Every year, thousands of Leaving Cert students face the same tough decision: Should I stick with Higher Level Maths or drop to Ordinary Level?
It’s one of the most common questions asked in 5th and 6th year, and the answer depends on your personal strengths, study habits, and future college or career plans. In this guide, we’ll break down the pros and cons of both levels and give you a clear framework to make the right choice for you.
Why Students Consider Dropping Higher Level Maths
- Difficulty: Higher Level Maths is often seen as one of the toughest Leaving Cert subjects.
- Time Commitment: It requires hours of practice, often at the expense of other subjects.
- Confidence: Struggling with results can impact motivation and mental health.
If you’re falling behind, and feel this is having a negative impact on your other subjects, it may be time to consider doing Ordinary Level Maths.
Benefits of Staying in Higher Level Maths
- 25 Bonus Points: If you pass Higher Level Maths (40% or above), you earn an extra 25 CAO points. This can make a huge difference in your college application. Higher Level Maths can count for up to 125 points in the Leaving Cert.
- More Options: Many STEM, business, and economics-related courses either require or strongly recommend Higher Level Maths.
- Problem-Solving Skills: Even beyond exams, the skills you build in HL Maths are valuable for logical thinking and resilience.
Reasons to Drop to Ordinary Level
- Impact on Other Subjects: If HL Maths is taking so much time that your other subjects are suffering, it may not be worth the trade-off.
- Struggling to Pass: If you’re consistently getting below 30–35% in class tests and mock exams, even with effort, Ordinary Level may be the safer option.
- Course Requirements: Many college courses do not require Higher Level Maths. In these cases, passing OL Maths is enough to meet entry requirements.
How to Decide: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Check Your Current Results: Are you passing HL Maths exams? If you’re hovering around the 40% mark, it might be worth sticking with it for now.
- Talk to Your Teacher: They’ll give you an honest opinion on your potential.
- Look at Your CAO Courses: Does your course require HL Maths? If not, weigh up whether the 25 points bonus is worth the extra effort.
- Balance Your Subjects: Don’t let HL Maths cost you higher grades in other subjects that matter more for your chosen career path.
Alternatives to Dropping
Before making the final call, consider:
- Getting Extra Support: Online grinds and revision courses can help you bridge gaps in understanding.
- Using Past Papers: HL Maths papers follow patterns and trends. By doing more past papers you will begin to spot these, which can make the subject feel more manageable.
- Setting Short-Term Goals: Commit to 4–6 weeks of focused effort before deciding.
Final Thoughts
Whether you stay in Higher Level Maths or move to Ordinary Level, the key is making the decision that best supports your overall Leaving Cert success and future goals.
Remember: you don’t have to decide alone—talk to your teacher, your parents, and check the entry requirements for your CAO choices. And if you’re on the fence, trying Grinds 360’s Higher Level Maths resources can give you the confidence and structure to push for a pass and secure that all-important 25 bonus points.
FAQs
What is the pass mark for Higher Level Maths?
40% is the minimum passing grade.
Do you get extra points for Higher Level Maths?
Yes, passing HL Maths adds 25 points to your CAO score.
Is Ordinary Level Maths enough for college?
Yes for many courses, but some require HL Maths (engineering, computer science, certain business courses). Always check your CAO handbook.
When is the deadline to change levels in the Leaving Cert?
You can change up to exam day, but discuss it with your teacher and school well before the exams. If you are changing levels, it is advisable to do so before exam day so you can become familiar with the exam.