FAQs: The points system

This is a compilation of some of the most frequently asked questions about the CAO system.

How are my points calculated?
Your six best subjects from one sitting are used to calculate your total points. Therefore it doesn't matter if you have six subjects or 10 subjects, only your best six subjects will be added to determine your points. 

Why do points change for courses every year?
Points fluctuate for courses from year to year. This is because points are based on the demand for places on particular courses. If the points for a course have increased in a year, it's not because the course has become more difficult– it's because a larger number of students have applied for the course compared to previous years. Because colleges only have a limited number of places on each course, when the demand for places rises, so do the points. For example, in 2012 the final entry points for computer science in UCD rose by 60 points to 470.

This can work to a student's advantage also. If the demand for a course decreases, the points requirement for the course will drop. For example arts in NUIG dropped from 340 points in 2011 to 300 points in 2012 (a decrease of 40 points). 

Why do courses in some colleges have higher points than similar courses in other colleges?
Every college has a limited number of places for students for each course, depending on the size of the college. The points for these courses depend on the demand for the course in each respective college. Therefore it doesn't mean that any course is better or more difficult in one college compared to another. For example, in 2012 the final entry points required for journalism in DBS were 240 but in DCU it was 410. Students from both colleges will graduate with a valid degree in journalism.

Do I have to count the results of my required subjects when calculating my points?
No. When calculating your points, only your best six results are used. If you've gained sufficient points for the course, then you only have to meet the minimum requirement of the required subject to gain entry into the course.

Ironically, this means that you may get a D3 in accounting and go on to study a course that relies heavily on the subject, like business, based on your results from other subjects

If I'm repeating, can I use some points from the last time I sat the leaving cert?
No. Your best six subjects from the same sitting will determine your final result. However you can carry a pass from a previous sitting if you need it for a college course requirement. For example, if your course requires a minimum C3 in higher level maths and you obtained this result in a previous year, you can carry this pass through to the following year. Your remaining subjects will be used to calculate your overall Leaving Cert points.

It is important to note that medicine is an exception to this rule. To gain entry into medicine, you must take your requirements and your points from the same sitting.