Nearly 23,000 students have accepted college places already today, after the first round of CAO offers were released. That is slightly ahead of last year, when 25,000 courses were accepted by midnight.

A record number of more than 50,000 students were offered places - with big increases in points for business, law, and construction-related courses.

Hundreds of calls have also been received by a phone line set up by the National Parents Council. They can be contacted on 1800-265-165.

CAO spokesperson Eileen Keleghan has this advice for students.

51% of applicants are expected to get their first choice, with demand for science and technology courses up considerably this year.

A record number of Leaving Certificate students passed higher level maths, winning 25 bonus points. This increase is being linked to a rise in the points needed for technology-related courses.

There have also been increases in the points required for architecture and engineering courses, reflecting a renewed confidence in the construction sector.

Brian Mooney, education columnist with the Irish Times, spoke to Newstalk Breakfast earlier about some of the changes and trends this year.

College costs

Meanwhile, a study has shown more than four in ten parents worry that they'll have to borrow to fund the cost of their child's third-level education.

A survey by Standard Life found that four in 10 parents have nothing in place to pay for college, while a quarter worry that they simply cannot afford it.

Last month, figures from the Dublin Institute of Technology showed that the cost of going to college has risen to its highest level since 2008.

Students living away from home can expect to spend at least €11,000 a year, while those staying at home will pay over €7,000 annually.

Originally published 7:32am