 In early March, CAO (the Central Applications Office) published its statistics on the 2010 college application trends, with comparisons to the previous year's figures. Record numbers have applied to CAO this year, with 71,843 applicants by February 1 as compared to 67,633 last year, an increase of 6.22%.
Difference between "first preference
applications" and "total mentions"
Each applicant may apply to up to ten course choices in order of
preference on each of two lists (Level 8, and Level 7/6), so they have
one first preference choice on each list. These account for the "first
preference" figures. All preferences are counted under the "total
mentions" figure.
The 2010 statistics show that applications are up in almost every course grouping, however there were drops in application numbers in Education, including primary teaching, where first preferences are down 4.18%, and total mentions are down by 5.1%. Also in Law first preferences are down 7.06%, with total mentions down 6.43%. In Architecture, first preferences were down 10.21%, although total mentions are up by 13.74%.
There was also a slight drop in first preferences for Agriculture/Horticulture with 22 fewer first preferences than last year, although here also there was a slight increase of 155 in total mentions by applicants. Pharmacy, which offers a small number of places in total, shows a significant drop in first preferences from 380 to 280. The course grouping, the Built Environment shows a drop of first preference applications from 324 to 257, or 20.68%.
The course group Arts/Social Science shows an increase of 10%, Medicine is up 11.89%, and Dentistry is up by 14.14%. Physiotherapy, where first preferences had dropped last year from 596 to 577 has risen again this year to 736 first preferences. The grouping, Other Healthcare, shows an increase of 334 first preferences, from 1,300 in 2009 to 1,634.
At Level 7/6, there are drops in applications to Arts/Social Science courses, to Architectural courses down 45.37%, with Art down by 2.19%. First preference applications to Other Healthcare courses at this level have increased, from 452 to 1,331.
CAO applicants normally show preferences for categories showing most promise regarding job opportunities. However it is important to emphasise that students should still base their course choices on a genuine interest in the course applied for. Course research at this stage could save a lot of time and effort in the years ahead and offer a higher chance of success and enjoyment of the college years.
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