Who will receive bonus CAO points for maths?

A bonus of 25 points will be allocated to students who achieve a grade D3 or above in higher level (HL) mathematics in the Leaving Certificate. The means that the maximum cumulative LC points total will increase from 600 to 625 (existing maximum points plus bonus points).

When will the scheme be implemented?

The scheme will be implemented for 2012 applications onwards. This is a pilot scheme and will be reviewed in 2014. This means bonus points will awarded to qualified students applying to Shannon College in 2012, 2013 and 2014,  irrespective of year in which the Leaving Cert was taken.

How will the points be added?

All students presenting a HD3 or above in HL mathematics will have 25 points added to their score for mathematics. The six highest subject points scores will then be counted to achieve a cumulative points score, as is normal practice.

What if maths is not one of my six best subjects?

The bonus points will only be relevant in cases where the subject HL mathematics (including bonus points) is scored as one of the candidate’s best six subjects for points purposes. Therefore, if HL mathematics (cumulative points score) is not among these six subjects, the bonus points will not be included in the total points score.

What if  am applying to Shannon College with school leaving exams from another EU country?

All EU students applying through the CAO with a clear equivalent to HL Mathamatics as one of their EU school leaving subjects will be awarded bonus points.