New figures tell that the bonus points for higher level maths in the Leaving Cert almost guarantee a place on the most desirable college degree courses.

According to a report in the Irish Independent, the number of Leaving Cert students with higher level maths who were offered college places has increased two fold since the bonus points came into effect in 2012.

For the first time the information shows the massive impact that the 25 bonus points has had on college admissions. The new figures were supplied exclusively to the Irish Independent by the CAO:

According to the newspaper “96pc of last year’s Leaving Certificate candidates, who achieved the bonus points – by getting a pass or honours in higher level maths – were offered a place on a Level 8 honours degree course. That is well ahead of the average 68pc success rate among 2014 Leaving Cert students generally who secured a Level 8 offer from the CAO last year.”

The paper also reveals that 18,407 students sitting the leaving certificate this year are planning to sit higher level maths this year- that’s one in three candidates. 

The figure from this time last year was 17,181.

The bonus points has encouraged students attracted to a variety of disciplines to sit the honours paper, for fear of being left behind. Students get the benefit of the bonus if, when the 25 points are added to their standard points in the subject, it becomes one of their top six scores.

The report in the newspaper concluded that the rise in Leaving Cert entries for higher level maths this year also reflects the increase in candidate numbers as the school-going population grows.