The demand for high point college courses, such as medicine, law and economics, is expected to soar this year.
Over 84 thousand people have applied to the CAO this year - up from 78,000 last year - with first round offers due to be published at 2pm today.
This year's Leaving Cert results, which were published last week, showed record-high grades which will mean minimum point requirements for courses will also rise.
"The points are determined by the grades that the students get, by the number of places available on a course and by the number of applicants for that place,” according to guidance counsellor Betty McLaughlin.
The higher points required for some courses will mean many students miss out on their first choice and Betty says "it may cause upset for some students and if you are upset, if you are unsure, please do not hesitate to contact the national parents’ helpline.”
The helpline can be contacted for free on 1800 265 165.
The deadline for accepting any offer is 3pm on September 13th.
