Topic: Maths

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MATHS: What are the openings for my son who has failed OL Maths and got 250 points overall? It seems most of the colleges want a pass in Maths for any degree course.

While many colleges may look for maths as an entry requirement it is not an entry requirement for every course. It is wise to double check the course entry requirements to be sure.

If your son has only applied for CAO courses requiring Maths to gain entry then he will receive no offers unfortunately this year through CAO. It is important to check if it is an entry requirement. There are approx. 200 courses in the CAO system according to qualifax that do not require ordinary level maths.

However, he may have other options including:

Special maths exams organised by individual colleges over the next week, to give students a second chance to fulfill the entry requirements - check the college website for more information. Some colleges include UL, DIT, CIT, NUIM, NUIG, WIT. Some of these tests are just for specific courses while others are for all courses.

Non CAO courses which may not need maths as an entry requirement - check out all the non CAO courses (some may not need maths) using this link http://careersportal.ie/courses/simple_search_direct_entry.php

He may wish to repeat his Maths only to meet the entry requirement or indeed he may consider repeating 6 subjects and going for a better points total as well as trying to pass his maths.

FETAC courses (PLC) which may be still accepting applications - these may be used as progression routes the following year depending on the course and performance. You can search using qualifax or careersportal. http://www.careersportal.ie/members/auth/courses/plc_search.php

What are the options for my son who has a points total overall of 440 but failed Higher level maths?

While many colleges may look for Maths as an entry requirement it is not an entry requirement for every course. It is wise to double check the course entry requirements to be sure.

However, he may have other options inculding: special maths exams organised by individual colleges over the next week or so., to give students a second chance to fulfill the entry requirements. The colleges that offer this lifeline are CIT (Aug 20th), DIT (Aug 21), NUI Galway (August 21), NUI Maynooth/ degree in engineering but dont' have the required LC higher level C3 ( Aug 23) UL, faculty of Science and Engineering( Aug 22) and WIT, courses (except nursing or B Eng Electronic Engineering, Aug 30.) The exams vary between colleges and some colleges run preparatory courses to help students get a handle on what to expect. Fees may be payable and information is on college websites.