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:
Revenue Seize Contraband Worth Over €458K In Various Operations
Niall Horan Teases Irish Tour Dates
Midlands Meteorologist Explains Rise In Earth's Climate
Westmeath Entrepreneur Goes Global With 'The Raw Network'
BnM Granted Approval For 100m Offaly Wind Monitoring Mast
Longford Westmeath TD Criticises 'Hands-Off' Government
Evictions In Ireland Expected To Surge
Westmeath Man Avoids Jail For Dublin City Punch-Up
Midlands Man Uses Survival Skills To Rescue Missing Teenagers
Midlands Ireland Conference Celebrates Regional Transformation
Westmeath Man Calls for Support In Fundraiser After MND Diagnosis
House Prices On The Rise In The Midlands
Drug Convictions Soar In Midlands
Dog Has New Best Friend After Offaly Rescue
TII Pressured To Provide Update On Major Midlands Road Project
Edenderry Festival Lineup Revealed
Midlands-Based Student Takes Bronze At Culinary Contest
New Legislation Just The First Step -Midlands Cancer Support Centre
Irish Credit Unions Hit Record Lending Levels
ADHD Ireland Issues Social Media Warning