A midlands guidance counsellor is putting the increase down to demographics.
The CAO has received over 83,000 applications - an almost 9% jump on last year.
That includes 7,000 from applicants over the age of 23, an increase of almost a thousand on 2024 figures.
There's been a surge in interest in a number of disciplines, including healthcare, construction, and engineering.
The number of students who put primary and secondary teaching as their first choice is also up by 9 and 5 per cent respectively, while medicine has risen by 6 per cent.
It's an significant increase on previous years, with many students aiming for courses with limited places now worried.
Gemma Lawlor, Guidance Counsellor at Tyndall College Carlow, explains some of the reasoning behind that:
She also explains why she expects a points surge:
Gardaí Appeal For Help In Locating Missing Midlands Man
Town Centre First Policy Meeting To Be Held In Westmeath This Week
Westmeath Butchers To Close Doors For Final Time
Ireland Doesn't Need To Follow US In Creating New Departments-Brian Stanley
Irish Honey Bee Under Threat Of Extinction
TV Vet Reckons We'll Be Conversing With Animals Within 20 Years
Midlands Community Centres Set To Receive Over €2m
The State Has Failed Children With Autism For Years -Sorca Clarke
Former Minister Of State for Foreign Affairs In Favour Of White House Visit
Pornographic Deepfakes More Likely To Affect Women - Maria Walsh
New Safety System Installed For Westmeath Level Crossing
Midlands Won't See Rain For Seven Days - Carlow Weather
Grade Inflation Set To Benefit Students Who Deferred College Place In 2024
Bord Na Móna Recycling Workers Not Happy With Treatment
Offaly Pharmacist To Swap Counter For Arctic Circle Challenge
Midlands Agri Shows Secure €65k In 2025 Funding
Portlaoise Parents For Safer Streets Campaigning For Road Safety
Offaly's First Garden Sharing Programme Is Launching In Birr
LOETB Win Two Awards at AONTAS Star Awards
Westmeath Cafe Close Following Fire