The CAO Calculator is an essential tool that aids Leaving Certificate students in Ireland to estimate the points they might accumulate for college admission based on their exam grades. This calculator takes the ambiguity out of the points calculation process, allowing students to plan their study and subject selection more effectively.
Formula of CAO Calculator
The CAO points calculation is straightforward yet critical in determining a student’s eligibility for various university programs. Here’s the detailed breakdown:
- CAO Points = Σ (Points for Subject i)
Where:
- Points for Subject i: Points awarded based on the grade received in each subject.
Points are assigned as follows for Higher Level (HL) and Ordinary Level (OL) subjects:
- Higher Level Subjects:
- H1: 100 points
- H2: 88 points
- H3: 77 points
- H4: 66 points
- H5: 56 points
- H6: 46 points
- H7: 37 points
- H8: 0 points
- Ordinary Level Subjects:
- O1: 56 points
- O2: 46 points
- O3: 37 points
- O4: 28 points
- O5: 20 points
- O6: 12 points
- O7: 0 points
- O8: 0 points
Additionally, for Higher Level Mathematics, students scoring H6 or higher receive a bonus of 25 points.
To calculate total CAO points:
- Determine the Grade for Each Subject: Identify the grade achieved.
- Assign Point Values: Use the above scales to assign points based on the level and grade.
- Sum the Points: Add up the points from the top six scoring subjects to derive the total CAO points.
Table of General Terms
This table defines terms commonly used in discussions about the CAO points system:
| Term | Description |
|---|---|
| CAO Points | Points calculated to determine eligibility for higher education courses. |
| Higher Level (HL) | Advanced level subjects taken in the Leaving Certificate. |
| Ordinary Level (OL) | Standard level subjects in the Leaving Certificate. |
| Leaving Certificate | Final examination in the Irish secondary school system. |
Example of CAO Calculator
Consider a student who achieves the following grades in their top six subjects at Higher Level:
- Mathematics: H4 (66 points)
- English: H3 (77 points)
- History: H2 (88 points)
- French: H1 (100 points)
- Biology: H5 (56 points)
- Chemistry: H6 (46 points + 25 bonus points for HL Mathematics)
Total CAO Points = 66 + 77 + 88 + 100 + 56 + (46 + 25) = 458 points
This example illustrates how a student can use their grades to calculate potential CAO points.
Most Common FAQs
No, only the points from your highest-scoring six subjects are counted.
No, higher-level subjects have the potential to earn more points than ordinary-level subjects, reflecting their increased difficulty.
The bonus is intended to encourage students to take higher-level Mathematics, which is considered essential for many university courses in science, engineering, and technology.