The Golden Rules
- Interest first: You'll study better and score higher in subjects you genuinely enjoy
- Check requirements: Your target courses may require specific subjects — check BEFORE choosing
- Take 7 subjects: Your best 6 count, so the 7th is insurance
- Consider Higher Level Maths: Even a H6 earns the 25-point bonus
- Don't follow friends: Their strengths are different from yours
Compulsory vs Optional Subjects
Every student must take Irish, English, and Mathematics. You'll then choose 3-4 additional subjects from what your school offers. Some schools offer a wide range, others are more limited — work with what's available.
Note: You can apply for an Irish exemption if you meet specific criteria (e.g., educated abroad, certain learning difficulties). If granted, you still need 6 subjects for CAO points.
Subject Requirements by Field
Engineering / Technology
Higher Level Maths (H4+), often Physics
Medicine / Health Sciences
Higher Level Chemistry (H4+), often Biology, HPAT for Medicine
Science / Pharmacy
Two science subjects at Higher Level
Business / Commerce
Usually no specific requirements beyond English and Maths
Arts / Humanities
A third language is helpful for some programmes
Teaching (Primary)
Irish (H5), English (H5), and Maths (O4/H7)
Architecture
Often requires portfolio + Maths
Law
No specific subjects, but strong written English is essential
Higher Level vs Ordinary Level
The points difference between Higher and Ordinary Level is substantial:
- A H1 (100 points) vs O1 (56 points) — that's a 44-point gap at the top
- Even a H5 (56 points) equals an O1
- Take Higher Level in subjects where you're scoring 50%+ at mid-term
- You can drop from Higher to Ordinary in 6th Year if needed (but not the reverse)
- Many competitive courses have minimum Higher Level requirements
Strategic Subject Combinations
Some subject combinations keep more doors open than others:
- Maximum flexibility: Maths (H), English, Irish, a Science, a Language, a Business subject, and one more
- STEM focused: Physics, Chemistry, Applied Maths, and HL Maths
- Health Sciences: Chemistry, Biology, and Maths (H)
- Creative/Arts: Art, Music, English, and a language