We will use an example to calculate a points score, including bonus points for Higher Level Mathematics:

An applicant has the following seven results in 2018

Table 1.9 Example of a points score calculation

After the points have been calculated, applicants are placed on a list in order of merit for each course for which they are eligible. For example, if you have the highest points score you go to the top of the list and the applicant with the second-highest points score goes second on the list, and so on.

The HEIs then instruct CAO on how many offers to make for each course. If you are in 20^th position for a chosen course, and the institution instructs CAO to offer 25 places, then you will receive an offer of a place on that course unless you have received an offer of a course higher up on your preference list. You will not be offered a lower preference course if you receive an offer of a course higher up on your preference list.

For some courses, random number selection may also be a factor. Before applicants are placed on the Order of Merit lists for courses, they are assigned a random number for each course choice. If there are five applicants with an identical points score competing for one remaining place, random number selection applies and the place will be offered to the applicant with the highest random number.

If an applicant does not receive an offer in the first round of offers, they may receive an offer in subsequent rounds.

Please note: NCAD does not award points for Leaving Certificate or other examinations in the case of their restricted courses. Consult NCAD literature for details.

Applicants for undergraduate medicine courses should consult the Student Resources section of the CAO website and click on the Entry to Medicine tab.

All HEIs award points for results in Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme Link Modules, in place of a sixth Leaving Certificate subject. However, not all HEIs count LCVP as meeting eligibility requirements in regard to passing subjects. Applicants should refer to HEI literature for full details.

POINTS CALCULATION FOR OTHER EXAMINATIONS

For information about how points are calculated for QQI FET/FETAC qualifications, GCE Examinations (England, Wales and Northern Ireland) and guideline entry requirements for EU/EFTA, please visit the Student Resources section of the CAO website www.cao.ie and go to Applicant Scoring.