Is university in Ireland much different than a University in America?

How hard are the National University of Ireland colleges to get into?

• I'm an Irish-American (dual citizen; parrents from Ireland; partially raised there) and I'm applying to colleges in Ireland because I want to move back to Ireland. Anyway, I know the NUI's are good schools, but how difficult is it to get in? I have already applied to NUI Galway and I have the application ready for NUI Maynooth and UCC Cork and will be sending them tomorrow. I know enough about the location of the schools, and about Ireland, but I'm just kind of unfamilar with the education system. I'm also applying to the University of Limerick. My cousin went here. Please don't tell me to go to college over there just because I'm Irish-American. It's been my dream to move back to Ireland ever since I moved to America. Thanks!

• Answer:

  Never refer to third-level education as 'school' anywhere in Europe. Use either 'university' or 'college'. If you have good marks, you won't have any problem getting into a good course, but the system is different. You go straight into the course you're graduating in, there's no messing around with anything else. If you're doing a Science degree, you're straight into the Science faculty, for example. This doesn't mean you can't enjoy extra-curricular activities, such as the drama societies or debating societies. These are a great way to meet people doing other subjects like Law, Arts, Social Science, etc. There are no fraternities or sororities like there are in American colleges. I'm sure you'll enjoy your college experience in Ireland, I know UL, it's a great university - but all of them are good, all of them are what you make of them. Best of luck, wherever you end up. Nearly forgot - what might be useful for you is the Central Applications Office website, or the CAO - it's www.cao.ie. Look there for more information on getting into university in Ireland.