There was a 6.5% increase in the number of CAO applications this year.
Figures from the Central Applications Office show nearly 89,000 applications have been submitted, compared to nearly 83,500 last year.
It's the 50th year of the CAO, with the National Association for Principals and Deputy Principals questioning if the points race is still the right endgame.
The NAPD said the system needs to be changed to avoid drop-outs, as many students feel like they've failed if they've missed out on their courses.
Guidance Counsellor at Tyndall College Carlow, Gemma Lawlor said "college courses that require laboratory spaces for example, veterinary, medicine or dentistry, cannot quickly increase the number of places. So yes, it could mean an increase per rata with that number."
Gemma continued: "There's lots of way to become what you want to become. But most importantly, stick to who you are, and where you want to go, and look out for the courses that will bring you there."
The CAO Change of Mind facility opens on the 5th of May, while late applications are also being accepted up until the 1st of May at 5pm.
