Some students who achieved top marks in the Leaving Cert have missed out on their first preference college course.
Round 1 offers have just been released to students by the CAO.
Students needed 625 points - the highest available - to get into Dentistry in UCC as well as Trinity courses Dental Science and Management Science and Information Systems Studies.
However, not every student who achieved top marks was offered a place in those courses.
Accepted students were allocated a place using a lottery system, meaning some missed out.
Overall, nearly 86,000 round 1 offers have been issued to over 51,800 students.
54% of students were offered their first choice level 8 course, with 82% getting one of their top 3 preferences.
Offers through the CAO increased by 2,000 on last year, while Level 8 offers are up by 2,269.
Applicants can check if they have received an offer online, and have until next Wednesday to accept their offer.
Incredible Drive
Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Simon Harris says: "This cohort of students completed most of their Leaving Cert cycle under the cloud of COVID-19, and all the challenges to learning that brought. They showed incredible drive, understanding and flexibility to ensure the system worked, and for that I want to thank them, and of course their teachers.
"It is a testament to how hard they have worked, that more than half have received their first preference, while more than 8 in 10 have one of their top three preferred courses.
"In total, 57,296 students are receiving offers today, and to them, and everyone else who is now considering the next chapter in their educational journey, I want to say congratulations on everything they have achieved, and wish them the very best as they continue on their pathway to their chosen career.”
"An additional 1,056 targeted college places were offered through the CAO for the 2022/2023 academic year, while 16 new apprenticeship programmes are being developed.
"I also want to take this opportunity to remind students that there are so many different pathways available as you prepare to take the next steps in your life. Education is a lifelong journey and there is a huge range of options for you to develop knowledge and skills, and achieve your full potential."
