Ireland's college hopefuls are looking to make the most of the economic recovery.
This year's CAO application figures are showing another surge in demand for courses in areas like construction and engineering.
A record number of applications made it in time for the CAO's initial deadline this year.
The figure of 74 thousand 424 is up 2 per cent.
A breakdown of the numbers shows a jump of 27 point 6 per cent in the area of 'built enviroinment' like construction and quantity surveying.
Architecture is up 15 point 8 per cent and engineering and technology courses are up 9 point 3 per cent.
Meanwhile the Institute of guidance Counsellors is voicing concerns about the number of people who submitted an application but failed to list any courses on it.
It's linking the record 6 thousand and 15 cases to falling career guidance support in many schools around the country.
People have until July the 1st to add courses or change their preferences.
