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Mark Stedman/Photocall Ireland

Poll: Should more than just points be considered for entry to college courses?

A new scheme at TCD means students will need personal statements and references from teachers to get into college. Good idea?

A REPORT DRAWN up by the heads of Ireland’s seven universities which proposes major changes to the college entry system will today be delivered to Education Minister Ruairí Quinn.

The report is expected to contain a number of proposals to move away from the current CAO system. It comes one day after Trinity College Dublin said it plans to bring in a radical new scheme for entry to its law course, in which students will also need personal statements and references from teachers – as well as points – in order to gain a place on the course.

A small number of courses – including medicine, architecture, and art – already require students to complete some additional work, such as a portfolio or an admissions test.

Proponents of a system involving additional work say it encourages more well-rounded students and looks at the student’s work as a whole, rather than just basing it on one set of examination results. Opponents say that the points system creates a level playing field and that references from teachers or personal statements could be open to manipulation.

What do you think? Should more than points alone be considered for entry to all college courses?


Poll Results:

Yes (788)
No (682)
Don't know/not sure (161)

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    Mute peter
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    Oct 10th 2012, 7:37 AM

    Well he was standing by the side of the road.

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    Mute colm o sullivan
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    Oct 10th 2012, 11:22 AM

    Can you make a suggestion as to how the Gardai were supposed to stop this shooting Christopher??

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    Mute Gerard
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    Oct 10th 2012, 7:23 AM

    It was only a matter of time until another bystander got shot.

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    Mute Neil McDermott
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    Oct 10th 2012, 7:32 AM

    where does it say he was a bystander!?!?

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    Mute Gerard
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    Oct 10th 2012, 9:12 AM

    Every other news channel in the country say he was a bystander and not the intended victim. So there. Nya na na na na na

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    Mute Kim
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    Oct 10th 2012, 4:49 PM

    @Gerard lol your response is so immature hehehe I LOVE it.
    I know this is not a story to be made fun of but just that comment did make me chuckle a little.

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    Mute Mark Heehee
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    Oct 10th 2012, 10:50 AM

    Not the intended victim? So the gunman has said he/she shot the wrong person? Or is it fair to say presumptuous?

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    Mute Christopher Gardiner
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    Oct 10th 2012, 10:47 AM

    Its like living in a country with NO Police. Are they doing anything to tackle serious crime in this place?

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