Sir, - I totally agree with Kathryn Holmquist (EL, May 23rd) regarding Leaving Cert exams and how one day in a young person's life can decide whether they get into university or not.
Like her, I grew up in the US system of education. Although it has some faults (e.g., teachers' recommendations are an important part of your application to university and favouritism can come into play), at least it measures the whole person through all their years in secondary school. If you are good at sports it helps, or drama or music. But if you happen to be not so able in English or maths but excel in other subjects or extra-curricular activities, you still have a good chance of being accepted to a university of your choice.
It seems fairer to me. - Yours, etc.,
Bob Gordon, Dalkey, Co Dublin.