If a poor Leaving Cert Maths result has made a significant impact on your chances of getting a specific course, all hope is not lost. Students who failed to gain access to a particular college or secure a place on a course due to their Leaving Cert Maths result, may have a second opportunity to sit an alternative exam. A number of colleges offer students a Maths Entry Exam or Maths Competency Test (MCT).
Some colleges also facilitate Preparation Courses to assist students that have difficulty with Maths to prepare for these exams.
Maths as a “Gateway Subject”
In many areas, especially STEM fields (engineering, computer science, medicine, economics), students must pass core maths classes (like calculus, linear algebra, statistics).
Maths Anxiety and Confidence
Some students enter college with weak maths foundations from secondary school.
Struggling in required maths classes can lead to stress, low confidence, and feelings of “not being smart enough,” which is a common reason for dropping out.
High Failure/Withdrawal Rates
Introductory college maths courses (especially calculus) have some of the highest failure and withdrawal rates.
Impact on Non-STEM Areas
Even for non-STEM areas, maths requirements (like statistics or quantitative reasoning) can become stumbling blocks.
Some students who are otherwise capable in their main area leave because of repeated struggles with maths requirements.
Advice to Students
Think twice about taking on a course with a maths requirement that looks too high. Remember that the problem will not just be confined to your course studies but will be an important aspect of the career later.
Play to your strengths not your weaknesses.
Signs of problems with maths
Weak understanding of the basics – Gaps in arithmetic, fractions, percentages, algebra or other foundations make later topics much harder.
Memorising without understanding – The student can follow a procedure but cannot explain why it works or apply it to a new problem.
Repeatedly making the same mistakes – Errors are not being identified, understood and corrected.
Giving up when problems become difficult – Low confidence and maths anxiety can lead to avoidance rather than persistence.
Not asking for help – The student continues with misunderstandings instead of seeking support from teachers, classmates or other resources.
Final word of caution – if you have problems with Maths, are you wise in applying for a course requiring maths? Take advice from your Guidance Counsellor or if possible, consult with college staff.
