There are alternative college admission models - such as university entrance exams and interviews - but none is perfect
‘Cruel lottery’: students on top grades who lost out on chosen CAO courses are heartbroken. Is there a fairer system?
Last month, more than 2,700 students received more than 600 points in their Leaving Cert. But many of these high-achievers nonetheless faced heartbreak as they lost out on their college course of choice due to random selection. “Currently, universities offer places without knowing anything about the student beyond their exam results, which can lead to mismatches between students and courses, and contribute to high dropout rates,” says Crone.
“The reason for this is that the Irish system is blind to their external, non-academic achievements,” he says. “Outside of Ireland, you are more than just a number, but also recognised for your athletic abilities, for instance, or your musical skills.” It may sound fanciful to Irish ears, but it’s common across Europe, says Guy Flouche, director of Eunicas, which assists Irish students moving abroad to study.“No,” says Flouche. “These countries have been building third-level capacity for years, but we are coming to it quite late.”
“In reality, these are de facto university entrance exams,” says Atherton. “What makes Ireland different is the conversion of grades to points.
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