Trinity College to offer alternative to points race

Trinity College Dublin is launching a new admissions policy, with less reliance on CAO points for students who wish to apply.

Under the new scheme, which will be brought in in September 2014, students will be accepted based on their overall performance in school and a personal statement written by the students themselves, as well as on their Leaving Certificate results.

The new policy will first be offered in a trial period for two years. In September 2014 ten of the 90 first year places in Law, ten from History’s 40 places and five of the places in Ancient and Medieval History will be reserved for the new admissions policy.

TCD Dean of Undergraduate Students, Dr Patrick Geoghegan said the scheme will match the right person with the right course, and could help a student with ability who fell short of cut-off points required to gain entry.

The personal statement will cover matters such as why a student is interested in a particular course and details of any special circumstances, ranging from illness to sporting achievements, as well as a short essay giving students an opportunity to express themselves freely.

Aoife Bennett

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