There a few key principles when it comes to choosing the right subjects;

1. If you like and have enjoyed a subject so far then jot it down first on a “my LC Subjects list”.
2. What other subject has to be there for you (apart from the mandatory ones like Maths and English).
3. Look ahead, what career or course currently appeals to you – write it down on a separate “my Careers/Courses list” and then go see if there a ‘specific subject requirement’ – this means you must have it in your Leaving Cert. eg Nutrition & Dietetics and most courses for Medicine require Chemistry; or the normal* requirement for a 3rd language on most Arts/Humanities/Commerce at the NUI specific colleges. (*exemptions sometimes apply); etc. You can check for any requirements on Qualifax, Apprenticeship & CareersPortal.
4. Sometimes it’s wise to be brave and take a subject in the Leaving Cert rather than avoid it, as it’s listed as a significant part of the college course you’re aiming for. You can get informed about specific subjects on the ‘School’ section of CareersPortal – go to the ‘Leaving Cert’ section and click on ‘Leaving Cert Subjects’ descriptions. It might also be helpful to talk to the teacher.
5. Look at what you’d be learning plus the skills involved with each of your preferred subjects. Be honest with yourself as to your suitability for it – will it build on your strengths or will you have to put in a lot of extra work to do well? We all learn differently so the important thing here is that you know how you learn best and how committed you are to it. The insights from aptitude tests and skills questionnaires can be of help with this if you are unsure – we can help with all of this.
6. It makes sense to bundle 2 or 3 subjects together if you have an interest in a particular area – this can better prepare you for what’s ahead i.e. consider taking more than just 1 Arts/Humanities or Business or STEM subject to give yourself a much better base for a course/career in that sector which interests you most.
7. Your successes will come from your attitude as much as abilities, your willingness to do whatever it takes, your drive to learn faster and develop yourself.

After all, it’s very important to enjoy the sense of challenge in what your doing. Be smart, start now to become more informed so you can make the right LC subjects choices.