Subject Choice Strategies tool
With Course Requirements & AEN Support
Find Your Perfect
Subject Combination
See which courses you’ll be eligible for, get personalised subject recommendations, and explore what each subject really involves.
Subject Exemptions
Do you have any exemptions?
Irish Exemption
Exempt from studying Irish
Third Language Exemption
Exempt from continental languages
Mandatory Subjects: English, Irish, and Maths are compulsory for the Leaving Cert (Irish exemption available if eligible).
Exemptions: Irish exemption available if educated outside Ireland, have a specific learning difficulty, or sensory impairment. Language exemption may apply with certain learning difficulties. Apply through your school’s AEN Coordinator.
Additional Educational Needs
Select any that apply for personalised recommendations
RACE Accommodations: Apply through your AEN Coordinator early in 5th Year for extra time, reader, scribe, etc.
CAT4 Results Optional
If your school uses CAT4, enter your SAS scores below
What is CAT4?
The Cognitive Abilities Test measures how you think and learn — not what you know. It helps identify your natural strengths so you can choose subjects that suit how your brain works best. There are no “good” or “bad” scores — just different profiles.
What it measures: How well you understand and work with words. High scorers often enjoy reading, writing, languages, and subjects where you need to explain ideas clearly.
What it measures: How well you work with numbers and solve mathematical problems. High scorers often enjoy Maths, Science, Accounting, and subjects with calculations or data.
What it measures: How well you spot patterns and solve problems without using words or numbers. High scorers often enjoy problem-solving, Science, Computer Science, and logical thinking tasks.
What it measures: How well you visualise objects in 3D and understand how shapes fit together. High scorers often enjoy Art, DCG, Engineering, Construction, and design-based subjects.
Understanding Your Scores (SAS = Standard Age Score)
Don’t have your CAT4 scores? No problem — just skip this section. You can still get great recommendations based on your interests and strengths.
DAT Results Optional
If your school uses DAT (Differential Aptitude Test) instead of CAT4
What is DAT?
The Differential Aptitude Test measures your ability to acquire specific skills through future training. It helps you choose subjects and careers based on your strengths and weaknesses, understand why you do well or poorly in certain subjects, and can suggest new career options you might not have considered. Remember: these scores are just one piece of the puzzle alongside your interests, personality, and goals.
What it measures: Your ability to reason with words and understand concepts expressed in words. Important for academic courses, written or oral communication, and jobs involving authority and responsibility. High scorers often do well in Languages, History, Geography, Business, and Economics.
What it measures: Your ability to perform mathematical reasoning tasks. Generally important in school work, especially for fields like Maths, Chemistry, Physics, and Engineering. High scorers often do well in Accounting, Applied Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Engineering.
What it measures: A non-verbal, non-numerical measure of reasoning power. Tests your ability to see relationships among objects, patterns, diagrams, and designs — useful in careers requiring you to understand size, shape, position, and quantity. High scorers often do well in Applied Maths, Art, Chemistry, Engineering, DCG, and Construction.
What it measures: Your ability to understand basic mechanical principles of machinery, tools, motion, and the laws of everyday physics. Students who do well tend to find it easy to learn how to repair and operate complex devices. High scorers often do well in Engineering, Construction, Physics, and DCG.
What it measures: Your ability to visualise and think in three dimensions — to picture mentally the size, shape, and position of objects when shown only 2D pictures or patterns. Vital for understanding technical drawings. High scorers often do well in Art, Engineering, Home Economics, Construction, Geography, and DCG.
What it measures: How well you can distinguish between correct and improper grammar, punctuation, and wording of sentences. This is an excellent predictor of high grades in most school and college courses. High scorers often do well in Languages, History, Geography, Business, and Economics.
Understanding Your Percentile Scores (based on Stanine ratings)
A percentile of 90% means your score is better than 90% of students the norms are based on (not your classmates). Remember: you can have an aptitude for something but no interest in it, or a strong interest with lower aptitude — both are valid!
What careers interest you?
Select all that apply, or choose “Not Sure” if you’re still exploring
Quick Interest Finder
Answer these quick questions to help discover what might suit you. Pick the option that sounds most like you in each pair.
1. When faced with a problem, I prefer to…
2. I’d rather spend my time…
3. In school, I enjoy…
4. I’m most interested in…
5. My ideal workplace would be…
What are your strengths?
Rate your abilities honestly
A moment to reflect
There are no wrong answers here — just honest thoughts
These questions help you think about what really matters to you. Take your time — your answers will help shape your recommendations.
“The best subject choices are ones where you understand yourself better at the end. There’s no perfect combination — just the right one for you, right now.”
— Guidance Counsellor perspective
Personalised Recommendations Active
Rec = recommended for you, Consider = may need support, Required = needed for your goals
Course Eligibility Check
Based on your selected subjects, here’s what you can apply for
Great Choices!
Here’s your personalised summary.
Your Subjects
| Subject | Level | Points | Papers |
|---|
Career Matches
Your Personalised Summary
Here’s what suits you best right now — and why
This summary is based on your strengths, interests, and goals. It’s a starting point for conversations, not a final decision.
What’s Working Well
Your subject combination shows good balance and alignment with your interests.
What to Focus On
Talk to your teachers about subject levels. Start building good study habits early.
Remember
These are YOUR subjects to study for two years. Make sure you feel good about them. It’s okay to change your mind after talking to teachers and counsellors.
A Note for Parents
This tool is designed to help your child make informed decisions. Here’s a calm overview of their choices.
Subjects Chosen
Pathway Clarity
These subjects keep options open for various career paths. No doors are being closed at this stage.
Talking Points for Discussion
Areas to Watch
No significant concerns identified. The subject combination appears balanced and appropriate.
Guidance Counsellor Dashboard
Quick reference summary for follow-up conversations.
Green Flags
Balanced combination, aligned with interests
Amber Flags
Level decisions may need discussion
Red Flags
None identified
Suggested Follow-Up Prompts
Explore career pathway alignment
Check school subject availability
Review CAO requirements
Student Profile Summary
Recommendations
Important
Verify requirements on cao.ie. Check subject availability at your school. Talk to your Guidance Counsellor.