“High achieving students tend to come together as they get further along in their studies”
The scholarships, which acknowledge excellence inside and outside the classroom, are awarded to students who excel in their chosen area.
162 Entrance Scholarships were awarded to the highest point students in each degree programme across the university. 127 of the students attained over 540 points in their Leaving Certificate (or equivalent), with 42 students achieving the maximum score of 600 points.
In 2008 over 52,000 students sat the Leaving Certificate and just over 1,900 or 3.7% achieved over 540 points. UCD’s proportion of these high achieving students is three times the national average as over 11% of first year students are in the 540+ bracket.
“High achieving students tend to come together as they get further along in their studies,” says Dr Philip Nolan, Deputy President of UCD. “So, while degrees such as Medicine and Law command high points because of the demand for places, we have high point students across all our degrees.”
Overall, 527 students entered UCD in 2008 with over 540 points in their Leaving Certificate (or equivalent). The UCD High Achiever awards, held in November, acknowledged their accomplishments and their results are recorded on their degree transcript when they graduate.
“I think it's deadly. I studied quite a lot for the Leaving Cert and it's nice to know that my hard work will be acknowledged on the transcript.” said High Achiever Katie Godwin from Portmarnock (pictured right), who is now studying English and History, along with Spanish, French and Philosophy through Arts. Katie was also an Arts Entrance Scholar.
UCD Sports Scholarships were awarded to 45 first year students in athletics, basketball, camogie, Gaelic football, hurling, golf, handball, hockey, rowing, rugby and soccer. This year’s recipients included:
- Daniel Purcell, member of the Kilkenny Minor All Ireland Hurling Championship winning side in 2008
- Gavin Falconer former Irish Under-18 international soccer player
- Mark Ronaldson member of the victorious Mayo Under-21 Connacht Football Championship winning team in 2006
- Irish Under-18 hockey players Stella Davis and Elizabeth McInerney
- Liam Rushe, captain of the Dublin Minor hurling team in 2008 and member of the victorious Dublin Minor Leinster Championship side in 2007
- Leinster and Ireland Under 20 rugby player Ian McKinley
- Marianna Rushe All Ireland Minor handball champion in the 40 x 20 and 60 X 30 doubles events
Pictured (clockwise l-r): Symphony Orchestra player Sorcha McCague; International junior cross country athletes Rebecca, left, and Charlotte French O'Carroll with Irish Under 18 Basketball stars Daniel, left, and Conor James; Symphony Orchestra soloist Mary McCague
UCD Symphony Orchestra Scholarships were awarded to five first year musicians, from Antrim, Cork, Dublin and Offaly. These musicians will go on to play with the UCD Symphony Orchestra in a series of concerts throughout the year, culminating in a "Russian Festival" in the National Concert Hall in March.
The gentlemen of the 2008 Choral
Scholars, (l-r): Stephen O'Brien;
Michéal O'Cathasaigh; Michael Fenton;
Brian Sugrue; Shane Sugrue and
Paul Keegan
The 2008 UCD Choral Scholars were also announced. Choral Scholar and BComm(International) student, Hannah O'Reilly from Fermanagh said: “I’ve never been part of a chamber choir before – being with a small number of really great singers means the sound is very good. Next semester, hope to do the Choral Scholars module too, which means I can get credit for doing something I love.”
In addition to the entrance, sports and musical scholarships, the Bord na Gaeilige scholarships recipients were also presented with their awards. These 8 Scholars will live in the Irish-speaking student residences on campus, and become part of an active community that promotes Irish language and culture at UCD.
“Whereas the Entrance Scholarships and High Achiever Awards acknowledge the academic calibre of our students, the Sports, Choral, Orchestra and Bord na Gaeilige scholarships reflect the diversity of talent that we have here at the university.” said Dr Philip Nolan.