is a DARE applicant, but she knows friends who got about thirty points less than her who are also DARE applicants but they got the course, how is that possible should we investigate? Sean

A: DARE prioritises applicants that qualify for both HEAR and DARE as well as applicants with a physical or sensory disability. They are placed on the top of the order of merit for DARE allocated places. Could this explain it? Deirdre


38 days ago

Q: My teenager’s first preference was Radiotherapy but they didn’t get enough points. They have been offered a degree course in Nursing and are wondering whether this is a good pathway to ultimately doing Radiotherapy or whether there is a better alternative pathway to Radiotherapy. Thanks. Will

A: There are 2 types of Radiography - Diagnostic and Therapeutic. At undergraduate level you have Diagnostic in UCD and Therapeutic in TCD. The University of Ulster also offers an undergraduate course in both Diagnostic and Therapeutic. There are postgraduate courses in both also in UCD, TCD and in UCC. It would be common for nurses to pursue postgraduate courses in Radiography and other healthcare areas. The UK has quite a few Radiotherapy courses also with many Irish students also studying there. Brian.


38 days ago

Q: My son got 546 points in LC and also has DARE eligibility. His first choice was occupational therapy in Trinity. He got his fourth choice which is general nursing and is hugely disappointed. The points on round one for OT are 548. Is there a chance he might get in one round 2 or get a DARE place? Shauna

A: That is hard. This course dropped in points last year. Please view this link and the end of session (final points) for this course in 2023 was 534. Look at line 1075 on this spreadsheet. University Limerick also offer a postgrad in Occupational Therapy. This could be done after nursing degree. More information here. Deirdre


39 days ago

Q: My daughter is 8 points short for her 1st choice. She qualified for DARE however missed the app date in March. Can she apply now for DARE and have it taken into account for 2nd round offers? Tim

A: No, this isn’t possible. DARE has a deadline of March 1st and documentation must be with CAO by March 15th. I would advise you to contact the Admissions Office of the college. Would your daughter be interested in making a CAO application for 2025 and combine her DARE application with her 2024 CAO points? Please get back on if you need additional support. Here is the link for all information regarding DARE. Brian


39 days ago

Q: My daughter has 431 points from European BAC 2022, and no offers because of a mistake in her CAO application. Her first choice is Law and German TUD, (TCD and UCD 2 & 3) 4th is Law TUD. CAO says she will be considered in Rnd 2, but those places may be gone. GC403 is further down her list, and on available courses list, so potentially her Rnd 2 offer. She really wants to go to TUD. Can she change 3 or 4 CAO choices to available TUD courses? Could it help to at least be at the right college? Thank you so much

A: She can insert available places on her CAO list but only courses that come up on available places facility. See here.


39 days ago

Q: Hi. I had a question on appealing LC papers. My daughter thankfully got and accepted her first choice course. However there were two of her papers where she came really close to a H1 grade (88.8% and 89.5% after grade inflation). If she were to appeal these to see if she could get the H1 and her gradecwere to go down, is there any way her CAO offer coukd be rescinded? Or are we better leaving well enough alone? Many thanks. Cáit.

A: Her grade would have to go down by 8.8% or 9.5% to be down graded. I would advise you to appeal. It would be the decision of the University. Highly unlikely that the University would ask any registered student to leave. Deirdre.


39 days ago

Q: My Daughter missed her 1st choice by 8 points. She has a disability and qualified for DARE but missed applying for it in March. Is there any way of applying for DARE now so it could be taken into account for 2nd round? Time

A: No, this isn’t possible. DARE has a deadline of March 1st and documentation must be with CAO by March 15th. I would advise you to contact the Admissions Office of the college. Would your daughter be interested in making a CAO application for 2025 and combine her DARE application with her 2024 CAO points? Please get back on if you need additional support. Here is the link for all information regarding DARE.


From The Irish Times: If you are a student on the hunt for accommodation, we would like to hear about your experience of trying to find a place this year. The annual scramble for somewhere to live is well underway, with colleges due to reopen in early September and little sign of housing pressures easing. You can tell us about your experience via the form here.


39 days ago

Q: My daughter is interested in doing law at a college in the UK. What steps does she need to take to do this? Greame

A: Here is a link explaining the UCAS clearing system. You are not too late to apply. There will be fees involved. Get back on if you need any further help.


39 days ago

Q: Hi I have been offered a degree course in ATU Galway, however I have struggled with mental health issues and don’t feel ready to embark on a degree this year. My plan is to do a plc course locally in Wicklow and then next year embark on a degree programme. I am not 100% sure this is the course I want to do, so should I defer or let the offer lapse and reapply. If I defer the course, can I apply again next year for other courses (if I change my mind). I have over 150 points more than required for this course so the points shouldn’t be an issue. Thanks for any advice!

A: I would advise you to defer. See where you are at and your interest in January when filling out your CAO 2025. Putting more than your deferred course on your new CAO will result in a lost deferral. Please read pg 32 of the CAO handbook about taking up a deferral. You can bank your deferral now and review the situation in a few months. The best of luck and well wishes from the Irish Times Helpdesk. Deirdre


39 days ago

Q: My son’s 1st choice is Criminology with Psychology in UCD which is 519 points. He has 518 points. Do you think he will be offered it in 2nd round offers? Therese

A: Unfortunately, no way of knowing in reality. Looking at last year it did drop from 631 in the first round to 321 in the final round - a drop of 10 points, so looking at this you would like to think he has a good chance with only one point off. Best of luck.


39 days ago

Q: Would doing a PLC course help my daughter get a better offer next year? She did Scottish Highers and Advanced Highers. Do the PLC courses supplement school exams or replace them? Where can we get more information? Tracy

A: Generally, PLC courses don’t supplement school exam results. They can however be used to apply for Higher Education courses in their own right. This link has a lot of information about PLC courses. I would reccommend having a read through it and come back to us if you have further questions.

Q: My daughter did her secondary education in Scotland and did not get any of her preferred courses in the first round of the CAO. We don’t understand how the PLC courses work and whether they are compatible with her Scottish School qualifications (Highers and Advanced Highers) Tracy

A: PLCs are generally post school terminal exam qualifications. They are available at different levels; level 5 and level 6 are one or two year courses completed after students here complete the Leaving Certificate. Our Leaving Certificate qualification is equivalent to your Scottish School Qaulification so the PLCs would equate to any certificate course post Scottish School qualifications. Brian


39 days ago

Q: Can you change your “Available Places” order of preference more than once? Eg. a course I want hasnt come up in available places, but considering that it might, should I leave the number 1 spot open to potentially insert that, and only add current available places from no. 2 onwards? Shona

A: Available Places is run almost identical to the change mind facility. You can log in and make changes to your CAO listing, making sure to keep your courses in the order you would like to get into them. The only difference with Vacant Places is you can only add courses that are on the vacant place list and you cannot change the order of existing courses on you list. You can log in and make as many changes as you want up to the cut off time for round 2, 3, 4, etc. Brian


39 days ago

Q: Not a question just a thank you for the time you’ve given and service you’ve provided. It’s a nervous and anxious time for students (& parents) and what you’re doing is really appreciated. Thank you! Ruth

A: Many thanks for your kind comments. Brian


39 days ago

Q: My son got offered Politics in DCU, but wants arts UCD joint honours. The points have gone up for this, he got 398 in 2022 but did PLC as he didn’t know what to do then. He doesn’t want politics in DCU now, it’s his 4th choice does he have to accept to be considered for next round? Is there a chance he might get the joint hons course in UCD? If he doesn’t accept is he excluded from next rounds. Thank you. Aillish

A: He will automatically be included in future rounds regardless of accepting or declining yesterday’s offer. I would advise you to accept DCU. If your son recieves an offer for UCD in future rounds he can transfer across. I hope that this works out fo you. Deirdre


39 days ago

Q: My daughter got modern languages in ucd. It’s in the arts department. Is there any option to move to other subjects once you start? Susan

A: My sense is that one can add athird subject at registration. I am not sure about changing subjects. i would advise you to consult with Admissions at UCD on 01-7161555. Deirdre


39 days ago

Q: Can I use my CAO points from this year to apply for next year and if so,will the post marking adjustments also apply or will they be removed? Hei

A: Your CAO points will remain as they are. PMA is going down from 7.5% to 5.5% next year. You will have to make a new application to CAO 2025. Deirdre.


39 days ago

Q: Our lad got 230 points wants to defer and do doctors course when the points come down again. What do you think are his chances of getting in if points inflation going down?? Mam

A: He must combine his leaving cert points with his HPAT. Please view this link regarding entry into medicine. See here. Get back on if you need more guidance. Deirdre.


39 days ago

Q: Looking to do law with economics in ucd for 2025 and as I was looking at the points for all of the different law courses with other minor, I seen that they were all the same (556) , does this mean that those were the lowest points out of everyone doing law regardless of minor? If so I could hypothetically get the points advertised next year but not get in because the points for my minor are higher, and would there be any way to access what the points were for each minor? Thanks so much !! Aoibheann

A: There are 2 Law courses in UCD: DN600 and DN610. DN600 is the one you are referring to. This is where you can do Law on its own or combine it with other subjects. It only has one CAO course code, therefore there is only one set of points. This year the points are 556. So no matter which option you wish to take with Law the points remain the same - 556 this year. 556 is the points for all options. Brian


39 days ago

Q: What can I bring to the exam centre to view a manually marked script? Can I bring my phone/tablet, exam paper and marking scheme? How long can I view the script for? By what date and time should I get notified of which session I have assigned for Sat 01/09/24? Sharon.

A: Your school will contact you to give you a time and session. You will be assigned to one of the two sessions. Session one is from 9.30 am-12.30 PM and session 2 is from 2 PM-5 PM . You will be provided with online access to view online scripts on the same dates and given a 24 hour period between 9 am on Saturday, August 31st to 9 am on Sunday September 1st. Best of luck. Deirdre


39 days ago

Q: I’ve been offered a place I’m not really keen on accepting. There is a course further down the options that wills suit me better. What are my chances of being offered that. Cillian

A: Once you are offered a place on your list of preferences then all courses below that disappear from your account essentially. So unfortunately you will not be offered anything further down the options. Brian


39 days ago

Q: If I defer my place. I got my second choice. Then I get my results rechecked. If I get an increase in my grades and then have enough points for my first course selection. Will I still be offered my first choice even though I have deferred my 2nd choice course I was offered? Jane

A: Yes. If you become entitled to a higher preference course (1st for you) then you must be offered it regardless of what you did with your lower preference offers. However, as we have mentioned here previously, the new offer may be for a start in October or it may be a deferred place the following year. Brian


39 days ago

Q: Is it posdible to get one paper re marked in English or do both have to be marked again? Una

A: If you apply to appeal English the whole paper will be rechecked.


39 days ago

Q: My daughter completed a QQI Level 5 course and was awarded the full award with distinctions. Yesterday and on round 0 she received no offers? I contacted CAO and they said her application was ineligible. It transpires QQI have her as only having a component certificate? We have contacted the PLC college and they have confirmed she should have received her full award. My question is, if this has been updated by QQI to full award can she be offered a course without waiting until September 9th as this was an internal issue with QQI not my daughters as she completed the application correctly. She would have never received any offers in any future rounds if I hadn’t made this call to CAO yesterday? Any advice would really be appreciated. Ruth

A: Any corrections of errors like this one are rectified in Round 2, if places on desired course or courses are still available. I am sorry to hear that you have had this experience. You have carried out all the necessary steps. But unfortunately have to wait for Round 2 out on September 9th.


39 days ago

Q: Hi Deirdre and Brian, I wanted to thank you for providing this service to parents and students over the past week. I learned a huge amount from other people’s questions and your replies. I have to congratulate you both on your in-depth knowledge, sound advice but most of all your kindness and patience. Your answers were clear with just the right amounts of positivity and realism. As a first-timer LC parent, I found your advice invaluable. Thank you for all your words of wisdom and for being there for us all during these nerve-wracking few days. Anna

A: You are very welcome. It is a very difficult time for students and indeed parents who are trying to advise their sons/daughters on how best to proceed in what can be a very tricky system. If we can relieve some of the stress involved and help applicants make good informed decisions then we are very happy. Many thanks for your kind remarks. Brian


39 days ago

Q: Hello I got given my first choice which is TR239 - classical/modern lanuages in Trinity today, which I had completely forgot about as I never thought I would get the points. I ended up getting the course but have no intention of doing classical languages only modern lanagues. Is it possible to transfer to TR670- modern lanuages as they are both the Same college and field (languages) as I have above the points for it. Thanks Emilia

A: At this stage, you cannot add a different course to your CAO application, no matter what college it is in. (exception being vacant place courses). What might be a possibility is when you start your current offer course in TCD, there may be scope to transfer later to TR670 internally at some stage. The best way to find out if this is a possibility is to contact the admissions office in TCD and put this to them. Best of luck.


39 days ago

Q: I was just wondering what happens if I got the points for my course but not the entry requirements. My course needs two h5s but I only got 1 h2. Can I still get an offer in round two since I didn’t get any in round one, and if I do a plc will that be able to make up for my missing h5 for next year. Alexandra

A: CAO will only make you an offer for the highest preference course that you meet cut off points and minimum entry requirements. This will apply for all CAO round offers. The PLC would offer you an alternative pathway into your course of preference. You would need to ensure that this course has a QQI (aplc) entry route. Your PLC results should override the Leaving Cert requirement. You could also repeat one subject with the hope of achieving a minimium of a H5. You would then meet minimum entry requirements and combine this with your CAO 2024 points. Please get back on if you need more information or guidance.


39 days ago

Q: Do points go down in second and subsequent round offers? My son is three points short of his first choice. He has accepted his second choice but curious as to his chance of being offered a second or third round place? Toby

A: Generally yes (random selection is the exception), if second or third round offers are made. Places will only be offered is people who were offered places in round one decide not to accept them. Places are offered to applicants further down the academic merit list so their points are less and so the cut off points of the last person to be offered a place in less. In some courses all places are accepted and so there will be no further offers in the next rounds. There is no way of knowing until the reply date for round one what the situation will be. Brian


39 days ago

Q: My son got 7 H1 ( 625) but was not offered his first choice course. I are reading today ot was one of those course that did lottery. How can we find out if there will be second round of offers on this course. What are the chances of getting it? Its a economics and finanace at UCD. Manda

A: There is no way of knowing how many people are in the random pool. You could try contacting UCD admissions and ask the question but I’m not sure they will share this information. So, unfortunately there is no way to advise on his chances of getting a second round offer. I would imagine it is a slim chance and would be making plans based on what he has currently and if a place becomes available treat it as a bonus. Brian


39 days ago

Q: When can i appeal my grades? Emer

A: Applications to appeal grades open on September 1st at 10am and closes the following day Monday at 5pm. Brian


39 days ago

Q: Should I appeal my maths test I am only 2% off from a h4? And when is the results of the appeal are gonna be determined. Fazlahmad

A: 2% might seem very close but be aware this may translate into a number of marks needed to get up to the H4. Having said this you are quite close and so have nothing to loose by getting the appeal and hopefully you will be sucessful. Brian


39 days ago

Q: My son was offered his level 8 course as it was a higher option on his list but would prefer to do a level 6/7 course but miss ed it by one point .nothing came up on the available place today either. What are his best options please. Elaine

A: Has he researched his offered course enough? Look at course structure, modules etc possible speak to someone who has done this course? He may get a higher preference course from his level 6/7 list in futire rounds. He could look at doing a PLC in his area of interest and apply again to CAO in 2025. He would be able to use his results from PLC as an alternative entry route. Please get back on if you need more guidance on PLC entry rotues.


39 days ago

Q: If a recheck results in an uplift and then points for a preferred course, will I get an offer for that course in October 2024? If not will I get an offer for the following year and if I start a different course now and then move to the preferred course next year will I have to pay higher fees? Kathy

A: There is no way of being able to tell you if you will get an offer to start in October or not. It depends on a lot of factors in individual colleges and individual courses. If the college cannot offer you a place in October then they must offer you a deferred place for the following year. If you are starting a course now and you get a deferred offer, then I would speak to the fees office of the college offering you the deferred place to find out what the fees situation would be if you continue in you existing course. My sense is that you would be using up your “free” 1st year this year and would have to pay the full economic cost of your new 1st year next year, but check this out if it arises. Brian


39 days ago

Q: I am from Norway and have applied as an EFTA applicant. According to my grades and the PDF document “Entry requirements criteria for EU/EFTA/UK Applicants” on page 66 and 67, I should have 588 points + potentially 25 extra since I have 3 in 3. grade math. Because average of my grades is around 5. If you choose the seven best it could be higher. Is it possible that they have misscalculated as I have not gotten a single offer. My top choice on level 8 had 430 points for the first round and my top choice on level 7/6 was 297. Veronika

A: I think Veronika, your best bet is to contact CAO who will definitely tell you your score in the CAO system and what you are entitled to. They are the people who calculate this on their system and are best placed to tell you what has been calculated for your grades. Brian


39 days ago

Q: Can you explain how DARE works in selecting who is offered a place on a course. I was told that FARE applicants are hand picked and are not random selected. eg. I got 600 points in LC, also have Dare. Applied to pharmacy. Rcsi lowest point was 601, how come I didn’t get an offer? I thought dare had seat assigned (around 4 seats) and you were only competing against other DARE applicants? No offers from UCC or trinity either, they were 613*. Ethan

A: Have you looked to see if you satisfy the entry requirements for all the courses (see here). A certain number of course places are kept for altrenative routes e.g. DARE. All DARE candidates compete against each for DARE places. DARE prioritise applicants with physical and or sensory disabilities. Candidates who qualify for HEAR and DARE also get priority.


39 days ago

Q: If I appeal my results and I get one grade up. I get my number three course. If I accept a possible 2nd round offer which comes out before the appeal results in October if the grade increase is given am I forced to take the course that bump gives me or can I still accept my possible 2nd round offer. Gerard

A: The choice will be yours. If this scenario odes arise, you can choose to stay on the course or move to the new offer, the higher preference course. The choice will be yours and there is no penalty doing either or. Deirdre


39 days ago

Q: I have Dare got first round offer of second choice in trinity (english and soc). Is Trinity likely to have a second round offer for psychology (which is my first choice) Helen

A: Unfortunately, there is no way of definitively knowing this as it all depends on what the people who were offered places yesterday decide to do with their offer. If they all accept their places then theoretically there are no places left and no more offers will be made. We will have to wait until the reply date to know what the situation is. Brian


39 days ago

Q: I missed out on an offer of a preferred course as I needed a h3 iin a subject where I got a h4. Do minimum entry requirements change in cao rounds as well as points? Leon

A: I missed out on an offer of a preferred course as I needed a h3 iin a subject where I got a h4. Do minimum entry requirements change in cao rounds as well as points? Deirdre


39 days ago

Q: I received an offer for my second choice which I don’t want, but am really confused about why I didn’t get my first choice as I have double the points required. I live in Munich so did the German equivalent to the leaving cert last year. I checked the minimum entry requirements for the course (US808) and just can’t seem to get what I’m missing. What can I do? If I accept my second choice offer, but don’t get my first choice in any of the next rounds will I still be able to pull out without paying the student contribution fee? Caoimhe

A: I think the best advice here is to send an email immediately to CAO through your CAO account and query this. They will get back to you in time for you to decide what you want to do with your current offer.


39 days ago

Q: I have completed 1 year of a college course and am now considering accepting a transfer into 2nd year of a similar course in a different college, but I am thinking about taking a year out to fully decide if this course is the area I want to continue studying. Would there be any implications for doing this. Sara

A: Neither SUSI or free tuition fee would be affected by taking a year out. You would lose both if you were to repeat a year twice e.g. do first year on one course and then change courses going into first year of that course. The government would only pay for you to do first year once as would SUSI. I hope that I have answered your question. Deirdre


39 days ago

Q: What are my chances of getting a higher grade if I appeal some subjects. I feel I was marked unfairly in some subjects. Aaron

A: I would advise you to view your scripts. You should ask your teacher if they would be availabe to view your script with you. You can then fill out an AP1 form to appeal. 23% of appeals in 2023 were successful (meaning that they recieved an upgrade). Deirdre


39 days ago

Q: Do those reviewing scripts under an appeal have visibility over the original grade and marks awarded? Ruth

A: Yes. The examiner will be able to see the original grade and marks awared throughout the paper. He/ She will be checking to ensure that the right make was given or amending this to a higher or lower mark. I hope that I have answered your question. Deirdre


39 days ago

Q: I put Engineering as my first choice and was offered it yesterday. However I recently decided I want to study Architecture and have sufficient points to qualify for this. How can I make it happen at this point? Do I have to defer? Hugh

A: Unfortunately, the only way you can gain access to Architecture is to reapply next year through the CAO system and apply for it in a new account. You could have a look at clearing in the uk to see if there are any places there, but unfortunately you can’t add Architecture to your CAO account at this stage. Brian


39 days ago

Q: Can I accept my level 8 offer and at the same time defer my level 7 offer? As an insurance for next year? Rosie

A: I am afraid not. You can only accept one offer or defer one offer. One or the other. I would recommend that you view the course structure and content. This might help you decide which one you might be more interested in. The best of luck with your decision. Here to help if you have anymore questions.


39 days ago

Q: Can scripts viewed online be downloaded? It would help in arranging teacher review to advise on appeal. John

A: Yes you can downloaded/ orint your scripts. The viewing timeline is tight. Online viewing will be available from 9 am on Saturday 31st August to 9 am on Sunday September 1st. The best of luck.


39 days ago

Q: My daughter did her leaving cert two years ago, and wanted Arts in NUIG Galway. She did not get any offer yesterday. Could she get an offer in second round, or is she now out of all contention? Mark

A: She could still get offers in future rounds. Did she meet cut off points? Have you looked into minimium entry requirements? Please get back on if you need more support on this matter. Deirdre


39 days ago

Q: My son got 6H1s and one H2. As the H2 was in Maths, the points were 613, not 625. His course went to random selection at 613 and he didn’t get it. However, he was 1.2% off getting the H1 in Maths which would bring him up to 625 if successful on appeal. If he gets the 625 on appeal, can he be offered a place on the course this year? Or can he only be offered a place for next year as the course is probably full if it went to random selection? If the offer is only for next year, can he still do the No2 course in another college for the year or does he have to defer that? Concerned as he has accepted the No.2 offer now… Grace

A: Appeal results are out on Set 27th. CAO offers will be issued shortly after this date. Your son could opt to stay on his exisiting course or transfer to the new course ( assuming a successful appeal). Your son will either be able to transfer if places are still available on this course or will be offered a deferral fro Sept 2025 ( remember that there is a specific process when taking up a deferral This is on pg 32 of link provided. Doing first year on his second preference course followed by a transfer to first year of a new course in 2025 would bear a financial cost of approx €8,000. The governement will only pay teh tuition fees for a student to do first year once. I hope that I have answered your question. Please get back on if you need more support. Deirdre


39 days ago

Q: We have requested to view a PE script but it appears we will only see the written paper and not the marking for the project. How do we see how marks were awarded to the different sections of the project. Siobhán

A: The SEC state that all components of PE will be available to view online except the video which will not be available to view. Brian


39 days ago